The Neil Robertson stretcher is a popular gurney used in the military and the mining and construction industries. They’re famous for their rot-free and durable designs.
Perhaps you’re wondering why these professionals find this stretcher suitable. We’ll answer this question by examining the ideal conditions for a Robertson stretcher.
A Robertson stretcher is suitable for confined spaces. You can use it to rescue patients from spaces whose hatches, doors, and access can’t accommodate regular stretchers. You can also use them in helicopter rescues.
Now, let’s discuss when you can use this unique stretcher in more detail.
1 – Rescues In Confined Spaces
Every rescue presents challenges, but confined spaces intensify these problems. Confined places limit entry and may be too small for traditional stretchers.
What Is A Confined Area?
A confined area is a partially or fully cramped space that:
- Isn’t primarily intended or designed for continuous occupation
- Presents safety and heat risks to any person entering
- Has restricted or limited exit or entrance that complicates evacuation, rescue, and first aid services
A confined area can be above or below ground. Almost any other workplace has confined spaces. A confined area isn’t always small. Examples of these spaces include:
- Water towers
- Silos
- Sewers
- Utility vaults
- Utility holes
- Storage bins
- Boilers and engine rooms
An ambulance stretcher is the most common type of cot. Yet, its rigid structure makes it unsuitable for confined spaces. Most of the other stretchers are too large to maneuver in these spaces.
Confined space rescues need a stretcher that can fit in tight spaces. They also need a gurney that can grip the patient well as you move them out of the tight spaces.
The Robertson stretcher is this cot.
The Robertson Stretcher
The Robertson stretcher is a suitable gurney for retrieving victims in cramped spaces. It’s also the appropriate stretcher when only vertical hoisting can work. You can also use it to lift a patient lying on their back.
The Robertson stretcher is the only stretcher suitable for lifting a patient vertically. Other stretchers only support the patient’s weight horizontally. You can also use the Robertson stretcher horizontally, as shown below:
John Neil Robertson invented this stretcher for use in ships. His design allowed rescue teams to lift injured individuals from engine rooms.
Today, you can use it in other rescues above and below ground.
The Robertson stretcher is manufactured using tough cotton and robust spliced slats. Some models are made from semi-rigid canvas. The slats and canvas let you fold the Robertson stretcher while accessing small spaces. They also make it easy to store the stretcher.
Their lightweight and compact design allows flexibility and freedom of movement. Freedom of movement is essential in tight rescues such as engine rooms, boiler rooms, and cargo holds that don’t provide much space for movement. You may have to move your patient through tight spaces where an ordinary stretcher won’t fit.
A Robertson stretcher wraps around the patient, making it possible to squeeze through tight areas.
2 – Helicopter Rescues
As we’ve already pointed out, the Robertson stretcher supports vertical and horizontal lifting. These features make it suitable for helicopter rescue.
As the image below shows, you can lift the patient to the helicopter without landing.
When Are Helicopter Rescues Necessary?
Helicopter rescues are necessary in:
- Situations where there are no access roads, such as on mountains or in dense forests
- Rescues involving time-sensitive emergencies as these emergencies need you to move the patient to a hospital as soon as possible
- Water rescues where helicopters are convenient and fast.
Note: If you wrap the stretcher properly around the patient, they’ll remain secured in position during the lift.
How Robertson Stretchers Are Used For Helicopter Rescues
Using the Robertson stretcher during a helicopter rescue involves several steps.
Step 1: Unpack the Neil Robertson Stretcher from its carrier bag and lay it flat on the ground. The side with the canvas or cotton should face upwards so you can read the areas marked head, inside. and foot.
These markings determine how you’ll position the patent on the stretcher. Place the stretcher beside the patent.
Step 2: Unfasten its guide ropes, restraining straps, and head strap. It’s now ready to accommodate the patient. The image below shows an unfastened Robertson stretcher:
Step 3: Coordinate with your friends to lift and place the patient on the stretcher. One of you should coordinate the lifting and lowering processes. Ideally, you should be three or four paramedics. But the patient’s weight will determine how many paramedics are needed. Ensure their forehead lies at the same level as the stretcher’s head restraint.
Step 4: Begin the fastening process by strapping the velcro strap around the patient’s head. Next, fasten the chest straps to secure the patient on the stretcher. Secure the patient’s arms using the center straps. Complete the fastening process by fastening the ankle and leg straps.
Step 5: Ensure that you’ve fastened all the straps securely. Tighten any loose straps. Your patient is now ready for transfer. The Robertson stretcher will be wrapped around the patient’s body after the fastening process.
Step 6: Use recognized lifting and hoisting techniques to lift the patient upwards. Since it’s a helicopter rescue, secure the lifting ropes to the stretcher’s heavy-duty handles. Once secured, you can signal the helicopter crew to lift the patient to safety.
Conclusion
The Roberson stretcher is suitable for complicated rescues in confined spaces. Neil Robertson invented this cot to rescue patients from engine rooms in ships.
Today, you can use it to rescue victims from various confined spaces. You can also use the Robertson stretcher for helicopter rescues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Robertson stretcher get its name?
The Robertson stretcher got its name from its inventor, John Neil Robertson, who designed it in the early 1900s. He designed it for lifting patients vertically from confined spaces in ships.
What is the primary advantage of the Robertson stretcher?
The primary advantage of the Robertson stretcher is that you can use it in spaces that can’t accommodate regular stretchers. The stretcher can get through hatches and doors that are too small for regular gurneys.
Is the Robertson stretcher only for ships?
No. Although it was invented for ships, you can use it in any confined space emergency.
