Thescoop stretcher (orclamshell,Roberson orthopedic stretcher, or justscoop) is a device used specifically formoving 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.[1]
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 astretcher,vacuum mattress orlong spine board).[2] They are more comfortable than a long spine board for transport.[2]
The scoop stretcher can be used forpatient transport, provided the patient is strapped. However, the ninth edition of theATLS Student Course Manual advises against using scoop stretchers for patient transport.[3] 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.[4]