Stretchers
A stretcher is used to carry a seriously ill or injured victim. There are a number of stretchers available, e.g. the standard stretcher; the pole- and – canvas stretcher, the Utila folding chair, the trolley bed, the Neil Robertson stretcher, and the paraguard stretcher. A stretcher should be rigid enough to carry casualties with suspected spine fracture without having to add boards to it. To ensure that a stretcher is capable of taking the weight of a victim, it should be tested before it is used. A person should lie on it and then others should lift it up, one end at a time first, then both the ends at the same time.
Type features
Standard (furley) stretcher – it consists of a canvas bed, poles , handles, traverses, and runners. The traverses are jointed such that the stretcher can be opened and closed. In closed state the poles lie close together with canvas bed folded on top. This is then kept in position by two transverse straps. If slings are carried then they are laid along the canvas held by the straps.
To open the stretcher places it on its sides with its runners towards you, and the studs or buckles securing the straps uppermost. Unfasten any straps. Push the traverses fully open with our heel and place the stretcher on its runners.
To close the stretcher turn the stretcher on its side with its runners towards you and the studs or buckles with secure the straps uppermost. Push the joints of the traverses in wards with your heel to open them. Push the poles together pulling the canvas out from between them. Fold the canvas over the poles and secure them with the straps.
Folding stretcher – it is a lighter version of the standard stretcher. It has light metal poles with telescoping handles and a plastic or canvas bed. There are two types available. One folds like the standard stretcher and the other folds in half in the center and occupies less space.
Pole and canvas stretcher – it is one of the most commonly used stretcher. It consists of a plastic or canvas sheet measuring 200 cm in length and 50 cm in width. There are two long poles. The canvas can be folded and slid under the victim where he lies. The poles are passed through the sleeves of the sheet to from the stretcher. Spacer bars are placed over the ends of the poles to keep them apart and maintain the firmness of the stretcher.
Scoop (orthopedic) stretcher – It is used to transfer a victim to an ambulance in the same position in which he is found, as is required when a fracture of the spine is suspected. Its length can be adjusted to suit any height of the victim.
Place the stretcher to the victim’s side and adjust its length. Dismantle the two ends of the stretcher and slip each half under the victim from each side. Join the two sections again. Place the head pad and secure it. Lift up the stretcher with the victim on it and place it in the ambulance. Then dismantle it and remove it from under the patient, if it is required to move other victims. Otherwise it can be kept under the victim until he is taken to a hospital bed.
Trolley bed – It is found in many ambulances. It is a fully adjustable stretcher bed with wheels. It is made of a light metal. A canvas stretcher is laid on the stretcher bed and two blankets are placed on top.
Neil Robertson – It is made of bamboo and light canvas. It is used to lift casualties in the upright position through small hatches like pothole entrances and manholes, or to lower victims from a height in mountain accidents. There is a rope at the base to hold the victim’s feet like stirrups. There is a strap at the top for securing the victim’s head. The upper flaps are wrapped around the victim’s chest and secured with two short straps. The arms are secured with the long strap. The lower flaps are strapped around the lower limbs. There is a ring at the head end for hoisting the stretcher up. There is a ring at the foot end, to which a rope is attached for guiding the stretcher.
Paraguard stretcher – It is similar to the Neil Robertson stretcher and is used in similar situations. It is lighter, more durable and more convenient to use than the Neil Robertson stretcher. It can be folded up and carried on the back. It can bend in the middle to help negotiate obstacles.
Improvised stretcher – Two poles can be passed through the sleeves of two or three coats turned inside out. Then the coats are buttoned up. The poles may be kept apart by strips of wood tied to the poles at each end of the stretcher.
