Scoop stretcher

{{Short description|Device used for moving injured people}}

Image:Civiere a aubes.jpg

Image:civiere a aubes.png

The scoop stretcher (or clamshell, Roberson orthopedic stretcher, or just scoop) is a device used specifically for moving injured people. It is ideal for carrying casualties with possible spinal injuries.

A scoop stretcher has a structure that can be split vertically into two parts, with shaped 'blades' towards the centre which can be brought together underneath a patient. The two halves are placed separately either side of the patient, and then brought together until securing clips at the top and bottom both engage.{{cite web|title=Scoop Stretcher Application|url=http://www.emergencytechnologies.com.au/psc.pdf|work=Prehospital Spinal Care|publisher=Emergency Technologies|access-date=25 May 2011}}

Scoop stretchers reduce the chance of undesirable movement of injured areas during transfer of a trauma patient, as they maintain the patient in a supine alignment during transfer to a stretcher, vacuum mattress or long spine board). They are more comfortable than a long spine board for transport.{{cite journal|last=Ahn|first=H|author2=Singh, J |author3=Nathens, A |author4=MacDonald, RD |author5=Travers, A |author6=Tallon, J |author7=Fehlings, MG |author8= Yee, A |title=Pre-hospital care management of a potential spinal cord injured patient: a systematic review of the literature and evidence-based guidelines.|journal=Journal of Neurotrauma|date=Aug 2011|volume=28|issue=8|pages=1341–61|pmid=20175667 |doi=10.1089/neu.2009.1168 |pmc=3143405}}

The scoop stretcher can be used for patient transport, provided the patient is strapped. However, the ninth edition of the ATLS Student Course Manual advises against using scoop stretchers for patient transport.{{cite book |author= |title=Advanced Trauma Life Support® Student Course Manual |edition=9th |location=Chicago |publisher=American College of Surgeons |page=204 |date=2012 |isbn=978-1-880696-02-6}} For comfort and safety reasons, it is recommended to transfer the patient to a vacuum mattress instead, in which case the scoop stretcher is put on the transport device and then opened.{{cite journal |last=Morrissey|first=J|title=Research Suggests Time for Change in Prehospital Spinal Immobilization |journal=JEMS: A Journal of Emergency Medical Services|date=Mar 2013 |volume=38 |issue=3|pages=28–30, 32–6, 38–9|pmid=23717917|url=http://www.jems.com/article/patient-care/research-suggests-time-change-prehospita}}