A Stretcher Committee was formed by the Rucksack Club after a prominent member had severe fall whilst rock climbing.
The member was badly injured and had to be transported from the climb on a makeshift stretcher formed from a farm gate in much discomfort,[1] with his leg being later amputated in hospital.
The basic design of the stretcher was a lightweight aluminium frame supporting a canvas bed.
Extendible handles at each corner folded so that the stretcher to be used on narrow paths, and wooden skis kept the casualty clear of the ground and allowed sledging on mud or snow.
Modified Thomas Stretchers are still in regular use by at least one English Mountain Rescue Team.