GB2502830A

GB2502830A - Integral midline junction mechanism with pulley ratchet closure for stretcher

Info

Publication number: GB2502830A
Application number: GB201210196A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas James Low
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-06-08
Filing date: 2012-06-08
Publication date: 2013-12-11
Also published as: GB201210196D0

Abstract

A method of joining the two halves of a scoop stretcher SS in its midline utilizing suitably shaped integral parts of the ends of the halves which interlock by, for example, a mortise M and tenon T type shaping or other such interlinking or interdigitating fashion, the two stretcher halves being pulled and then maintained together by a separate ratchet strap RCT via a pulley B/P principle at each end of the stretcher with all the aforesaid components being compatible with X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. The scoop stretcher may also be formed to be oversized or reinforced, allowing for transfer of bariatric patients.

Description

DESCRIPTION

UK PATENT APPLICATION

INTEGRAL MIDLINE JUNCTION MECHANISM WITH PULLEY AND RATCHET

CLOSURE FOR SCOOP LONG BOARD EXTRICATION DEVICE BASED STRETCHER

(IMJMWPARCF SLED Eased Stretcher) The invention relates to a mechanism for attaching together the two halves of a "scoop stretcher" rescue device.

The invention enables the thus produced "scoop stretcher" to also be used in the manner of a conventional "spinal longboard" rescue device if suitably shaped. The invention is called the Integral Midline Junction Mechanism with Pulley and Ratchet Closure for Scoop Longboard Extrication Device Based Stretcher abbreviated hereafter as the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher. The IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher design allows it to be compatible with standard X-ray examination, Computerised Tomography (CT) scanning and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) so that the patient can have medical images taken whilst still on the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher.

When a casualty suffers an actual or potential spinal injury, it is essential to extricate the patient from the place of injury and provide transport with the minimum of disruption to the alignment of the spine. Maintaining suitable alignment of the spinal eolumnreduces the risk of subsequent neurological deficit due to damage of the spinal cord.

Conventional existing casualty extrication and transporting devices fall into two categories: 1. A long one piece "spinal longboard" generally with overall dimensions of approximatedlyl83 x 42 x 5 cm onto which a casualty must be carefully placed by the paramedic teclmique of "log-rolling"or sliding. This is not without risk Of damage to the integrity of the spinal cord. These devices are, however, very useful for rapid casualty extrication. They are generally constnicted of plastic.

2. A two piece "scoop stretcher" is of a similar overall size to a "spinal longboard" and is divided longitudinally down its centre. The two halves are designed and shaped to scoop under each side of the casualty. Scooping the casualty poses a lesser risk to the integrity of the spinal cord than "log-rolling" or sliding. The two halves are clipped together with a steel and aluminium latch/catch mechanism. The metal components of conventional "scoop stretchers" may impede the clarity of X-rays. Any steel components could heat up and possibly move in an Mill scanner due to the high magnetic forces involved.

Conventional "spinal longboards" and "scoop stretchers" are each suited to their own specific casualty rescue and transport situation and are generally not interchangeable in use. In fact, an excellent hybrid combined "spinal longboard" and "scoop stretcher" made of plastic and metal is already manufactured. However, this hybrid does not have M scan compatible joining latches.

Furthermore, it does not close in the midline making scooping of the casualty slightly more difficult.

The invention, the Integral Midline Junction Mechanism with Pulley and Ratchet Closure for Scoop Longboard Extrication Device Based Stretcher, again, abbreviated as the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher design has the advantageous and new principle ofjoining the two halves of a "scoop stretcher". The scooped (longitudinally concave) two halves of an example of a IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher are shown at Figure 1. The midline edge of the scoop is thinner -approximately 0.5cm in thickness (indicated as TN) than the thicker outer edge -approximately 4cm in thickness (indicated as 1K) in Figure 1. The IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher would be of similar outline dimensions to the conventional "scoop stretcher" and "spinal longboard". The two halves are shown conjoined in Figure 2.

The securing of the union between the two scoop shaped longitudinal halves of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher woUld be by means of an integral junction which is moulded into or part of the intrinsic shape of the halves and can take the form of a slot mortise with an opposing tenon or other interdigitating or interlinjcing form. The same type ofjoining'mechanism would be present at each end of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher. An example of this mechanism is shown in Figure 3 and this example takes the form of a type of mortise (M) and tenon (1). The components of the junction would need to be reinforced by X-ray translucent and MRI compatible materials such as titanium, carbon fibre or other high-strength material.

The two scoop shaped halves of the TMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher would be pulled together by two high strength ratchet straps, one at the head end and the other at the foot end of the stretcher. The straps are to be used in a pulley fashion to enhance mechanical advantage and thus assist scooping the halves under the patient. Each ratchet strap thus runs around two MRI compatible (e.g.titanium, aluminium or brass) metal bolts or posts, one on each side of the midline of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher. At the head end, the posts/bolts are each approximately 10cm from the midline and at the foot end they are each approximately 6cm from the midline. These metal bolts/posts shown in the head end of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based tretcher as B/P in Figure 4. As can be seen in Figure 4, a high strength, for example.12.7mm x ?62mm nylon ratchet cable tie (RCT) (also known as a "tie-wrap" or "zip tie wrap") and posts/bolts (B/P) are situated in a groove (G)at the end of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher. An example of a tenon and mortise/slot junction is shown in Figure 4 as land M respectively. All of the aforementioned components in Figure 4 keep the scooped halves together. In Figure 4 CES is the curved end stop which is for strengthening the groove (G) and to guide RCT strap end.

Figure 5 shows the head end when the halves of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher are pulled together. The end of the ratchet cable tie (RCT) is tucked in the groove (G).

A scooped casualty (CAS) is illustrated in Figure 6. Securing straps would keep the casualty in position and would be attached via the holes (H) in the figure.

To separate the halves of the JMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher, the cable tie is simply cut using paramedic heavy duty shears and the scooped halves of the IMJMWPARCF SLED pulled gently apart whilst manually ensuring no loss of alignment of the casualty's spine.

A proportionately scaled up and suitably reinforced version of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher could be constructed for use with large and heavy patients. Careful use of the ratchet straps would allow the scoop shaped halves of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher to be pulled together under the patient with simultaneous gentle partial log-rolling if and as necessary. For significantly scaled up versions, it may be necessary to use wide webbing and metal ratchet mechanisms. Any non-MRI compatible metal ratchet components would need to be removed and a temporary but strong non metallic strap/clasp device should be put in place prior to MRI scanning.

Thus, to conclude, the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher has the advantages, in one device, of both the conventional "pina1 longboard" and the two piece "scoop stretcher" without their respective disadvantages. All versions of the IMJMWPARCF SLED based stretcher would be made of suitably reinforced plastic materials.