Transferring an injured person to a hospital or other health facility is always the last option. If the patient is stable and safe, it is recommended that you wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive. This applies particularly to neck and spine injuries.
The easiest technique to keep a person steady and avoid further injury is to use a robust stretcher.
Did you know that you can make a stretcher at home by yourself?
There are various homemade stretchers, and you can quickly make any of them. They include:
- Rope stretchers
- Jacket stretchers
- Tap stretchers
- Duct tape stretchers
- Ladder stretchers
When making homemade stretchers, ensure they are easy to transport and comfortable for the patient lying on them. You can make stretchers from different materials that you may already have at hand or might get them from your local surroundings. Stretchers are made in various ways, each with its steps.
Most homemade stretchers are:
- Cost-effective. Homemade stretchers cost less because the materials used in making them are readily available.
- Durable. The quality materials used in making these homemade stretchers make them more long-lasting.
- Comfortable. When making homemade stretches, take care of the patient’s safety and comfort. Make the surface cozy for the injured.
Today, we learn how to make a homemade stretcher.
How To Make A Rope Stretcher At Home
You can make a homemade stretcher using a rope by following the simple steps below:
- Lay down a zigzag pattern using the middle of a rope about one foot longer and one foot wider than the patient.
- Tie clove hitches to each rope’s end before attaching them to the stretcher’s sides.
- You can pass the left rope via the clove hitch loops at the sides of your rope stretcher.
- The rope stretcher is now ready for use any moment an emergency arises.
A breakdown of all steps used in making a homemade rope stretcher is illustrated in the photo below.
Alt: homemade rope stretcher
How To Make A Homemade Jacket Stretcher
Did you know the jacket you are wearing can save a life?
You can make a life-saving stretcher in a few steps using a jacket when an emergency arises. Below are the steps to follow in making this stretcher.
- Invert at least two jackets sleeves to run along the inside of the jacket. The number of jackets you will use will depend on the size of your victim and what is available.
- After you invert the jacket sleeves, insert poles through the sleeves of your jackets.
- Use diagonal lashings to attach cross elements at the stretcher’s end to keep the jacket taut and support.
- Your jacket stretcher will be ready for use.
How To Make A Homemade Tarp Stretcher
A tarp stretcher is another homemade stretcher that only requires a tarp and poles to make. To make a tarp stretcher by yourself, follow the steps below:
- Arrange the tarp on a flat surface so that its long edge faces you, and the short edges are to your left and right.
- Lay one pole on top of the tarp about a third way from the right edge.
- Fold the right flap over the first pole and put it across the tarp to the left.
- Place the second pole on top of the tarp’s folded-over left edge, about a third from the tarp’s left edge.
- Wrap the left flap around the top of the pile and lay it over both poles entirely.
After you are done with the steps above, your tarp stretcher should resemble the below photo.
Alt: simple tarp stretcher
How To Make A Duct Tape Stretcher
During emergencies where you can’t access a medical stretcher, you can come up with a homemade duct tape stretcher.
If you have not seen a duct tape stretcher before, the below photo is what it looks like.
Alt: homemade duct stretcher
So, how do you make a duct tape stretcher?
Here are the steps to follow:
- Use two push-broom poles, although tree branches or old fence posts will be ideal in the field. If you opt to use small trees or tree branches, remove the bark and clean the poles.
- Remove four 50-inch-long strands of duct tape.
- To build a durable duct tape strap, fold each strip in half horizontally.
- Place the four straps around the poles strategically and fasten them with thin strips of duct tape.
- To stabilize the straps, pull a long piece of duct tape. Run this lengthy strip of duct tape from one end to the other, beginning from the middle of the positioned straps.
- Continue overlaying the duct tape on the stretcher by flipping it repeatedly.
- Using the same method, add the criss-cross straps to the third section one at a time. Simply criss-cross one side of the stretcher, flip it over and overlap the duct tape.
- Apply a complete wrap of duct tape to the original knotted straps. Although scotch strong duct tape is durable, it’s always best to be safe than sorry.
- Your duct tape stretcher is ready for use.
How To Make A Ladder Stretcher
A ladder is used when a narrow stretcher is needed for any purpose, such as traveling through small window openings and tunnels.
Below are the steps to make a ladder stretcher:
- Place a deck of boards on the ladder.
- Blanket the boards to achieve a soft and cozy surface to enhance the patient’s comfort.
- Get a soft rug and place it around the head of the injured to make them stable.
- 4. Your ladder stretcher is ready for use.
Conclusion
There may not be enough stretchers for the number of casualties in a disaster.
Homemade stretchers will always come in handy during such situations.
We have discussed a few of the most apparent approaches above. Follow the procedures discussed in this guide to craft your homemade stretcher. Use the available resources to develop the best homemade stretcher to save a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an expert to make a homemade stretcher?
No. A homemade stretcher is a do-it-yourself project where you can use locally available resources.
How long can it take to make a homemade stretcher?
About 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type of homemade stretcher you want to make and the work rate. Some stretchers take a long time to make because of their complexity.
What is the weight of a homemade stretcher?
Approximately 10 kilograms. The weight will also vary depending on the material used to make the stretcher. Some materials would be light while others are heavy.
