The scoop stretcher, also known as an orthopedic or split stretcher, is a specialized medical device constructed of two longitudinal halves that separate. This clamshell mechanism allows emergency personnel to position the halves on either side of a patient, reconnect them underneath, and lift the patient without extensive manipulation. The primary function of this device is to maintain the patient in neutral alignment during the initial lift and transfer. This gentle method prevents the potential exacerbation of existing injuries.
Identifying Appropriate Patient Scenarios
The scoop stretcher is the preferred tool in clinical situations where excessive patient movement is harmful. A primary indication is suspected isolated hip or pelvic fractures, which are unstable and aggravated by the rolling maneuvers needed for a traditional backboard. The scoop design eliminates the need to log-roll the patient, reducing discomfort and the risk of further displacement of bone fragments during the lift.
This specialized stretcher is also employed when patients are in confined or awkward spaces, such as inside a damaged vehicle or a narrow corridor. The ability to split the device allows for extrication with less risk, especially when a full-sized spinal immobilization board cannot be easily maneuvered. The scoop stretcher is also beneficial for moving patients who are significantly overweight or elderly, as it provides a controlled, even lift.
In many protocols, the scoop stretcher serves as an intermediate device, used to transfer the patient onto a more comfortable and definitive immobilization tool, such as a vacuum mattress. Studies show that the scooping application causes significantly less movement in all planes of the spine compared to a long backboard. This reduction in motion is beneficial for the initial lift of a patient with a potential spinal injury before they are secured for longer transport.
Situations Requiring Alternative Devices
Despite its benefits, the scoop stretcher is not appropriate for all patient transfer scenarios. It should be avoided for patients requiring immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) because it does not provide a rigid surface for chest compressions. In such cases, the patient must be rapidly moved to a firm surface to ensure effective and uninterrupted compressions.
The scoop stretcher is also generally not used as the sole or long-term immobilization device for a patient with an actual or highly suspected spinal injury during transport. Its primary design is for lifting and transfer, not for extended immobilization, which is better provided by a vacuum mattress or a traditional board. Patients with significant pre-existing spinal deformities, such as severe kyphosis or scoliosis, may not fit properly or securely onto the scoop stretcher, creating a risk of pressure injury or inadequate stabilization.
Patients who are combative, violent, or uncooperative pose a challenge because securing them to the device can be difficult and dangerous. In scenarios involving severe penetrating trauma or life-threatening injuries requiring immediate surgical intervention, rapid packaging and transport are prioritized. The need for immediate resuscitation or hemorrhage control often outweighs the benefit of the scoop’s minimal-movement application.
Basic Principles of Patient Transfer
The effective use of a scoop stretcher relies on a coordinated team approach to ensure patient safety and maintain proper alignment. Before application, the device’s length must be adjusted to the patient’s height to ensure a precise fit from the head to the feet. This adjustment prevents the patient from sliding or being improperly secured once the stretcher is closed.
Typically, two operators are required to apply the device, one for each half, maintaining constant control of their side. The two halves are positioned alongside the patient and carefully slid underneath until they meet and lock together at the head and foot ends. Rescuers must be careful to avoid pinching the patient’s skin or clothing as the halves join.
Once the patient is secured on the assembled stretcher, restraint straps are applied across the body, usually at the chest, hips, and legs, to prevent any movement during the lift. The scoop stretcher is then used to lift the patient and transfer them to the main transport gurney or a specialized immobilization device. Since the scoop stretcher is designed for initial movement, the patient should be transferred off the device to a hospital bed or a more comfortable transport mattress as soon as clinically appropriate.