Model stretcher sling : Sergeant A Worsfold, AIF Research Section, Imber Court Experimental Grounds

Prototype full-sized stretcher sling made from hand-sewn lengths of 35mm wide light brown webbing (possibly hemp). It is shaped to form a cruciform seat with allowance for the patient's legs. At the rear, the cruciform straps extend to form long suspension straps which attached to the front of the sling via a pair of nickle-plated brass ring buckles, and are adjustable for length. Where the straps form a loop at their upper ends, each is provided with a rubber slider to allow adjustment of, and maintenance of the loop. The name 'A.WORSFOLD' is stamped into each length of webbing in red or brown ink; these have faded. The front sling crossmember has been hand-inked: 'A. Worsfold / 11 Nichol Pl / Strathfield / Sydney NSW Australia / FRONT / [LOGO - an A within a W over a red oval].'

This model illustrates one of the many inventions of 12096 Private Alexander Worsfold, 9th Australian Field Ambulance. This device used the 4 oz stretcher as the basis, with the addition of slings. It could be used as a sling by which the weight was taken on the shoulders when erect or on the back and lifting or carrying in a stooping position. It could be used so as to leave both hands free in carrying.