Innovative Emergency Stretcher Protects Spine

An innovative emergency stretcher is designed to minimize spinal movement of patients after a potential back or neck injury.

The CombiCarrier II is a fully approved backboard and orthopedic stretcher that offers a continuous head support surface, improves neutral alignment, and minimizes head movement during application and removal. The stretcher separates in half for application or removal by separating it at either end; it is joined together once again by sliding the two sections of the stretcher under the person, without rolling or shifting of the torso. A recessed auto-lock side-latch, which is positioned away from patient locks instantly during application, and requires a manual release during removal from the patient. By eliminating unnecessary movements, the stretcher is ideal for patients with suspected hip and pelvic injuries, functioning like a traditional backboard. The CombiCarrier II also accommodates most durable and disposable head immobilizers.

The stretcher is made of a seamless high-density polyethylene construction, with no rivets, drive screws, or roll pins to cause potential malfunctions. The stretcher is easily cleaned and disinfected, and helps institutions comply with United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. Foam filling makes it ideal for water rescue situations. The clear central section of the stretcher provides an unobstructed anterior and posterior view of patient's spine, allowing hospital staff to take the patient directly to radiology, since it allows X-rays to pass through it. If needed, the split-design allows for simple, easy removal and reapplication for detailed X-ray examination. The CombiCarrier II is a product of Hartwell Medical (Carlsbad, CA, USA), and won a silver medal at the 2008 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) in the medical & scientific category.

"The medic who took care of a female patient used the CombiCarrier with the help of the public,” said Michael Rickenbach, EMT, director of Medlife ambulance services (Plan Les Ouates, Switzerland). "Even with inexperienced people he was able to install the patient onto the ComboCarrier with ease and very little added pain and discomfort for the patient.”


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