Airbag rescue system and triggering device therefor

An airbag rescue system for a user, the system comprising:

• an inflatable airbag designed to be in a non-deployed position or a deployed and inflated position;
• a gas or air movement device comprising at least one of the following:
• a source of compressed gas or air or an electrically powered air mover that includes a bladed rotor;
• a supporting apparatus comprising a harness or a backpack designed to support the inflatable airbag and the gas or air movement device on the user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system, the supporting apparatus comprising first and second shoulder straps;
• a base plate fixed in relation to the first shoulder strap;
• a triggering device designed to be manipulated by the user to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag, the triggering device comprising:
• a base fixed in relation to the base plate;
• a trigger handle designed for movement by the user, in relation to the base, from a non-airbag-inflation-initiation position to an airbag-inflation-initiation position;
• a supplemental triggering mechanism comprising a lanyard having a first end fixed in relation to the trigger handle and a second end having a releasable clip;
• the lanyard having a length designed to allow the releasable clip to removably fasten the lanyard to a second location spaced apart from the trigger handle.

An airbag rescue system for a user, the system comprising:

• an inflatable airbag designed to be in a non-deployed position or a deployed and inflated position;
• a gas or air movement device comprising at least one of the following:
• a source of compressed gas or air or an electrically powered air mover that includes a bladed rotor;
• a supporting apparatus comprising a harness or a backpack designed to support the inflatable airbag and the gas or air movement device on the user in a ready position of the airbag rescue system, the supporting apparatus comprising at least one shoulder strap;
• a base plate fixed in relation to the shoulder strap;
• a triggering device designed to be manipulated by the user to initiate inflation of the inflatable airbag, the triggering device comprising:
• a base fixed in relation to the base plate and having a length extending from the base plate;
• a trigger handle slidably mounted along the length of the base for movement by the user from a non-airbag-inflation-initiation position to an airbag-inflation-initiation position;
• at least one detent recess fixed at a predetermined position along the length of the base to engage a portion of the trigger handle during said movement of the trigger handle but before the trigger handle reaches the airbag-inflation-initiation position to thereby provide physical feedback to the user of an impending triggering of the inflation of the airbag.