Scoop stretcher

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 a stretcher, vacuum mattress or long spine board).

However, the ninth edition of the ATLS 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.