Abstract

An apparatus for extricating an individual from a hazardous location or situation which includes a mechanism for selectively grappling various portions of the individual's body and a generally elongated frame having a substantially longitudinal extent which can be varied in length and which supports the body grappling mechanism. The elongated frame allows an individual to use the grappling mechanism to grapple a portion of the body of the individual who is in a jeopardized situation from a position of safety without jeopardizing both individuals. The body grappling mechanism includes a torso engaging mechanism and a limb engaging mechanism, both of which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the frame of the apparatus. The torso engaging mechanism is contoured to define at least one torso receiving concavity having a lateral extent, with respect to the frame, which is selectively sized and configured to retainingly receive the torso of an average individual. The limb engaging mechanism is contoured to define at least one limb receiving concavity having a lateral extent, with respect to the frame, which is selectively sized and configured to retainingly receive at least one limb of an average individual. The lateral extent of the limb receiving concavity is less than the lateral extent of the torso receiving concavity. Depending upon the hazardous situation in which the apparatus is to be utilized, the entire apparatus may be formed from electrically insulating materials and/or chemically resistant materials.