GB2482962A

GB2482962A - Recovery position stretcher

Info

Publication number: GB2482962A
Application number: GB201113994A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Karel Gray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-16
Filing date: 2011-08-15
Publication date: 2012-02-22
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-15
Also published as: GB201113994D0; GB2482962B; GB201013652D0

Abstract

A stretcher for carrying a person in the recovery position comprises a base 1 and at least a head cradle 2, an arm fastening 3, and a thigh fastening 5, preferably with quick-release self-locking mechanisms 17, positioned on the base 1 so as to fit around one or more limbs of a person placed on the stretcher to maintain the limb(s) of the person in the recovery position, also known as the coma position. The arm and thigh fastenings are on the same side as one another. The stretcher may also comprise markings imprinted on the base to indicate the recovery position. Fastening for the both arms, both thighs, and both ankles may be provided on the base of the stretcher.

Description

Stretcher [0001] This invention relates to stretchers and like devices used to recover an individual who is injured, sick, distressed or violently disturbed. The invention can be used to for compliant individuals for example after sporting accidents, mountain air/sea rescue etc. and non-compliant individuals for example in public order and custody suite environments, prisons and in combat situations [0002] The manner in which individuals are stretchered will vary from one situation to another depending on the circumstances. In all cases however the safety of the individual and those trying to help will be paramount and existing guidance be that generic or legislative will be followed.

[0003] However, whichever method is applied, there is always the risk of further injury or death particularly where the individual may be suffering from the effects of alcohol or drug abuse. In some cases some form of mental disorder may be present causing violent or aggressive behaviour or where Excited Delirium Syndrome has been identified as a potential cause of the disturbed behaviour, there will be clear risk of danger of death when those symptoms subside.

[0004] At the present time no equipment is available which can be applied in these and other similar situations whereby the individual can be safely and securely stretchered to a place of safety in the internationally recognised recovery position.

[0005] The internationally recognised recovery position aims to prevent suffocation through obstruction of the airway, which can occur in unconscious individuals who lie in a horizontal (supine) position. The supine individual is always at risk of airway obstruction because of mechanical or fluid obstruction, for example, the individual's own tongue, usually vomit or blood. Placing an individual in the recovery position gives gravity assistance to the clearance of physical obstruction of the airway by the tongue, and also gives a clear route by which fluids can drain from the airway.

[0006] The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) advises six key principles to be followed which have been accepted as the standards to be adopted by national bodies constituting its membership: * The victim shou'd be in as near a true lateral position as possible with the head dependant to allow free drainage of fluid * The position should be stable * Any pressure of the chest that impairs breathing shou'd be avoided * It should be possible to turn the victim onto the side and return to the back easily and safely, having particular regard to the possibility of cervical spine injury * Good observation of and access to the airway should be possible * The position itself should not give rise to any injury to the victim [0007] In addition to the standards framework outlined above care needs to be exercised in retraining and moving individuals if claims criminal or civil iability is to be avoided in many countries.

[0008] This stretcher of this invention when correctly used enables a user clearly and unequivocally to demonstrate that they have applied relevant duty of care' as defined in the Act and all reasonable care and attention to protecting the individuals' safety and well-being had been taken.

[0009] Existing stretcher systems cannot demonstrate the same level of effectiveness or protection because: * they position the individual in the supine position which can lead to further injury or death * straps are used across the trunk/chest area creating pressure on the chest and in so doing potentiaIy impair breathing * they do not offer the same degree of security.

[0010] According to the present invention a stretcher comprising a base and one or more fastenings said fastenings positioned in respect of the base to fit around one or more limbs of an individual placed on the stretcher to maintain said limbs in their position in the recovery position while the individual is on the stretcher is characterised in that the fastenings comprise a head cradle, an arm fastening, and a thigh fastening for a first leg, said thigh being on the same side of the body as said arm. In this context abase" means that portion of the stretcher which takes the weight of an individual when carried on the stretcher. In particu'ar, it does not imply that the base is rigid.

[0011] The base preferably has a marked imprint of the recovery position printed, embossed or engraved thereon enables the rapid and accurate positioning of an individual on the stretcher.

[0012] The stretcher may incorporate a head cradle to maintain the head of an individual in the recovery position while the individua' is on the stretcher.

[0013] Desirably the fastenings are each equipped with a quick release se'f-ocking mechanism device rapidly to restrain or release the relevant part of the body of the individua' concerned.

[0014] Additionally and desirably additional fastenings comprise: [0015] a fastening for the other arm; [0016] a fastening for the lower leg or ankle corresponding to the thigh for which a fastening has already been provided; and/or [0017] a fastening for the second leg of an individual who may be on the stretcher.

[0018] Arm fastenings are positioned to maintain a restrained arm outwards and upwards of the trunk of an individual on the stretcher.

[0019] The thigh fastening is positioned to restrain the right leg in an outwards direction with respect to the trunk of an individual on the stretcher.

[0020] Any fastening to restrain said second leg is positioned to outstretch said second leg with respect to the trunk.

[0021] Ideal'y in a stretcher according to invention a head cradle is provided which is arranged with a support to be positioned below the chin of an individual, said support causing the mouth of an individua' when on the stretcher to face generally outwards and downwards with respect to the trunk of the individual.

[0022] Convenient'y the head cradle and fastening are maintained in position by oops of material passing though the base.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention the base panel is characterised in that includes a marked imprint of the recovery position.

[0024] Each fastenings is conveniently eqwpped with a quick release self-locking mechanism to enable rapid release of an individual should the individual become distressed or need assistance.

[0025] The fastenings preferable comprise a head cradle, a fastening for one or both arms, a fastening for a thigh, and a fastening for the lower leg or ankle corresponding to the thigh. Normally the individual is supported on the base facing right or left with the fastening for the thigh and lower leg or ankle restraining the left leg. In this way the head and trunk are fu'ly supported in position, but no restraint is placed around the chest or any other part of the trunk to avoid undue pressure being applied to the chest wall.

[0026] Preferably the fastenings are provided for both arms to hold the arms forward and upward in respect of the rest of the individual's body to provide stability and prevent pressure on the chest.

[0027] Preferably the head cradle includes a support to be positioned below the chin on an individual whereby the mouth faces genera'ly downwards but to one side.

[0028] Preferably the head cradle and fastening are attached to the base panel by loops of material passing though the base panel. Alternatively they can be sewn or riveted to the base panel, or fitted to intermediate webbing on the base panel, which intermediate webbing itself is attached at the sides of the base panel.

[0029] The base panel is fitted with a plurality of carrying handles, which are optionally detachable. Likewise skids may be provided beneath the base panel to support the base panel off the ground. Both of the features mentioned in this paragraph are entirely conventional and are known for existing stretcher systems.

[0030] An embodiment of the invention is described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figure 1 which shows schematically a stretcher according to the invention.

[0031] The stretcher shown in the drawings comprises a base 1. This may comprise any robust material (plastic, alloy, composite, polyamide etc.), with reinforcement, but ergonomic, lightweight, hygienic, strong, durable, hypo-allergenic, washable, soft, non-abrasive, comfortable and non-combustthle. Many suitable materials are already used for stretchers for use in different situations and this invention is not restricted in ts adoption of one of these known materials. The board comprises of a multitude of slots to enable a wide variety of fixing positions to be used to accommodate differing body sizes and weights. In this example, however, are illustrated as a number of pairs of slots 22A and B, 23A and B, 24A and B, 25A and B, 26A and B, 27A and B for maintaining the head cradle 2 and adjustable arm fastenings 3 and 4, left thigh fastening 5, left ankle fastening 6, right leg fastening 7. Additional slots, for example for further head cradle fastenings may be provided, if required.

[0032] An outline of a body 20 in the recovery position is imprinted on the base is aid positioning of a patient or other individual on the stretcher. The imprint can be by conventional printing techniques, marking the surface of the base with the outline, it is not normally done by indenting the base as this could cause discomfort if an individual is larger than such an indented impression.

[0033] The base incorporates cushioned carriers 16 positioned at most suitable strategic places for removal of stretchered individual. In this instance the carriers are shown along each side of a base of flexible material and are easily removed for easy folding of the stretcher. In other examples for different applications the base can be of rigid metal or plastic, say when the stretcher is to be used for patient transport in and ambulance or hospital, and the handles could be permanently fitted. The material specifications of the base would comply with any relevant standards.

[0034] Towards one end of the base, head cradle 2 is mounted. Head cradles as such are known and can be comprise any suitable material i.e. plastic, composite, polyamide etc. fully lined and paddedlreinforced with materials which are durable, hypo-allergenic washable, soft, non-abrasive, comfortable, non-combustible and provide full protection for the head against impact/other or similar injury. The position of the head cradle on the base relative to the other fastenings 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 ensures correct and secure positioning of the head 9 facing in the right in the recovery

S

position, in this example. Once in place the head 9 is maintained in the desired position in the cradle using a plurality of flexible fixings 17. the cradle itself is held in position with straps 19 which pass through slots 22A and 22B in the base, and which are joined beneath the base by a quick release locking device (conventional and not shown). These may be woven fastenings, straps or clips etc. which are constructed, fabricated, comprising of or from any suitable material such as plastic, composite, polyamide or alloy and are padded/reinforced with materials which are hygienic, durable, hypo-allergenic washable, soft, non-abrasive, comfortable, and non-combustible. These fixings 17 are fitted with quick lock and release devices 1 7a to allow for rapid engagement and release of an individual when necessary. The head cradle 2 has a wedge shaped portion to support the rear of the chin to guide the mouth of an individual into a downwardly included position, allowing blood and other fluids to drain from the individual and ensure that the chin is sufficiently well up to keep the epiglottis open. The wedge shaped portion may be integral with the head cradle 2, or separate, although if the latter, there is a risk of it being mislaid when needed. The head cradle is open faced and held securely in place by straps attached to its rear padding through slots 22A and 22B in the base. Straps 19 may incorporate a quick release mechanism to allow rapid engagement and r&ease if needed.

[0035] The arms 10 and 11 of an individual on the stretcher can be held in place in the recovery position upward and outwards from the rest of the individual's body by woven fastenings 3 and 4 comprising any suitable material such as plastic, fabric, or composite polyamide fully lined and padded/reinforced with materials which are durable, hypo-allergenic, washable, soft, non-abrasive, comfortable, non-combustible, flexible and provide full protection for the hand/wrist area against any friction or similar/other injury. Fastening 3 is correctly positioned to securely retain the left arm 10 in an upward position to provide stability to the trunk 15 and in so doing preventing pressure on the chest. Fastening 4 is correctly positioned to securely retain the right arm 11 in a similar upward position next but inside the right arm 3. In doing so this provides further stability to the trunk 15 and further preventing pressure on the chest. The fastenings 3 and 4 are looped through the base I through slots 23A and 23B and 24A and 24B respectively to hold them in place. The slots shown on the iUustration are indicative only as the board is made up of any number of these. Suitable flexible self-locking and quick release mechanisms (3a and 4a) as described previously enabie an individual's arms to be engaged with and released from the stretcher quickly. These fastenings 3 and 4, in this example are manufactured to military parachute cord

specification.

[0036] The right leg 12 of an individual on the stretcher is held in place in an outstretched position a woven fastening 7. The eft leg of an individual is held in position with two woven fastenings 5 and 6, fastening 5 around the eft thigh 13 of the individual, fastening 6 (this fastening is shown undone) around the eft lower leg or anke 14 of the individual. Fastenings 5, 6 and 7 are of similar construction to that of fastenings 3 and 4 and are fitted to the base by looping though pairs of slots 25A and 25B, 26A and 26B and 27A and 27B respectively in the base. Suitable flexible self-locking and quick release mechanisms (5a, 6a and 7a) as described previously to enable an individual's arms to be engaged with and reeased from the stretcher quicky.

[0037] All the self-locking and quick release mechanisms 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, and 17a, (and any quick release mechanism associated with the strap 19) can be constructed from any suitable material (for example steel, alloy, plastic, fabric, composite, polyamide) which is durable, hygienic, non-hypo-allergenic, washable, non-combustible, non-rusting and flexible. Aircraft seat type ocks and hook and loop devices (such as Velcro®) can be used in this context.

[0038] For many types of stretcher underside runners 8 can be provided. These can comprise any suitably robust material (plastic, alloy, composite, polyamide etc.), with reinforcement, but ergonomic, lightweight, hygienic, strong, durable, hypo-allergenic, washable, non-abrasive and non-combustible. They can attached to underside of the base 1 as part of manufacturing process or independently and for the full length of base 1, or n strips, circ'es or any other form n horizontaL vertica' or other positions (individua' semi-e ptica hoops are shown in figure 1).

Conveniently they are about 10 to 16 cm deep with a width of 5 to 7cms, but these figures can vary widely depending on the intended applicafion for the stretcher.The undersides of the runners 8 are provided with a non-slip finish to minimise sliding on the ground or on floors face meeting with floor. The sliders should be collapsible or removable to facilitate navigating doorway or any other obstruction.

Claims

Claims 1. A stretcher comprising a base and one or more fastenings said fastenings positioned in respect of the base to fit around one or more limbs of an individual placed the stretcher to maintain said limbs in their position in the recovery position while the individual is on the stretcher characterised in that the fastenings as a minimum comprise a head cradle (2), an arm fastening (3), and a thigh fastening (5) on a first leg, said thigh being on the same side of the body as said arm.
2. A stretcher according to claim I characterised in that fastenings additionally comprise a fastening for the other arm (4).
3. A stretcher according to claim I or 2 in which one or both arm fastenings are positioned to maintain a restrained arm outwards and upwards of the trunk of an individual on the stretcher.
4. A stretcher according to any preceding claim characterised in that fastenings additiona'ly comprise a fastening (6) for the lower leg or ankle corresponding to the thigh.
5. A stretcher according to any preceding claim characterised in that fastenings to restrain a first leg maintain the thigh of said leg in an outwards direction.
6. A stretcher according to any one of claims 5 to 8 characterised in that the fastenings additional'y comprise a fastening (7) for the second leg of an individual who may be on the stretcher.
7. A stretcher according to claim 6 characterised in that said fastening to restrain said second leg is positioned to outstretch said second leg with respect to the trunk.
8. A stretcher according to any preceding claim and including a head cradle characterised in that the head cradle includes a support to be positioned below the chin of an individual said support causing the mouth of an individual when on the stretcher to face generally outwards and downwards with respect to the trunk of the individual.
9. A stretcher according to any preceding claim characterised in that the head cradle and fastening are maintained in position by loops of materia' passing though the base panel.
10. A stretcher according to any preceding c'aim characterised in that it additionaUy comprises a head crad'e (2), said head crad'e configured and positioned to maintain the head of an individua' in the recovery position whUe the individua' is on the stretcher.
II. A stretcher according to any preceding daim characterised in that the base (1) has a marked imprint (20) of the recovery position thereon.
12. A stretcher according to any preceding claim characterised in that said fastenings are equipped with a quick release self-locking mechanism devices (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a).
13. A stretcher substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.