The scoop stretcher is a specialized device used extensively in pre-hospital care for safely moving patients who have sustained traumatic injuries. This emergency medical equipment is engineered to handle individuals with suspected spinal, hip, or pelvic fractures, where minimizing movement is necessary to prevent additional harm. It provides a stable platform for immobilization and transfer, allowing for quick application even in confined spaces.
Identifying the Scoop Stretcher’s Names
The scoop stretcher is known by several alternative names within the medical community, primarily due to its unique function and design. One of the most common synonyms is the orthopedic stretcher, a name that directly references its use in managing bone and joint injuries. Another frequently used term is the clamshell stretcher, which is a highly descriptive name based on the way the device operates.
The “clamshell” name refers to the two symmetrical halves that open and close around the patient’s body, resembling the shell of a clam. Another name encountered is the Roberson orthopedic stretcher, which is a proprietary name that has become generalized in some regions.
These terms emphasize the device’s main goal: securing a patient with a suspected skeletal injury. Unlike a rigid long spine board, the scoop stretcher’s defining characteristic is its split, two-part nature.
Purpose and Function in Patient Care
The primary purpose of the scoop stretcher is to achieve spinal motion restriction during transfer, minimizing the risk of secondary injury. In cases of suspected spinal trauma, even slight movement can potentially worsen neurological damage. The device eliminates the need for the traditional log-roll maneuver, which requires multiple rescuers to roll the patient onto a flat surface.
Placing the stretcher around the patient without rolling is a significant medical advantage, especially for individuals with unstable pelvic or hip fractures. The gentle scooping action prevents the painful rotation that could displace fractured bone fragments. It is also utilized for multi-trauma patients where multiple injuries make any unnecessary movement hazardous.
By facilitating a controlled and gentle lift, the scoop stretcher reduces the manipulation the patient undergoes during extrication and immobilization. This reduced movement improves patient safety and comfort. It is often used only for the initial transfer, with the patient later moved to a device like a vacuum mattress for long-distance transport.
Design Features and Operation
The defining characteristic of the scoop stretcher is its ability to separate longitudinally into two halves. Each half of the device is designed with a contour that slightly cups the patient’s body when joined. These halves are typically constructed from lightweight yet durable materials, such as aluminum alloys or high-density plastic composites.
To use the device, medical personnel first separate the stretcher into its two components. They then slide each half underneath the patient from opposite sides, one at a time, ensuring minimal manipulation of the patient’s body. The halves are then brought together and secured by twin locking mechanisms, usually found at both the head and foot ends.
Most scoop stretchers feature an adjustable length mechanism, allowing rescuers to customize the device to fit patients of different heights. This adjustability ensures the patient’s head and feet are properly supported and immobilized. Once locked, the device forms a rigid, continuous surface that supports the patient for lifting and transport.