DK202330160A1

DK202330160A1 - Emergency stretcher

Info

Publication number: DK202330160A1
Application number: DKPA202330160A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Pagh Mathiesen Ole
Original assignee: Op Mathiesen Holding Aps
Priority date: 2023-08-23
Filing date: 2023-08-23
Publication date: 2025-02-19
Also published as: DK181843B1; WO2025040563A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an emergency stretcher for fast evacuation. The emergency stretcher especially comprises a frame with an end part adapted for supporting the gluteal area of the casualty when lying thereon on his or her back, while the casualty’s legs are supposed to extend beyond the same end.

Description

DK 2023 30160 A1 1

Emergency stretcher

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to emergency stretchers.

Background of the invention

Emergency stretchers used in rescue operations for carrying casualties are manufactured based on several requirements. They must be durable, easy to transport, easy to handle, easy to use with a casualty, and readily available at hand in an emergency.

When the casualty lies in a hazardous zone, such as a war zone, or in a zone where fire, explosions or hostile action may still occur, it is of outmost importance that the paramedic, or other user of the emergency stretcher, can enter and leave the hazardous zone as fast as possible. Furthermore, it is important that the evacuation of one casualty can be performed by a single paramedic to maximize the transportation capacity and furthermore to minimize the risk of further casualties.

Hence, an object of the invention is to improve the utility of emergency stretchers in a hazardous zone.

Summary of the invention

A first aspect relates to an emergency stretcher adapted for evacuating a casualty, the emergency stretcher comprising: - a frame adapted for supporting a human body, said frame having a first end and a second end; and - a first set of wheels arranged at the second end of the frame; wherein the second end of the frame is adapted for supporting the gluteal

DK 2023 30160 A1 2 area of the casualty when lying thereon on his or her back.

A second aspect relates to an emergency stretcher adapted for evacuating a casualty, the emergency stretcher comprising: - a frame adapted for supporting a human body, said frame having a first end and a second end; and - a first set of wheels arranged at the second end of the frame; wherein the second end of the frame is adapted for supporting the gluteal area of the casualty when lying thereon on his or her back, and wherein the emergency stretcher or its frame has a maximum length corresponding to the length of an upper human body (i.e., a human body without the legs), such as having a maximum length of at most 100 cm, preferably within the range of 50-90 cm.

This configuration allows for an easier handling and positioning of the emergency stretcher as it is shorter than normal emergency stretchers. It uses the benefit of a short leverage (upper body lift only) instead of full leverage if lifting of full body length. The invention allows the heels of the casualty to be the only body part that is dragged across the ground surface without protection by the stretcher. The arms and hands will be positioned on top of the casualty’s torso and pelvic area. As the casualty normally wears shoes or boots, there is little risk of damaging the casualty’s feet, but in case of bare feet, there can be placed a protection board under the heels. This is an option designed to maximize the evacuation speed.

Furthermore, the size and preferred telescopic function of the emergency stretcher makes it easier to operate by a single person.

Preferably, the second end of the frame is adapted for directing the casualty’s leg(s) beyond the second end of the frame.

In one or more embodiments, the second end of the frame comprises an

DK 2023 30160 A1 3 inclining section adapted for supporting the casualty’s gluteal region and for directing the casualty’s leg(s), beyond the second end of the frame. This embodiment makes the casualty bend a little in the hip area, thereby raising the calves above the ground.

In one or more embodiments, the inclining section is further adapted to prevent the casualty from sliding off the second end of the frame during use, e.g., configured to be inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the stretcher, preferably inclined in the direction of the second end.

In one or more embodiments, the second end of the frame comprises an inclining section adapted to prevent the casualty from sliding off the second end of the frame during use, e.g., configured to be inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the stretcher, preferably inclined in the direction of the second end. The inclining section may be coated with an antiskid material, such as rubber, or a granular coating, to prevent the casualty from sliding thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the emergency stretcher further comprises fastening means adapted for releasably fastening the casualty to the frame.

The fastening means may e.g., be configured as a belt, e.g., comprising a clip buckle.

The fastening means may preferably be adapted to serve as a pulling means adapted for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher. In some embodiments, the fastening means is a strap adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty. The strap may be looped around the first end of the frame, preferably thereby defining a first part adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty, and a second part adapted as pulling means for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher. The second part may be

DK 2023 30160 A1 4 connected to a length adjusting mechanism, e.g., a simple hand operated mechanism that may be releasable fastened to a part of the strap. The strap may be a circular strap. The circular strap may be looped around the first end of the frame, thereby defining a first part adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty, and a second part adapted as pulling means for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher. Again, the second part may be connected to a length adjusting mechanism, e.g., a simple hand operated mechanism that may be releasable fastened to a part of the strap.

As an example, the hand operated mechanism may comprise an outer handle part, and an inner handle part operably connected to the outer handle part. The outer handle part and the inner handle part may together be adapted for functioning as a clamping mechanism for releasably fastening to a position along the length of the second part of the strap, thereby being able to shorten the second part of the strap. A user will then preferably pull in the hand operated mechanism. The outer handle part may be configured with an opening adapted for receiving a user's hand or at least the user's fingers, thereby allowing the user to grip onto the outer handle part and reach the inner handle part. The inner handle part is in this configuration adapted for being moved from a first position within the outer handle to a second position, e.g., when the user tightens their grip. In the first position, the outer handle part and the inner handle part together defines a channel (or two channels, one for each strap length of the second part of the strap) in which the second part of the strap can run. In the second position, the width of this/each channel is reduced, thereby locking the second part of the strap between the two handle parts. The inner handle part may be configured with a push plate or rod adapted for activating the inner handle parts movement from the first position within the outer handle to the second position. The push plate or rod may be positioned accessible via the opening in the outer handle part. The push plate or rod may be resiliently mounted (e.g., spring operated) within the

DK 2023 30160 A1 outer handle part, thereby forcing the inner handle part to return to its first position as soon as the user loosens their grip.

In one or more embodiments, the emergency stretcher further comprises a 5 second set of wheels arranged at the first end of the frame.

In one or more embodiments, the emergency stretcher has a width of within the range of 20-30 cm, i.e., preferably narrower than the casualty’s torso during use.

In general, the frame should preferably be of a width suitable for supporting the ribcage of a casualty. In one or more embodiments, the frame has a width of within the range of 20-30 cm, i.e., preferably narrower than the casualty’s torso during use.

In one or more embodiments, the emergency stretcher has a length of at most 100 cm, such as within the range of 50-90 cm.

In one or more embodiments, the frame has a length of at most 100 cm, such as within the range of 50-90 cm.

The frame may be configured to be adjustable from a first collapsed configuration suitable for carrying by hand to a second extended configuration suitable for supporting a casualty during transportation.

In one or more embodiments, the emergency stretcher further comprises a head support arranged at the first end of the frame.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or

DK 2023 30160 A1 6 "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an emergency stretcher in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a side view of an emergency stretcher in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Figures 3 shows a perspective view of a first end of an emergency stretcher in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Figures 4-9 illustrates step-by-step how to use an emergency stretcher in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to Figures 1-3, the general scheme of the invention is shown.

Figure 1 discloses an emergency stretcher 100 adapted for evacuating a casualty. The emergency stretcher comprises a frame 110 adapted for supporting a human casualty's body. The frame has a first end 112 and a second end 114. A first set of wheels 120 is arranged at the second end

DK 2023 30160 A1 7 114 of the frame 110, and a second set of wheels 130 is arranged at the first end 112 of the frame 110.

The second end 114 of the frame 110 is adapted for supporting the casualty’s gluteal region when lying thereon on his or her back and for directing the casualty’s leg(s), beyond the second end of the frame. In this specific embodiment, this function is embodied such that the second end 114 of the frame 110 comprises an inclining section 140 adapted for supporting the casualty’s gluteal region 14. The inclining section also serves to direct the casualty’s leg(s) 12, beyond the second end 114 of the frame 110, as e.g., shown in Figures 5 and 6. The inclining section 140 is here of a size and shape suitable for preventing the casualty from sliding off the second end 114 of the frame 110 during use, specifically configured to be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction (as indicated with the horizontal axis X in Figure 2) of the stretcher 100 and in the direction of the second end 114 of the stretcher. In general, the inclination of the inclining section 140 is preferably within the range of 10-90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis X (see Figure 2) along the length of the stretcher 100. The lower inclination range of 10-40 degrees are sufficient if the stretcher is not lifted from the ground at the first end 112, but if it is produced to be lifted from the ground at the first end 112, while still in contact with the ground at the second end 114, e.g., lifted to an angle of 30-40 degrees relative to the ground, it may be preferred that the inclination of the inclining section 140 is within the range of 40-90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis X along the length of the stretcher 100. A sheet material 150, 160 may be arranged across the frame 110 to increase the comfort for the casualty, although it is not mandatory. The sheet material 150, 160 may preferably be a textile material.

In Figures 1 and 2, the stretcher 100 is shown in a first collapsed configuration suitable for being carried by hand. The frame 110 is shown comprising a first frame unit 116, and a second frame unit 118. In the first

DK 2023 30160 A1 8 collapsed configuration, the second frame unit 118 is telescopically mounted to the first frame unit 116, i.e., the second frame unit 118 may e.g., as shown be configured to slide back and forth within the first frame unit 116 as indicated with the double arrow in Figure 3, or vice versa (not shown). In this way, the stretcher 100 may be adjustable from a first collapsed configuration suitable for carrying by hand to a second extended configuration suitable for supporting a casualty during transportation. This configuration may also be suitable for adjustment to different body sizes of casualties. The extended position is shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, the emergency stretcher 100 is also shown comprising a fastening means in the form of a circular strap 170. The circular strap 170 is looped around the first end 112 of the frame 110, thereby defining a first part 174 adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty, and a second part 172 adapted as pulling means for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher 100.

Figures 4-9 illustrates step-by-step how to use an emergency stretcher as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 4, a paramedic 20 has just encountered a casualty 10 and is just about to turn the casualty 10 with one hand to position the emergency stretcher 100, held in the other hand, beneath her.

The emergency stretcher 100 is placed in a second extended configuration that fits the size of the casualty. In Figure 5, the paramedic 20 has just placed the emergency stretcher 100 in position, such that the inclining section 140 can support the casualty’s gluteal region 14. The casualty's leg(s) 14 are directed beyond the second end 114 of the frame 110. Now, in

Figure 6, the casualty 10 has been placed back into a position on her back, now lying on the emergency stretcher 100. The circular strap 170 is looped around the first end 112 of the frame 110, thereby defining a first part 174 defining a loop, and a second part 172 defining a loop. The paramedic 20 leads one hand through the loop of the first part 174, about to grab one of the casualty’s arms and direct it back through the first loop to secure the

DK 2023 30160 A1 9 strap in the corresponding armpit. The same operation is repeated for the other arm of the casualty, which is almost finished in Figure 7 and finished in Figure 8. In this way, the first loop is locked to the casualty’s armpits, extending across her chest region and between the torso and the arms.

The loop of the second part 172 is used as pulling means for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher 100, as seen in Figure 9, which operation automatically tightens the loop of the first part 174. In

Figure 8, the paramedic 20 holds a heel sled 180 in one hand and is about to mount it under the heels of the casualty 10. Obviously, this is to avoid heel damage during transport. Other means may be used to hold or lock the position of the casualty’s hands on top of the casualty’s upper body, such as the torso to prevent them from damage during transportation. Such means could e.g., be handcuffs, or simply a double looped strap or the like.

DK 2023 30160 A1 10

References 10 Human casualty 12 Gluteal region 14 Leg 20 Paramedic 100 Emergency stretcher 110 Frame 112 First end 114 Second end 116 First frame unit 118 Second frame unit 120 First set of wheels 130 Second set of wheels 132 Axle 140 Inclining section 142 Wheel cover 150 First sheet 160 Second sheet 170 Strap 172 Pulling means 174 Fastening means 180 Heel sled

Claims

DK 2023 30160 A1 11 Claims

1. An emergency stretcher (100) adapted for evacuating a human casualty (10), the emergency stretcher (100) comprising: - a frame (110) adapted for supporting a human casualty’s body, said frame (110) having a first end (112) and a second end (114); and - a first set of wheels (120) arranged at the second end (114) of the frame (110); characterized in that the second end (114) of the frame (110) is adapted for supporting the casualty’s gluteal region (12) when lying thereon on his or her back.

2. The emergency stretcher (100) according to claim 1, wherein the second end (114) of the frame (110) comprises an inclining section (140) adapted for supporting the casualty’s gluteal region (12) and for directing the casualty’s leg(s) (14), beyond the second end (114) of the frame (110).

3. The emergency stretcher (100) according to claim 2, wherein the inclining section (140) is further adapted to prevent the casualty from sliding off the second end (114) of the frame (110) during use, e.g., configured to be inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the stretcher (100), preferably inclined in the direction of the second end (114).

4. The emergency stretcher (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, further comprising fastening means (170, 174) adapted for releasably fastening the casualty to the frame (110).

5. The emergency stretcher (100) according to claim 4, wherein the fastening means (100, 174) is further adapted to serve as a pulling means (172) adapted for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher (100).

6. The emergency stretcher according to any one of the claims 4-5, wherein

DK 2023 30160 A1 12 the fastening means is a strap (170) adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty.

7. The emergency stretcher (100) according to claim 6, wherein the strap is looped around the first end (112) of the frame (100), preferably thereby defining a first part (174) adapted for being positioned across the chest region and between the torso and the arms of said casualty, and a second part (172) adapted as pulling means for use during a pulling operation of the emergency stretcher (100).

8. The emergency stretcher (100) according to any one of the claims 1-7, further comprising a second set of wheels (130) arranged at the first end (112) of the frame (100).

9. The emergency stretcher (100) according to any one of the claims 1-8, wherein said emergency stretcher (100) or its frame (110) has a width of within the range of 20-30 cm, i.e., is narrower than the casualty’s torso during use.

10. The emergency stretcher (100) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein said emergency stretcher or its frame (110) has a maximum length of at most 100 cm, such as within the range of 50-90 cm.