Scoop stretchers are specialized pieces of pre-hospital emergency equipment used by emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. They facilitate the safe transfer of injured patients from the ground or confined spaces onto a primary transport device. Their unique construction minimizes disturbance to the body, avoiding the need for excessive lifting or rolling during the initial transfer process.
Alternative Names and Terminology
The device is known by several names that reflect its design or purpose. One common alternative name is the orthopedic stretcher, referencing its use in scenarios involving suspected musculoskeletal or spinal trauma. The term split stretcher is also frequently used because the device separates longitudinally into two distinct halves. This two-piece construction earned it the nickname clamshell stretcher due to the way the halves close around the patient. Emergency responders sometimes refer to the device simply as a “scoop.”
Unique Mechanism of Operation
The core innovation of the scoop stretcher is its ability to separate vertically into two halves. These halves are placed individually on either side of a patient who is lying down. Shaped blades are slid underneath the patient from the sides, minimizing longitudinal or lateral movement. Once positioned, the halves are secured together using interlocking mechanisms at the head and foot ends.
This process eliminates the need for the traditional, multi-person log-roll maneuver required to place a patient onto a standard backboard. The stretcher also features an adjustable length, allowing responders to customize the device to accommodate patients of various heights and sizes. The material is generally lightweight, often made from high-strength aluminum or polymer plastics, making it durable and portable. This construction allows the device to cradle the patient securely once the two pieces are locked together.
Primary Role in Patient Care
The scoop stretcher’s primary application is in trauma care, specifically when emergency medical personnel suspect a spinal or pelvic injury. The objective is to achieve spinal motion restriction, which means minimizing undesirable movement of the spine that could potentially worsen an existing injury. Studies show that using the scoop stretcher during the application phase causes significantly less movement in the patient’s sagittal, lateral, and axial planes compared to the log-roll technique.
By splitting and sliding beneath the patient, the device helps maintain the body in a neutral, supine alignment throughout the transfer process. This capability is particularly beneficial for patients with potential unstable fractures or those who are experiencing severe pain. The reduced movement during the initial transfer stage provides a safer alternative to methods that require lifting or rolling the patient. While the scoop stretcher is sometimes used for short-distance transport, it is often utilized as an intermediate device to safely move the patient onto a more comfortable long-term support, such as a vacuum mattress, before transport to a medical facility.