Different types of stretchers

Medical stretcher types

Medical stretchers are used to carry, transfer and transport patients in emergency medical vehicles, ambulances, healthcare facilities such as hospitals, and in evacuation situations. They come in different configurations, portability, and usability to accommodate a patient's medical condition, the urgency of the situation, and the environment in which they are used.

Common types of medical stretchers include:

• Standard stretchers: They are mostly used for transferring stable patients. They provide a firm and flat surface without too many moving parts that can be folded up for easy carrying around. Regular stretchers are comfortable for patients who do not require too much supervision. For example, patients who have recently undergone surgery.
• Cots: They are foldable and lightweight like stretchers but designed more like beds. They often have mattresses for extra comfort and can be easily carried in vehicles or converted into chairs.
• Chair stretchers: They are designed to move patients with less mobility, especially those with breathing problems or in need of emergency medical transport, though they can't lie flat. The stretcher looks more like a chair. It can be used in elevators, and tightly spaced rooms, and during vertical transport where standard or longboard stretchers can't fit.
• Folding stretchers: They can be folded for compact storage and transport. They are usually made of lightweight materials like aluminum or plastic and nylon or canvas for the supporting bed. These are often used in emergencies, where space is limited, and a quick, portable solution is required for patient transport.
• Convertible stretchers: They are cots designed to change shape or purpose. For example, a folding stretcher can convert from a flat stretcher to a sitting cot or even a chair, providing various transport options based on the patient's needs or the situation's requirements. These are commonly used in hospitals with different departments requiring distinct stretcher designs.
• Immobilization boards: They are flat boards used to carry away injured patients with suspected spine injuries, keeping their bodies straight to avoid further damage. Usually made of rigid materials like wood, plastic, or metal. Some have straps that go over the patient's body to secure them in place. Great for moving patients from one area to another without moving their head or back around, like from the accident scene to the ambulance or from the ambulance to the hospital.
• Basket stretchers: Also called rescue stretchers. They resemble baskets or cages with a rigid frame and mesh or padded lining. Used in search-and-rescue missions over rough or difficult terrain, such as mountains, cliffs, or water. Provide protection and support to an injured person while being carried on stretchers through extreme environments.
• Spinal stretchers: They are specially made to hold a patient's head, neck, and back in the same position during transport to avoid moving any part of the suspect spinal injury. The frame is usually made of lightweight rigid plastic and designed to go over a stretcher so the victim can be moved without any additional handling - or flip boards that slide between two standard stretchers to carry the patient and the stretcher together.
• Twofold board stretchers: As the name suggests, the twofold board stretcher slides open and closed like a folding door and is collapsible for storage and transport. Used for secure transport over long distances in difficult terrain or situations where other stretchers require too much space, such as in ambulances or helicopters.
• All-terrain wheeled stretchers: They include larger, rugged wheels and a more stable frame, with or without suspension to absorb jolts over bumpy ground. Designed for outdoor rescue operations where the patient needs to be moved across varying and often rough terrain while ensuring their comfort and safety.

Case scenarios define the necessity and importance of various types of stretchers, either for medical facilities or rescue operations, as all the equipment is purposely built to meet performance and safety requirements.

Different specifications of stretchers

Medical stretchers come in various specifications to meet the needs of medical professionals. These include specific weight measurements for the stretcher and the patient, different materials used, and sizes and foldability options. Knowing these specifications allows buyers to order the right stretcher for their hospital or clinic needs.

• Loading weight

  The maximum weight bearing capability of a stretcher is crucial. Going over the limit is dangerous as it risks failure. Make sure to get several different types of stretchers, including the light ones for easy transport and the heavily constructed ones that can bear larger weights.

• Folding mechanisms

  Stretchers, like chairs, can have several folding styles. Some fold around the middle, while others have legs that collapse like a compact camp chair. The more sophisticated designs may fold inways that require out little space in storage. When choosing, ensure the folding type matches how and where it will be stored in the facility.

• Materials composition

  Lightweight aluminum stretchers provide strength and do not rust. There are some with a canvas or nylon bed that can easily be washed and is more comfortable. Rigid plastic boards offer maximum support to a patient but are again easy to clean. They are all chosen for their strength, how much they weigh, and how easy they are to clean and keep away from germs.

• Wheeled stretchers

  For those with wheels, it is important to know the size of the tires. Bigger ones are better for bumpy ground because they can go over rocks and potholes. Those with little wheels are good for smooth floors like inside a hospital. The wheels go round and round, and some wheels have brakes, which is nice, especially when there is a need to park the stretcher on an inclined surface so that it doesn't roll off by itself.

• Stickers

  Some stretchers have special belts called stickers that help hold the patient in place and keep them safe from any further injury. These belts can be quickly undone or adjusted for different-sized patients without much hassle. One more thing - sometimes, to make things faster and safer, the sticker may be colored red or have red inside so that in emergencies, one sees it right away.

• Stretcher straps

  A few have extra straps that go above and below a patient's body if they are very critical and need to be held securely in one position. These are called head straps and foot straps. They are nice to have when the stretcher is tilted, or the patient gets an emergency dashboard medication and needs to stay still.

• Size dimensions

  Standard stretcher sizes are the same across stretchers because this makes it easy to swap them around hospitals. It is, however, still important to measure different rooms and furniture where the stretcher will be used to ensure the new one fit - no more than 70 cm and preferably close to 65 cm in width and 20 cm at least in heights when folded.

Usage of stretcher in medical institutions

Injured or ill patients needing transport may be safely carried using medical stretchers. They are used everywhere, from emergency medical services and ambulances to hospitals, during evacuation situations, or in outdoor camping.

Paramedics use ambulances equipped with stretchers to load them quickly, drive to the hospital, and unload the stretcher with the patient still on it. Hospitals also have many sick patients lying on stretchers while doctors examine them or doing imaging scans for diagnosis.

• Emergency situations: Stretchers enable fast and safe movement of patients with potentially dangerous conditions from one place to another to get help quickly.
• Mass casualty incidents: Stretcher usage increases during disasters with many injured people needing transport simultaneously, such as accidents, fires, or natural events, to keep order and allow for timely care.

Outside of emergencies and hospitals, stretchers are also used in:

• Transporting patients: In long-distance patient transport between facilities by air or ground where conditions permit to provide care en route using a stretcher to keep the patient stable.

• Outdoor rescue: Used by search-and-rescue teams or mountain medics to transport injured people out of remote areas where vehicles cannot drive performed on a wheeled or nonmotorized Stretcher designed for the terrain.

Things to consider when purchasing stretcher

Several key factors must be considered when making the purchase.

• Durability

  How strong or rough a product is plays a big role in how long it will last. Look for those made from tough materials such as ropes, metals, or hard plastics, as they won't tear, rust, or break easily. Stronger items can handle being dropped, flipped, or used outside. Stronger items may also tolerate being used over time without becoming weak or losing their ability to hold something - again, perfect for hospitals or anyone needing to shift safe transport frequently.

• Weight limit

  The maximum or minimum weight that an item can hold is very important to notice so that it's not used for an inappropriate weight. For example, a folding stretcher designed for small, lightweight people cannot have too many features added, like big wheels for outdoor use. The same goes for heavyweights - ensure the selected choices can handle the range of weights they will hold and that none falls below the recommended minimum or goes over the maximum.

• Different environments

  The environment in which the stretcher will be used also matters. Some are made for smooth indoor use, like in hospitals, while others are rugged enough for outdoor rescue in the mountains or disasters. Think about the different settings the stretcher may face and pick one suited to that terrain, weather, and surfaces. This way, it can endure whatever use is thrown at it.

• Unsafeness

  The safety features that come with a product are essential as they keep people fairly safe and help keep risks low. Some factors to remember include things like frames that are high off the ground, pads, and cushions to ensure crash landings are soft, belts that securely latch people in, and harnesses that reduce chances of flipping out or falling over. Also, look for details that might help protect whoever is carrying the device from getting hurt. More safety features mean less worry and more care appropriately.

• Emergency usage

  If the stretcher is to be used in emergencies, look for heavy-duty materials with simple, quick-acting parts and reliable locking mechanisms that won't jam. Visibility features, like bright colors or reflective areas, should be considered for use in low-light conditions. Anything that makes operation under stress - like color-coded functions - gauges this factor in emergencies. Stretchers designed to endure hazardous, fast-moving situations will survive many years in hospitals.

• Budget

  The cost put into the options is essential since it measures how well or how long the selections will be used. Those with more end costs typically have nicer materials, finish details, and more features to ensure safer transfers. More money generally buys more flexibility, safety, usefulness for longer, and solid handling of varied uses. The care required to find the right balance for the budget pays off with a better-performing tool over time. Keep going over all the pluses and how much use is expected in hospitals to weigh whether the price is worth it.

Q&A

Q1: How does a folding stretcher function?

Folding stretchers employ hinges or slide mechanisms to collapse various parts for compactness during storage and transport.

Q2: How strong are stretchers?

The load-bearing capacity of a stretcher varies based on its intended use; many are designed to support 300 pounds or more for robust models.

Q3:How are stretchers disinfected?

Stretchers are disinfected using clean cloths and approved hospital disinfectants to remove debris and germs.

Q4: Do wheelchairs have brakes?

Yes, many wheelchair wheel models are equipped with brakes to secure the chair when necessary.

Q5: What is the purpose of a wheeled stretcher?

Wheeled stretchers aim for easier, smoother patient movements across various surfaces, particularly in hospital environments.