Skedco

What Skedco does

Skedco, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of rescue and patient-handling equipment headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, founded in 1981 by Bud Calkin after he adapted a game-carrier concept into the original Sked rescue stretcher. The company designs, prototypes, manufactures, and assembles its full product line at its single Oregon facility, with production of "tens of thousands" of units per year across "hundreds" of SKUs. Core products include the Sked rescue stretcher family (Basic, Complete, Rapid Extraction, Tactical, PJ, HMH Haz-Mat, Bariatric, RANGER variants), the Oregon Spine Splint for spinal immobilization, the TerrAdaptor modular tripod/quadpod rescue system, water-rescue flotation systems, helicopter medical bag sets, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC kits, confined space rescue tripods, and training simulation equipment (HydraSim bleeding simulators, MultiSim moulage kits). Underlying technology centers on a proprietary E-Z glide polyethylene plastic formula refined over 40+ years and protected by 9 granted U.S. patents with 6 pending applications.

The company serves five primary verticals: Military (U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, special operations forces), Fire & Rescue (fire departments, urban SAR teams), Medical (EMTs, air medical transport), Hazmat (WMD/HazMat response teams), and Industrial (confined space, high-angle, trench rescue at plant sites). The Oregon Spine Splint is the long-standing choice of the U.S. Army and a Defense Medical Standardization Board item, and Sked equipment has been deployed in high-profile operations including the 2018 Thai cave rescue, Mt. Everest rescues, and Afghanistan Guardian Angels missions.

Skedco generates revenue primarily through one-time product sales via three channels: a direct e-commerce storefront and toll-free phone sales for U.S. customers, a global network of authorized dealers and distributors for international markets (Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore/SE Asia, UAE, Central America, Peru), and federal procurement channels including GSA Schedule GS-07F-188AA and DAPA contract SPO200-11-H-0059. Secondary revenue streams include rescue training services through the Skedco Learning Center and a network of training-oriented dealers, plus custom contract manufacturing for other firms and agencies. Public MSRP pricing ranges from under $15 for consumables (extrication collars, straps) to over $16,000 for complete HazMat patient evacuation systems, with core stretchers priced $525–$1,220 and tripod/winch systems priced $1,862–$8,522. The company remains privately held with no institutional investment, no disclosed revenue, and leadership held within the Calkin family: founder Bud Calkin as Vice President and head designer (9 patents), Catherine Calkin as President for 30 years, plus long-tenured operational staff.

Name

Skedco

Legal name

Skedco, Inc.

Website

https://skedco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Skedco is a family-owned Oregon manufacturer of rescue stretchers, spinal immobilizers, hazmat evacuation systems, and tactical medical kits, serving military, fire/rescue, medical, hazmat, and industrial customers worldwide through direct sales, government contracts, and an authorized dealer network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rescue Equipment Manufacturing

NAICS

Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113), Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (33911)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Patient Lifts, Transfer & Safe Handling Equipment (Hoists, Slings, Transfer Boards) (HLAHAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Single-Use Surgical Devices & Procedure Packs (Disposable instruments, drapes, kits) (HLAHADAM)

Keywords

• Rescue stretcher manufacturing
• Patient packaging equipment
• Spinal immobilization devices
• Military medical evacuation gear
• Confined space rescue systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Tualatin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Direct sales of rescue equipment including stretchers, spine immobilizers, rescue kits, packs and bags, personal gear, and training products. MSRP prices listed for all products. One-time purchase model with replacement parts and accessories.
2. Training Services: Rescue training and education services provided globally through Skedco and network of training-oriented dealers. Skedco Learning Center provides continuing education (up to 8 hours).
3. Custom Manufacturing: Contract manufacturing services for other individuals, companies, and agencies requiring custom product development and production using textiles and hardware components.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Skedco designs, manufactures, and sells rescue stretchers, spinal immobilization devices, evacuation kits, and related accessories built around its proprietary E-Z glide polyethylene plastic formula. Products are sold to military, fire/rescue, EMS, hazmat, and industrial customers for patient packaging, extrication, and evacuation in confined space, water, high-angle, and combat casualty scenarios. All design, prototyping, manufacturing, and marketing are performed at the company's Tualatin, Oregon headquarters.

Product overview

Skedco is a family-owned manufacturer of rescue equipment based in Tualatin, Oregon, specializing in patient packaging, extrication, and evacuation solutions for military, fire and rescue, medical, hazmat, and industrial applications. The product portfolio centers on the Sked rescue stretcher system—a revolutionary design made from proprietary E-Z glide polyethylene plastic—alongside complementary products including the Oregon Spine Splint for spinal immobilization, TerrAdaptor modular tripod systems, water rescue flotation equipment, hazmat decontaminable stretchers, tactical medical bags and packs, and training simulation equipment including HydraSim bleeding simulators. The company offers specialized variants including the Rapid Extraction Sked, Tactical Sked, HMH Haz-Mat Sked, PJ Sked with Cobra buckles, RANGER Sked, Bariatric Sked, and Kiddie Litter Insert, all designed to work as an integrated system for various rescue scenarios. The product line spans stretcher systems, spine immobilization devices, confined space rescue equipment, water rescue gear, evacuation kits, personal protective gear, training education materials, and modular accessories and replacement parts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Sked Rescue Stretcher System A rescue stretcher system made from proprietary E-Z glide polyethylene plastic, available in configurations including Basic, Complete, Rapid Extraction, Tactical, PJ Sked with Cobra buckles, HMH Haz-Mat/Hospital, RANGER, and Bariatric variants. Available in International Orange and O.D. Green. Tested to withstand being run over by a 56-ton tank and subsequently drag a patient 10 miles over rough terrain. Used by military, fire/rescue, hazmat, medical, and industrial responders for patient packaging and evacuation.
• Oregon Spine Splint II (OSS II) Short vest-type spinal immobilization/extrication device designed for safe patient removal without further spine damage. The only device of its kind that meets all established criteria for immobilizing a seated patient. Long-standing choice of the U.S. Army and a Defense Medical Standardization Board item. Available in Coyote Brown and International Orange. Designed for use with the Sked Stretcher System.
• SKED-EVAC Tripod (EN 795 Certified) European-standard EN 795 certified rescue tripod for confined space and high-angle rescue operations. Used as a stable anchor for raising and lowering patients in technical rescue scenarios.
• Skyhook Rope Winch System Mechanical rope winch system designed for raising and lowering patients in confined space rescue operations. Integrates with the Complete Haz-Mat Patient Evacuation System.
• TerrAdaptor Modular Rescue System Versatile modular rescue system configurable as tripod, monopod, A-frame, or quad pod for various rescue scenarios. NFPA certified. Co-developed with SMC and PMI. Includes Quadpod Attachment, Space Station, Foot Options, QuickLash, Speed Lock Kit, Steel Cable Sheave Assembly, Hobble Cam Strap, and Mid Tube Extension Kit accessories.
• Complete Haz-Mat Patient Evacuation System Complete weapon of mass destruction (WMD) and HAZMAT patient evacuation system integrating Skyhook rope winch. Designed for casualty rescue in Level A protection environments and decontamination scenarios.
• SKED Rapid Deployment System (Water Rescue) Rapid deployment water rescue system with inflatable chest pad for swift water rescue operations. Includes flotation components and ballast accessories. Available in Coyote Brown and International Orange.
• SKED Foam Flotation System Flotation system that self-rights the Sked into an almost upright position during capsizing in water. Available in O.D. Green and International Orange. Used in combination with the SKED Rapid Deployment System.
• SKEDCO Combat CASEVAC Kit (SOF Mobility) Combat Casualty Evacuation kit designed for Special Operations Forces mobility (US Patent No. 8118201). Supports CASEVAC and MEDEVAC operations. Includes components for rapid patient packaging and tactical evacuation.
• SKEDCO/CMC Rescue Drag-N-Lift Harness Combined drag and lift harness system co-developed with CMC Rescue (US Patent No. 9,827,152 B1). Designed for efficient patient handling in rescue and tactical operations.
• Helicopter Medical Bag Set Complete helicopter medical bag set including one Crew Chief Bag and two Medic Bags for air medical transport operations. Also includes separate Helicopter Crew Chief Bag and Helicopter Medic Bag offerings.
• SKED RAS (Rapid Access System) Rapid access patient handling system designed for quick deployment in emergency situations. Enables responders to package and transport patients with reduced setup time.
• SKEDCO Mechanical Advantage Rescue Kits Mechanical advantage rescue kits including the SKEDCO 4:1 Rescue Kit and the SKEDCO 75' 4:1 Micro Hauler Rescue Kit. Provide pulley systems for lifting and moving patients in confined space and technical rescue scenarios.
• Skedco Kiddie Litter Insert with HMH Sked Pediatric litter insert designed to safely secure children in HMH stretchers for child patient evacuation (US Patent No. D781,187). Used with the HMH Sked Rescue System.
• Mortuary Haz-Mort Sked Specialized stretcher designed for dignified mortuary operations in HAZMAT environments. Compatible with decontamination procedures.
• SKEDCO Individual Self-Rescue Kit Personal escape and self-rescue equipment for individual responders operating in dangerous environments. Includes components for emergency bailout scenarios.
• PRINGLE Active Shooter Medical Chest Bag Chest-mounted medical bag for active shooter response (US Patent No. 7712645 B2). Enables rapid hands-free access to medical supplies in tactical and active threat environments.
• FEBSS HydraSim Bleeding Simulation System Hydraulic bleeding simulation system for realistic trauma training, including Basic, SP (special operations), Individual, and Individual SP variants with wireless transmitter and rechargeable battery pack accessories. Used for active hemorrhage control and tactical medical training. Distributed by Skedco.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sked stretcher can withstand being run over by a 56-ton tank and then used to drag a soldier 10 miles over rough terrain
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and regional.

• RPT Consulting, LLCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGSA Advantage contractor supporting Skedco's federal government sales through GSA Schedule GS-07F-188AA
• Panakeia, LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDAPA contractor (SPO200-11-H-0059) supporting government procurement channels
• BMK Ventures, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSales representative for Skedco products
• H2 ResQ BV (Netherlands)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized European dealer based in Utrecht, Netherlands covering Europe
• Kyowa International Trading Co., Ltd. (Japan)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Tokyo, Japan
• SIRBAN Co., Ltd. (South Korea)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Gyunggido, South Korea
• KPS Intermarketing Co., Ltd. (Thailand)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Bangkok, Thailand
• ARIS Integrated Medical (Singapore)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer covering Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, and Macao
• TRAKS FZ LLC (UAE)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
• Costa Rica Safety Fire & RescueregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer covering Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala
• MEQUIM S.A. (Peru)regionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer in Lima, Peru
• CMC RescuecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the SKEDCO/CMC Rescue Drag-N-Lift Harness (US Pat No. 9,827,152 B1) combining Skedco's patient handling expertise with CMC's rescue equipment capabilities
• SMC and PMIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with SMC and PMI to develop the TerrAdaptor modular rescue system configurable as tripod, monopod, A-frame, or quad pod

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• PerSys Medical: PerSys Medical manufactures tactical medical products including hemostatic agents and emergency bandages used by military and first responders. It is a peer in the tactical/CASEVAC medical equipment space alongside Skedco's combat kits and Oregon Spine Splint.
• Petzl: Petzl is a global leader in vertical rescue, rope access, and confined space equipment including headlamps and harnesses. Despite a partnership via Skedco's catalog, Petzl directly competes in the high-angle, confined space, and technical rescue markets that Skedco's TerrAdaptor and SKED-EVAC Tripod serve.
• CMC Rescue: CMC Rescue is a leading manufacturer of technical rope rescue and confined space equipment. Although CMC has a partnership with Skedco on the Drag-N-Lift Harness, it is also a peer in confined space rescue systems including tripods, winches, and harnesses serving the same industrial and fire/rescue customers.
• Hartwell Medical: Hartwell Medical designs and manufactures rescue and immobilization equipment including the CombiCarrierII and Evac-U-Splint. It directly competes with Skedco in spinal immobilization, patient packaging, and rescue stretchers for EMS, fire, and military markets.
• North American Rescue (NAR): North American Rescue is a leading direct competitor in tactical medical and casualty evacuation equipment, supplying the U.S. military with similar casualty care kits, hemostatic dressings, and rescue gear. Both companies serve military CASEVAC/MEDEVAC customers through GSA/DAPA-equivalent procurement channels with overlapping product lines.

Emerging players

• TyTek Medical: TyTek Medical is a smaller tactical medical equipment manufacturer focused on chest seals, tourniquets, and decompression needles for military and EMS. It is an emerging peer in the tactical casualty care market where Skedco's Combat CASEVAC Kits operate.

Broad incumbents

• Stryker: Stryker is a major medical device manufacturer that produces ambulance cots, hospital stretchers, and emergency medical equipment. It competes with Skedco's medical segment and could enter tactical/rescue stretchers with its R&D scale and global distribution.
• Ferno: Ferno is a global leader in EMS and patient handling equipment, manufacturing stretchers, stair chairs, and ambulance cots. It competes with Skedco in the broader rescue stretcher category and serves many of the same fire/EMS customers with broader product portfolios and substantially greater scale.
• Rev Group (ambulance manufacturing): Rev Group is a major specialty vehicle manufacturer including ambulances and emergency response vehicles. While not a direct stretcher competitor, Rev Group participates in the broader emergency response equipment ecosystem and serves overlapping municipal/fire/EMS customers through government procurement channels.

Regional players

• ROCO Rescue: ROCO Rescue is a U.S.-based technical rescue training and equipment provider that has promoted Skedco products for 40+ years. While a longtime customer/partner, ROCO also competes in the broader rescue training and equipment market serving the same fire/rescue customer base.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/skedcoInc
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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skedco-inc.

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Skedco