Good Thinking

Scoop stretcher can transform to a lightweight wheelchair in seconds

Scoop stretcher can transform to a lightweight wheelchair in seconds
Studio Rotor and Retter Helfer Medical suggest replacing a scoop stretcher in emergency vehicles with the Multi Scoop Pro, a stretcher that can transform into a wheelchair
Studio Rotor and Retter Helfer Medical suggest replacing a scoop stretcher in emergency vehicles with the Multi Scoop Pro, a stretcher that can transform into a wheelchair
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Studio Rotor and Retter Helfer Medical suggest replacing a scoop stretcher in emergency vehicles with the Multi Scoop Pro, a stretcher that can transform into a wheelchair
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Studio Rotor and Retter Helfer Medical suggest replacing a scoop stretcher in emergency vehicles with the Multi Scoop Pro, a stretcher that can transform into a wheelchair
The Multi Scoop Pro can unlock and break into two, scoop up the patient and then lock into stretcher mode for lift and go
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The Multi Scoop Pro can unlock and break into two, scoop up the patient and then lock into stretcher mode for lift and go
The first prototype of the Multi Scoop Pro stretcher/wheelchair combo
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The first prototype of the Multi Scoop Pro stretcher/wheelchair combo
Multi Scoop Pros in stretcher and wheelchair modes
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Multi Scoop Pros in stretcher and wheelchair modes
The Multi Scoop Pro can unlock and break into two, scoop up the patient and then lock into stretcher mode for lift and go
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The Multi Scoop Pro can unlock and break into two, scoop up the patient and then lock into stretcher mode for lift and go
The Multi Scoop Pro can be adjusted to accommodate patients of different height
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The Multi Scoop Pro can be adjusted to accommodate patients of different height
As well as transporting patients, the Multi Scoop Pro can also be used to haul gear to the site of an emergency
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As well as transporting patients, the Multi Scoop Pro can also be used to haul gear to the site of an emergency
View gallery - 7 images

Dutch design firm Studio Rotor has been working with startup Retter Helfer Medical on a lightweight patient transport option for ambulance personnel. The Multi Scoop Pro features a patented mechanism that sees it change from flat stretcher to wheelchair in a matter of seconds.

While researching the work of paramedics, Studio Rotor found that traditional manual stretchers had been replaced in many modern ambulances by electric stretchers weighing 60 kg and more. That heft meant that emergency personnel would often just leave these heavy stretchers in the vehicle and lug all of their equipment to where it was needed by hand.

The research also revealed that virtually all ambulances still had a scoop stretcher too, which are used to lift patients off the ground. So the designers looked at combining such a scoop stretcher with a lightweight wheelchair. Paramedics could then use it to trundle equipment along in wheelchair mode, and either transform it to a scoop stretcher when needed or seat the patient in the wheelchair for transport back to the vehicle.

Multi Scoop Pros in stretcher and wheelchair modes
Multi Scoop Pros in stretcher and wheelchair modes

The resulting Multi Scoop Pro weighs in at around 10 kg (22 lb) and serves as an ambulance stretcher with scoop capabilities that can be unlocked into two sections, positioned under a patient and locked again for transport mode.

Wheel components can also be pulled out and locked into place before the whole thing is lifted up and compressed into a wheelchair shape. It can be used to haul emergency gear to a site and the foot rests pulled out so that the patient can be wheeled to where they need to go.

Currently a working prototype, Retter Helfer Medical is further developing the concept with IDP Amsterdam to get the Multi Scoop Pro ready for launch towards the end of 2019. The video below demonstrates the functionality.

Source: Studio Rotor

Retter Helfer Medical - Multi Scoop Pro

View gallery - 7 images
2 comments
2 comments
Username
That is one clever piece of kit
vince
Superb idea. When my dad died he lived in tiny 9 foot room with 90 degree dogleg into hallway only 34 inches and 28 inch wide door and they could not get stretcher around that bend so they had to lift him standing up stupidly to get him to emergency. This design would have worked great