Rotate Scoop Stretcher

What it does

It is an auxiliary stretcher for patients with spinal injuries. This product is designed by "scoop" method in which plates supporting the torso are inserted under the patient's body using one locking device and two rotating shafts under the head blade.

Your inspiration

Based on my experience of using the scoop stretcher by participating in fire training, I wanted to solve the problems of the current scoop stretcher, such as high work intensity, strain on the wrist, and complicated use. Especially, we tried to devise a more improved scoop method by developing a structure that can minimize the risk that may occur in the process of pushing the blades under the patient's body.

How it works

Two blades supporting the body are spread and gathered like scissors around the axis of rotation located under the headboard. When a patient occurs, release the lock on the leg side and spread the blades to both sides. Then, after putting the head blade on the patient's head, the spread blades are put back together and the patient is moved on the stretcher in a 'Scoop' way. The edge of each blade is slanted to fit well under the patient's body. The lock is designed with the curvature of an arc drawn by two blades that are combined by a closing motion. In addition, it can be used by everyone and is the most used by analyzing the height and body pressure of Koreans.

Design process

Since it is the first aid product for patients in the event of an accident, we wanted to develop a product that can be used more quickly and safely by both paramedics and patients. Two axis of rotation were applied for simpler operation, and a suitable blade shape was developed through analysis of height and body pressure distribution and prototype experiments so that the plate material can be easily pushed under the patient's body. The handle is suitable for both two and three user, and it was developed through a prototype experiment in a shape with less bending of the wrist. In the end, we progressed to a 1/3-sized prototype.

How it is different

The existing scoop stretcher had to release both head and leg locks, and then push two blades to the side of the patient separately, and then the two locks were combined. During this process, the positions of both blades did not match correctly, so it was cumbersome to fasten the locking device. Although it is a scoop method that reduces spinal movement compared to the rog-roll posture, the method of inserting each blade by lifting the patient's side still generates some spinal movement. On the other hand, this product is a method of using only the leg-side locking device and then collecting the two blades spread out around the axis of rotation inward. This method of use allows one paramedic to engage both blades at the leg side, making it easier for paramedics to position the blades under the patient's body. As a result, the overall use process is reduced, making it suitable for use in emergency rescue situations.

Future plans

After making a prototype with a 1:1 size that meets the actual standard, we plan to supplement the structure and shape so that it can be practically used by testing with paramedics. After that, we plan to register a patent so that it can be introduced and used for safer and more efficient rescue work.

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