A stretcher is a valuable tool that emergency teams use to carry an unconscious person or an injured individual who can’t move or walk. Various stretchers exist, and each type is specialized for particular emergency types. We shall discuss the main categories shortly.
Stretchers come in different shapes and forms, but these can be categorized into six primary groups. They include:
- Ambulance stretchers
- Folding stretchers
- Spine board stretchers
- Basket stretchers
- Scoop stretchers
- Stair stretchers
Now let’s discuss these stretchers in more detail.
While you can use stretchers such as the ambulance ones for any emergency situation, some stretchers such as the stair and spine board stretchers are designed for specific settings.
1 – Ambulance Stretchers
Ambulance stretchers are some of the most popular types of stretchers because paramedics can use them in a wide variety of settings. For example, paramedics can transport a patient from an emergency scene to the ambulance, as shown below, and, eventually, to the emergency room.
These stretchers have wheels to allow you to push the patient over paved surfaces. In addition, they have variable height frames and skids or tracks.
Although you will mostly find these stretchers in ambulances, they are also common in acute-care sections of hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Under standard settings, paramedics transfer the patient from the ambulance stretcher to the hospital bed upon arriving at the hospital.
However, patients with spinal injuries and other severe ones must not be moved and have to be examined using MRI or X-ray machines while still on these stretchers. Some hospitals have their ambulance stretchers to allow paramedics to transfer the patient from their cot to the hospital gurney
These gurneys, which some medical personnel call antlers, usually have a disposable sheet covering which paramedics can either clean or dispose of after every use to prevent cross infections.
2 – Folding Stretchers
As their name suggests, folding stretchers derive their name from the way you can fold them lengthwise and widthwise. The primary advantage of these stretchers is that they occupy small space once they are folded. Thus, you can store or carry them around with relative ease.
The picture below shows a foldable stretcher.
A folding stretcher can even fit into your backpack once folded.
These folders come with a high-strength aluminum frame and an Oxford fabric covering. Aluminum and Oxford fabric are lightweight, robust, making them reliable and durable.
When you purchase a folding stretcher, it may come with a pillow bag and two safety belts. The pillow supports the patient’s head to make them comfortable during transportation. Meanwhile, you use the safety belts that typically have quick release clips to secure your patient on the stretcher.
3 – Spine Board Stretchers
Spine board stretchers are non-wheeled gurneys for pre-hospital trauma care. These gurneys are designed to allow paramedics to immobilize patients with limb or spine injuries during transportation.
The injured areas must not be moved because any movement may cause further damage and endanger the patient’s life.
You will mostly find these stretchers with ski patrollers, lifeguards, and ambulance staff.
These gurneys are flat and non-flexible, and as such, a patient may feel uncomfortable lying on them. The patient may even develop pressure sores if they stay on it for too long. For that reason, medical experts advise against letting your patient lie on it for more than half an hour.
In most cases, paramedics use these stretchers and other tools to keep the patient immobile. These tools include:
- Cervical collars, especially those with occipital padding to keep the head and neck area immobile
- Straps to help secure the patient on the spine boards
- Head supports to keep the neck and head from moving up and down or sideways
4 – Basket Stretchers
Paramedics use these gurneys in emergencies that require them to walk for considerable distances. They are also suitable for emergencies involving depths, heights, and confined spaces where the casualty needs to be lifted, dragged, or carried.
Essentially, a basket stretcher is designed to assist paramedics in a wide variety of emergencies. They are manufactured using highly resistant materials and have multiple handles to facilitate a safe and quick patient transfer to a hospital facility.
They come with:
- Safety belts
- Foam pads
- Adjustable feet-securing mechanisms
- Bride special rings
These accessories make this stretcher ideal for helicopter or cable rescue, as illustrated in the picture below:
5 – Scoop Stretcher
A scoop stretcher is sometimes referred to as a Robertson orthopedic stretcher or a clamshell. The scoop can be split into two parts to enable paramedics to scoop a patient without lifting them.
The paramedics can split the left and right halves of the scoop and rejoin them once each half is underneath the patient.
This feature makes it ideal for moving patients with limb and spine injuries who require minimal movement.
As with spine boards, a patient must not stay too long on the scoop to avoid discomfort.
Paramedics can place the patient on the scoop stretcher to facilitate easy transportation as shown below in the picture below.
6 – Stair Stretchers
Stair stretchers are suitable for rescue situations requiring paramedics to move patients up and down.
Stair stretchers are versatile since they can be unfolded to a flat position to facilitate movements over horizontal surfaces. You can fold them to a chair to enable the patient to move up and down stars while sitting down.
They are manufactured from high-strength aluminum alloys to support the patient’s weight. They also have two or four wheels to facilitate ground movement. You will also see a couple of telescopic lifting rods located at the stretcher’s lower end. These enable easy handling of the gurney.
Some stair stretchers are electronic, requiring minimal effort by the paramedics to move the patient. However, these types require the paramedics to lay rails to facilitate cot movement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many types of stretchers, but they can be categorized into six main groups. Cots such as the ambulance, scoop, and folding stretchers can be used for most rescue situations. However, stair, bucket, and spine boards are specialized for specific forms of rescue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do medical personnel use stretchers for?
Paramedics use stretchers to carry patients who are too injured to walk. Paramedics use these stretchers for a wide range of rescue situations ranging from road accidents to mountain rescues.
Is it possible to move a patient down steep stairs?
Yes. You can use the stair stretcher for this form of rescue. When folded, stair stretchers allow the patient to sit as you move them down the stairs.
Which are the best stretchers for helicopter rescues?
You can use any stretcher for helicopter rescues that involve the aircraft landing. However, the bucket gurney is best suited for rescue situations involving the helicopter hovering over the accident scene.
