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Kemp USA Flat Folding Stretcher | Field Manual & SOP

Category: Manual Stretchers & Gurneys

Difficulty Level: Tier 3: Field Competency Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The Kemp USA Flat Folding Lightweight Stretcher is a man-portable patient transfer platform used by emergency responders, first aid teams, and evacuation personnel to move injured or mobility-impaired individuals over short distances when wheeled transport is inaccessible.

The stretcher is built around a tubular aluminum frame weighing 9 lbs with a single central hinge that folds the unit to a stored profile of 37" x 20" x 1.25". The patient-bearing surface is a non-porous, fluid-resistant blue Oxford weave fabric that resists biohazard absorption and accepts decontamination with standard broad-spectrum disinfectants. This flat-fold profile makes the unit ideal for pre-positioned deployment in vehicle compartments, supply closets, and building evacuation kits where rapid access and minimal storage footprint are operational requirements.

Deployment follows a five-phase protocol: staging and opening the stretcher, rapid patient assessment, coordinated lateral transfer onto the fabric surface, carry with a minimum two-person and optimal four-person team, and transfer to a higher level of care upon reaching the destination. The lead responder at the head of the stretcher initiates all movement commands, with patient movement conducted feet-first to maintain situational awareness. Stairwells, narrow hallways, and terrain inaccessible to wheeled gurneys are the primary environments where this stretcher provides a direct capability advantage.

This device is a transfer tool, not a medical intervention platform. It provides no spinal immobilization, no integrated patient restraint, and no life support integration. Any patient with suspected spinal, pelvic, or long-bone instability must be secured to a rigid backboard or scoop stretcher before placement, and the stretcher must never be used with bariatric patients or combative individuals.

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Field Application Steps

1. RETRIEVE AND STAGE THE STRETCHER: Carry the folded stretcher to the patient's location. Place it on the floor, grasp the outer hand grips, and pull the two halves apart in a single smooth motion.

2. CONFIRM HINGE LOCKOUT: Visually and physically verify that the central hinge is completely flat and presents no play or wobble. A hinge that is not fully locked compromises structural integrity under patient load and must be corrected before proceeding.

3. POSITION THE STRETCHER: Place the open stretcher on the ground parallel to and directly alongside the patient, with the fabric surface oriented to receive a lateral transfer.

4. ASSESS THE PATIENT: Communicate with the patient, explain the procedure, and perform a rapid assessment to rule out signs of spinal, pelvic, or long-bone instability. If any such injury is suspected, secure the patient to a rigid backboard or scoop stretcher before proceeding.

5. POSITION THE CARRY TEAM: Place a minimum of two responders on one side of the patient with the lead responder positioned at the torso. A four-person team with responders at both sides is the preferred configuration for patient stability and rescuer safety.

6. EXECUTE THE LIFT AND TRANSFER: The lead responder issues the command: "Team, preparing for lift. On my count of three, ONE, TWO, THREE, LIFT." Lift in a coordinated manner and move the patient laterally onto the center of the Oxford fabric surface, ensuring weight is evenly distributed.

7. ASSUME CARRY POSITIONS: Position responders at the four corners of the stretcher for optimal control, or at the head and foot as a two-person minimum. All carry personnel grip the exposed aluminum frame ends.

8. INITIATE MOVEMENT: The lead responder at the head initiates all movement commands. Move the patient feet-first to maintain situational awareness. Navigate stairwells and doorways slowly, with all actions verbally communicated before execution.

9. TRANSFER TO HIGHER LEVEL OF CARE: Upon reaching the destination, the lead responder commands: "Team, prepare to lower, LOWER." Place the stretcher on the ground or adjacent to the receiving cot. Transfer the patient using a coordinated lift or slide method.

10. DECONTAMINATE AND INSPECT POST-USE: Remove gross contamination, then wipe the entire Oxford fabric surface and aluminum frame with an approved disinfectant such as CaviWipe or Sani-Cloth. Allow the stretcher to air dry completely before folding and returning it to storage. Do not machine wash or use abrasive chemical cleaners.

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Kemp USA Flat Folding Lightweight Stretcher – Aluminum & Blue Oxford Fabric

Equip Yourself: Kemp USA Flat Folding Lightweight Stretcher – Aluminum & Blue Oxford Fabric

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.