toddc
New Member
Posts: 12 
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Post by toddc on Jan 26, 2016 18:02:05 GMT
I found it kind of funny when the new protocols called for the use of scoop stretchers. I remember many moons ago when I first joined and we had them on our rigs. Never used them, but they sure looked impressive. Since then,the powers decided we would take them off the rigs as we didn't use them. Now, many years later, they are going back on the truck as they are the new protocol. I guess it is true that everything comes back into style. We can only hope that disco is the exception to that rule. Seriously though. I can see many instances when they may be helpful and some where they would be a pain. I know when we did our practice with them, our "patient" didn't care for it. Particularly when it pinched his back during the closing process. I haven't personally been on a scoop stretcher but I know that being strapped to a back board is BRUTAL! if you have any back issues.
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Post by jimd on Jan 27, 2016 15:46:42 GMT
it seems like the best place to use these devices would be inside on a hard surface. some times old is better , in this case I don't think so. so don't throw away your back boards
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Post by rerahn on Jan 27, 2016 21:33:58 GMT
I also remember the old days when scoop stretchers were latest gadget for lifting patients and training stressed they were not to be used in cases where spinal injury was suspected because they provided no support under the spine itself. How Times change! I also remember how difficult they were to close when the patient was wearing heavy winter coats. All that being said, I do think they are a good option for patient transfer in certain circumstances.
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Post by Jeff Schenk on Jan 28, 2016 0:36:47 GMT
I have also never used one. I've been on one with training and the same thing, its not comfortable.
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Post by andrewfischer on Feb 11, 2016 6:42:59 GMT
In my experience, height tends to be an issue with Scoop Stretchers. If the patient is taller than average, his/her head will extend over the locking mechanism. This makes closing and securing the sides difficult. I agree with the other comments on specific difficulties. I think the Scoop Stretcher is a useful tool, as long as it's appropriate for the situation.
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Post by jimano on Feb 16, 2016 14:00:10 GMT
I think that scoop stretchers probably have a place in EMS, where though, I'm not exactly sure. In my opinion, they are a device more suited for rescue trucks than commercial ambulances. The shear size and bulkiness make them difficult to store on an ambulance already packed with much more useful equipment. One of the common misconceptions about scoops are that they can be used as a LSB alternative, which isn't really the case as they are a 'stretcher' not a spinal immobilization device, in other words they are just people movers. I can see the usefulness with non-traumatic lower extremity, or pelvic/hip injuries as they could help get a person to the wheeled stretcher without excessive movement of the injured area, however, developing technology and flexible stretchers, or so called 'people movers', are much less cumbersome, easier to maneuver, easier to store in an ambulance, and serve essentially the same purpose. Just my 2 cents.
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Post by Brian Sweatman on Feb 19, 2016 22:20:43 GMT
I agree with Jim there is a place and time for scoop stretchers. This recently got brought back and probably most departments got rid of them or still have them because of low angle rescue. Training will need to be brought back into scope because of the pro's and con's of using them. Its going to be a learning curve for the newer EMTs, but not much for the "older" generation EMT's that used them in the past. Good Luck to all and learn about them.
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Post by joevfd on Feb 20, 2016 19:58:44 GMT
I agree with most everybody on how bulky they are and if you have a tall pt. they are of no use maybe they would be useful in an mci for moving pts. with less severe inj.
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Post by louannj59 on Feb 20, 2016 21:56:27 GMT
Our Fire Department has a scoop stretcher that has been brought out of retirement , actually worked good when used at practice. Have not had a chance to use on the scene of a medical yet. Thanks for sharing your experiences with the scoop stretcher.
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aldo
New Member
Posts: 10
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Post by aldo on Feb 27, 2016 1:05:05 GMT
I say everything has a need. If you think it is best to use it then do just that. WE need to remember that this is 2016 and new technology and protocols come out all the time, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. I say use good judgement and you can't go wrong.
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Post by jtstallone on Feb 29, 2016 3:32:33 GMT
Our fire department has a scoop stretcher and it is on our heavy rescue but we don't do much training with it. I personally have only trained with it a handful of times. We primarily use a long backboard and/or stokes basket to extricate the patient out of a certain situation, then we transfer the patient onto a stretcher to be transported.
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lisaj
New Member
Posts: 11 
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Post by lisaj on Mar 6, 2016 17:49:17 GMT
The new protocols have brought scoop stretchers back into the forefront again. I am wondering if metal vs. plastic scoop stretchers are preferred? My other concern is the number of rescue responders who are properly trained in using the scoop stretchers. ..any other corps have these concerns?
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Post by Dennis R on Mar 16, 2016 19:22:33 GMT
Scoop strectchers I have doing this for almost thirty years and only used it on a person that was done in the hall of a moble home worked great for that hopefully we all did not get rid of them years ago seems like everything comes back around some time
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