Building collapses, skiing accidents and water rescues are examples of emergencies that need stretchers. The different scenarios often involve various injuries that warrant different rescue tools.
These variances explain why there’s more than one type of ambulance stretcher.
We will explore them today.
There are two major types of ambulance stretchers. The autoloader is the most popular type, and it comes in different sizes. The scoop stretcher is the second type. It is a specialized stretcher for spinal injuries.
Paramedics use the autoloader for most types of rescues. They use scoop stretchers for patients with spinal injuries.
1 – The Auto Loader
The autoloader is the standard stretcher that paramedics use. This stretcher gets its name from how its frame folds as paramedics load a patient into an ambulance.
The autoloader ambulance stretcher comes in different sizes. This variation allows them to support patients of all sizes. Some are even designed to carry bariatric patients.
Features of the Autoloader
The autoloader comprises an upper and lower frame connected by a folding mechanism. Its lockable gas spring makes it easy for paramedics to load and offload the stretcher from an ambulance. Its other features include:
- The stretcher has a height-adjustable frame. This frame makes it easy to transfer a patient to and from the stretcher. The foldable frame also makes it easy to load and offload the patent. Notice how the autoloader stretcher folds in the picture below:
- It has a side railing that protects the patent from falling off. It also gives paramedics a place to hold as they push the patient.
- The autoloader has safety belts connected to the side railing. These safety belts help to secure the casualty in the stretcher.
- It has an upholstered washable cover padding. This covering keeps the patient comfortable during transportation
- It has wheels that allow paramedics to push the stretcher on paved surfaces.
Tips for using the Auto Loader
The autoloader is for transporting patients lying down on their backs. Some of the tips to help keep the patient safe include:
- Always ensure you know how to adjust the frame and lock it in position before using it.
- Always maintain proper body mechanisms when loading, offloading, or pushing the patient. Proper body mechanics will protect you from injuring your backbone
- Communication is important when using this stretcher. Communicate with the patient during the loading and offloading process. Communication allows the patient to take part whenever possible. Also, communicate with your colleagues while pushing the patient. This communication will help you coordinate your movements and accidents.
2 – The Scoop Stretcher
Paramedics use the scoop stricter to scoop the casualty instead of lifting them.
The scoop stretcher helps carry patients who must remain immobile. Moving the injured areas may endanger the patient’s life. It is the right stretcher for transporting patients with spinal, limb, and neck injuries.
Features of the Scoop Stretcher
The scoop stretcher comprises the left and right components. Paramedics separate the two sections and join them together as they scoop the patient.
Here is what a scoop stretcher looks like:
Source: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/stretcher-carry-patients-corpses-2038653005
Other features of the scoop stretcher include:
- It has an aluminum frame. Aluminum makes the gurney lightweight. It also makes it strong enough to support the casualty’s weight. Since it has no wheels, its light weight is helpful. It makes it easy for paramedics to carry the patient.
- It has straps to help you secure several sections of the casualty’s body.
- It may have a vacuum mattress. Although it has no padding, it is more comfortable than spine boards. Since it is made from metal, it can be uncomfortable to transport patients over a longer distance. Vacuum mattresses are best for long-distance transport.
- It is flexible. As long as your casualty can tolerate it, you can sandwich the patient when you need to navigate tight spaces.
- You can adjust the stretcher’s length. Adjustments allow the cot to accommodate casualties of different sizes.
How to Use a Scoop Stretcher
Since the scoop stretcher is a specialized gurney, you must follow precise steps when using it.
Step 1: Prepare the casualty. The first thing to do is to prepare the patient for transportation. Preparation usually involves immobilizing the injured areas. For spinal injuries, it involves placing a cervical collar or neck brace around the neck. Here is a picture of a patient ready for the scoop stretcher.
Preparation also involves ensuring the patient places their hands in the right position.
Step 2: Taking positions. The transfer process requires at least two paramedics. One paramedic will handle and watch the casualty’s head while the other will handle the rest of the body.
Step 3: Separate the stretcher and place them under the casualty. Paramedics usually operate this stretcher by separating the two halves. Next, they scoop the casualty by joining the separate pieces.
Step 4: scoop the patient. The process of scooping the patient begins at the casualty’s head area. One paramedic should support the casualty’s head and lift it. The other pushes and locks the two halves of the stretcher together. Next, the paramedic moves to the feet and locks the mechanism at the feet together.
Step 5: Secure the patient. The scoop stretcher usually comes with two sets of safety belts. One set is the head and neck area, while the other secures the rest of the body. Fasten both sets to ensure the patient remains immobile during movement.
The patient is now ready for transportation.
Conclusion
There are two types of ambulance stretchers: the autoloader and the scoop stretcher. The former is the most popular of the two and is suitable for the typical emergency. On the other hand, the scoop stretcher is for patients with spine, neck, or limb injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stretcher is best for emergency response services?
The autoloader is the most commonly used stretcher for EMS, but it isn’t suitable for all rescues. Emergencies in confined spaces, water bodies, or uneven surfaces need specialized care. A basket stretcher or Neil Robertson stretcher help during specialized emergencies.
When should you use the scoop stretcher?
You should use the scoop stretcher when rescuing patients who must remain immobile. Examples of these patients include those with leg or spinal cord injuries.
Are ambulance stretchers foldable?
Yes. The scoop and autoloader stretchers are foldable, allowing easy mobility and storage.
