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The second brace is placed across the toboggan just ahead of the toe irons and is tied firmly to them. If saplings or squaw wood are not available for braces, a ski pole broken in two at the middle will furnish suitable pieces. The value of a good pair of ski poles is, however, not lowered by an injury to their owner, hence this should be done only as a last resort. If the patient can safely be allowed to sit up, the pack frame of a Bergans-type rucksack may be used for the rear brace. The sack itself serves as a backrest. Diagonal braces from the ski points on one side of the toboggan to the toe irons on the opposite side are necessary to give rigidity. Ski poles, firmly tied in place, will serve for these braces. Cord will also serve this purpose; rawhide thongs stretch too much. Braces must not project beyond the sides of the toboggan. If all cords are pulled tight, this toboggan will prove to be very strong. If there is a shortage of tie ropes, the toe straps may be used to hold the rear brace in place by passing each toe strap around the brace and one ski. However, if the |
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