The varying circumstances in emergencies are why stretchers come in different designs, sizes, and shapes.
The folding stretcher is among the most popular gurney designs you’ll find with paramedics. It’s best suited for specific emergencies that need portability.
Today, we get to explore these situations.
Foldable stretchers are the best when moving injured and sick persons in challenging circumstances. Their compact and lightweight design makes them ideal for rescuing patients from small, cramped spaces. They’re also your ideal gurney if you’re part of a search and rescue team.
We’ll discuss this vital stretcher design in more detail.
So, when would you use a folding stretcher?
- During rescue from small spaces
- In search and rescue operations
Let’s find out more.
1 – During Rescue From Small Spaces
Folding stretchers are suitable for confined spaces. They can fit through spaces that may be too small for other stretcher types. Confined spaces, like the cave shown below, are often narrow, poorly lit, and sometimes give you a small window to rescue the casualty.
Alt: poorly-lit cave
The situation can get even more complicated when you have to save many people from a confined space.
Why the Folding Stretcher Is Suitable for Confined Spaces
Several reasons make the foldable stretcher the most appropriate in confined spaces, including:
- You can rescue more people at a time. A folded stretcher occupies less space than a standard one. In the example below, the foldable stretcher is half the standard length:
Alt: folding stretcher
This feature makes it more portable, allowing you to carry more stretchers to the emergency site. You’ll be able to rescue more casualties when you have more stretchers.
- It helps you to respond to emergencies in a timelier manner. Since it’s smaller and more portable than your regular gurney, you can quickly transport the folding stretcher to the emergency site.
- It can help you increase the patient survival rate. Since you’ll arrive at the emergency scene in time, you’ll be able to rescue the patient faster and increase their survival rate.
- The folding stretcher increases the versatility of your emergency response team. A more versatile team can quickly adapt to different emergencies, increasing your efficiency.
How to Use a Folding Stretcher in an Emergency
Once you’re at the emergency scene, follow these steps to move your patient to safety:
Step 1: Unfasten the stretcher’s straps. The stretchers usually have straps that hold them in a closed position during storage. These straps also help you maneuver the stretcher without opening, so it doesn’t obstruct your movement.
Step 2: Open the stretcher spreaders. Now that you’ve loosened and untied its straps, open the stretcher by pushing each bar using your foot until it fully unlocks into position.
Note: Never use your hands because the hinges may pinch and hurt you.
Step 3: Stabilize the center hinge as it might get snagged and collapse the stretcher. Tie a short rope from the center hinge to the handles to form a “V” pattern. The string enhances the safety of the stretcher.
You can even place and secure the unfolded stretcher on a trolley, as shown below:
Alt: folding stretcher on a trolley
Step 4: Place a blanket on the stretcher. Place the blanket so you can wrap it around the patient.
The blanket makes the stretcher more comfortable and prevents infection transfer. Be sure to clean and disinfect the stretcher after use to avoid cross-infections. Nonetheless, the blanket is an extra precaution to reduce the transfer of germs.
The blanket also helps to keep the patient warm. It will also cushion the injured area from injuries during transportation.
Step 5: Place the patient on the stretcher. The technique you use to move the patient depends on their injury. If your patient is conscious, coordinate with them the entire transfer process.
If they have a head or spinal injury, you may need splints, a neck brace, and a scoop stretcher to transfer the casualty. Once the victim is on the stretcher, cover them with the blanket and tuck in the ends.
Step 6: Secure the patient by lashing. In many cases, the environment where the rescue is taking place isn’t even. The uneven surface will require you to shift the patient’s position as you move them out of the area.
Lashing helps secure the patient on the stretcher so they don’t fall off as you pass through uneven surfaces.
2 – In Search And Rescue Operations
The portability of the foldable stretchers makes them useful during search and rescue missions. The main challenge with search and rescue missions is that you never really know where the causality is located.
You may have to walk several miles, which can be difficult if you’re carrying a bulky stretcher. The foldable stretcher is helpful in many types of search and rescue operations, including:
- Ground rescues
- Combat rescues
The Folding Stretcher in Ground Rescues
The most common search and rescue mission is the ground rescue. This rescue typically occurs when the casualty makes a distress call without specifying their exact location.
In most cases, the person in distress doesn’t know where they are and may only indicate the wider geographical area.
In some cases, ground rescues are even more challenging when you’re unable to make contact with the casualties.
For example, someone may get lost or injured during a mountain climbing trip. Since they don’t know their location, you’ll have to look for them over an expansive area.
Since you don’t have proper coordinates, you may have to walk for many kilometers searching for them. A foldable stretcher in such situations makes walking and searching for the victim easier.
The Folding Stretcher in Combat Rescues
Combat rescues involve searching and retrieving injured casualties from the battlefield. The war environment is hostile, and you’ll rarely have the luxury of carrying all the medical equipment needed.
A foldable stretcher makes it easy to rescue an injured soldier because it’s portable and quickly deployable.
Conclusion
You’ll find it useful to have a foldable stretcher when rescuing a patient from small areas. The portability of the foldable gurney makes it appropriate for various forms of search and rescue operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easy to use a folding stretcher?
Yes. The foldable stretcher is very easy to use. Stretcher designers make it possible to conveniently and quickly deploy it when you need to use it.
Can the foldable stretcher fit on my motorbike?
Yes. The foldable stretcher occupies very little space when folded. It can fit on your motorbike, and you can also easily carry it around.
Is the foldable stretcher strong?
Yes. The foldable stretcher is manufactured from canvas and aluminum tubes. These materials are lightweight but are robust enough to support an adult’s weight.
