The right equipment can be crucial for emergency medical services when it comes to transporting patients. The ambulance stretcher is typically the most important piece of equipment used by an EMS operation, because it's the only tool that permits the safe transport of a patient from the scene to a medical facility. Nevertheless, selecting the right stretcher is an involved process, and it requires important decisions.
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This guide takes you through a buyer's checklist for quality and regulatory compliance.
The importance of quality
Quality is extremely important when it comes to medical equipment. A good stretcher is critical to a strong medical outcome. A poor quality stretcher has been proven to contribute to complications during transport and to potential injury according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Important Factors to Consider
Compliance with Regulations
It is very important that the stretchers comply with specific standards from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Certifications to verify
Evaluating Manufacturer Reputation
Picking the proper manufacturer is essential. Investigate their standing in the sector. Seek out firms that have experienced several years in the trade and have an established history of supplying top-notch gear.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Gleaning from the reviews of other EMS providers can yield some pretty enlightening insights. The kind of product we’re discussing here is clearly reviewed by lots of folks in our line of work, and those reviews often yield positive feedback about the durability, ease of use, and shine right through with the kind of customer service that we really ought to expect from any manufacturer.
Budget Considerations
Although quality is critical, budget limitations often have a big impact on decision-making. Still, investing in top-notch gear can save money over time. Stretchers that necessitate a steady supply of on-hand parts—or, worse, that call for a regular diet of fresh, fit-to-be-tied replicas—can put a dent in your coffers. Not to mention that they can leave the townsfolk with some seriously stretched-out faces and shapes when the actual replacements hit the scene.
Training and Support
Once you buy a stretcher, ensure that your team gets trained properly on its use. A stretcher of high quality is only effective if your personnel know how to operate it safely and efficiently.
Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate ambulance stretcher is a most vital decision for any EMS provider. It is a matter of quality, compliance, and manufacturer reputation.
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Automatic Loading Stretcher- This multifunctional automatic loading stretcher has varied heights, with a foamed cushion bed and adjustable back for comfort.
6AB Basket Stretcher - The basket stretcher is durable, flexible, and designed for rapid, safe emergency use, including helicopter transport.
MOBI Pro 650™ Elite Ambulance Stretcher - The MOBI PRO 650™ stretcher includes a telescoping IV pole, document holder, oxygen tank holder, straps, harness, and comfort mattress. Optional locking device available.
Hospital stretchers are wheeled stretchers or gurneys that are used in a long-term clinical or acute care setting. These differ from emergency (EMS) stretchers, rescue cots and baskets, or mortuary cots.
For over 30 years, MFI Medical has been a source for leading brands of hospital stretchers such as Stryker, Hill-Rom, TransMotion Medical, and more. Our team of customer service experts is often asked, "What should I be looking for when shopping for a hospital stretcher?":
Keep reading to learn more about the different types of stretchers or check out our previous blog, How to Choose a Hospital Stretcher, to go further into the above factors.
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Like medical specialties, the types of stretchers will vary depending on the intended use. Stretchers can range from transport, surgery, emergency, stretcher chairs, and many more. Each medical specialty and procedure has its dedicated type of stretcher to provide the best patient care.
Hospital stretchers, also known as gurneys, fall under three basic categories:
Now that you know How to Choose a Hospital Stretcher, we’ll go over transport, procedural, and specialty stretchers to narrow your search. In this blog, we'll focus on hospital stretchers and disregard ambulance cots and gurneys that are used in emergency (EMS) settings. We'll also provide a breakdown of the stretchers discussed in this blog at the end.
Transport stretchers are designed to move patients safely and effectively to and from procedures and rehabilitation. While patient safety and comfort are always top of mind, the safety of the medical caregiver is vitally important as well. Transport stretchers are designed to aid both the patient and medical staff.
Stretchers such as the Stryker Transport Stretcher (#ST104), “feature fifth wheel mobility for easier traction and cornering standard." Brakes on all four casters lock both swivel and rotation for security. MFI Medical offers the Stryker Transport Stretcher (#ST104) in a range of models and features to fit any need and budget. For an equally reliable transport stretcher at a more economical budget, we recommend the Wy'East Medical TotaLift II Transfer/Transport Chair.
Stryker Prime Series with dual side-mounted foot control hydraulics and uni-lower pedal (push handles sold separately)
If clinician physical strain is a concern, the Stryker Prime Series Stretcher is another favorite transport stretcher model among MFI Medical customers for its advanced mobility options:
Hausted APC All Purpose Chair pictured in the seated position
For a model with versatile uses, the Hausted APC All Purpose Chair “is intended for intra and inter-departmental transport. Pre-induction, transport, treatment, and recovery can be performed on the same unit to improve case turnaround and streamline patient handling.” The Hausted APC is an electrical model that can be converted from chair to stretcher position in just seconds with the touch of a button.
Procedural stretchers are stretchers that are capable of handling medical procedures in addition to transporting patients. These stretchers are specially designed for medical and surgical procedures and departments such as surgery, emergency, obstetrics, radiology, ophthalmology, and more.
Eye surgery stretchers are designed to provide access for ophthalmic surgical procedures. Eye surgery stretchers will feature a specially designed head section that safely sustains the patient’s head during the procedure. These specially designed head sections also provide the surgeon with more ample access and clearance during the procedure.
The Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher is a horizontal stretcher that features a dual articulating headpiece. Dual articulating headrest allows caregivers to place the head section in virtually any position and for positioning controls to tuck neatly within the headpiece. The Hill-Rom P Surgical Stretcher also features an articulating head section as well as wrist rests for the surgeon and integrated IV pole transport device that helps maneuver the stretcher and IV pole stands with ease.
If you are looking for a stretcher that allows for the patient to be in a seated position, we recommend the Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher. Available with either dependent or independent footrest, the Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher features easy positioning from horizontal to chair position. A convertible stretcher is ideal for surgery centers and small spaces since it allows you to maximize patient throughput.
Stretcher chairs are stretchers or gurneys that can convert from a traditional horizontal position to a 90° chair position to accommodate different circumstances for either the patient or medical department. Stretcher chairs are great for customers who are looking for a versatile piece of equipment. You can move the patient from bed to stretcher in a lateral position and then easily convert to a chair position, eliminating the need for manual positioning during their entire stay, thereby reducing patient fall and staff injury risk.
Similarly to the Eye Surgery Stretcher, the Stryker Stretcher Chair has the versatility of multiple positioning to accommodate any procedure or patient; with optional foot section that can be moved dependently or independently of the backrest.
The TransMotion Medical TMM4 Multi-Purpose Stretcher-Chair is a treatment chair, transport device, procedure device, and a stretcher, all in one (known as the Universal Care Platform). Battery operated controls provide easy button-powered positioning of back, leg, and height. In addition to being a procedural stretcher, the TMM4 automatically positions from seated to the fully reclined position with its auto-contour button. A full Radiolucent Back Section allows for X-Ray, fluoroscopic, and C-arm radiologic procedures. For surgical procedures, we recommend the TransMotion Medical TMM5 Mobile Surgical Stretcher-Chair. The TMM5 has similar features to the TMM4 while also providing an articulating headpiece for surgeon access.
Like previously mentioned in this blog, stretchers can vary just as much as medical specialties do. Here are a few other specialty stretchers that MFI Medical carries.
Fluoroscopy stretchers are designed to accommodate the C-arm of a fluoroscopy imaging machine and minimize the need to reposition the patient. Besides the special design, fluoroscopy stretchers are made of radiolucent materials compatible with fluoroscopy imaging machines.
The Stryker Fluoroscopy Stretcher features fold down side rails, dual foot controls for increased flexibility and ease of imaging, and a radiolucent litter top. If you are looking to minimize patient transfer, the Hausted Fluoro-Track Fluoroscopy Capable Stretcher provides a treatment table for procedures and a mobile stretcher for transport in one piece of equipment. Pre-indication, treatment, and recovery can be performed on the same stretcher.
OB/GYN stretchers are specially designed to accommodate people expecting a baby. These stretchers are designed to provide transport as well as patient positioning for pelvic exams.
The Stryker Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher (#) can convert from a general use stretcher to a pelvic exam table with locking-stirrups in just three steps. A great solution for emergency departments. Like the Stryker Transport Stretcher, the Stryker Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher (#) offers retractable fifth wheel to help improve maneuverability even in the smallest of spaces. Similarly, the Hill-Rom P OBGYN Stretcher provides the convenience of being a convertible transport to a procedural stretcher, built-in sliding litter, and integrated catch basin. Features like these make these models an ideal choice for maternity wards and emergency rooms.
Pediatric crib stretchers provide 360° secure mobility while transporting and monitoring pediatric patients. The stretcher is surrounded by side rails, and sometimes a hood, to ensure the pediatric patient cannot exit the stretcher.
Stryker Cub Pediatric Crib Stretcher is designed with both patient and caregiver in mind; it is designed to have a warm and friendly crib-like appearance to cultivate a healing environment for the patient and provide 360° of unobstructed access for the caregivers. Features like an integrated scale are optional to fit your budget and needs. Integrated scale helps the caregiver with patient throughput as it minimizes the need to transfer the patient. The Hausted Pediatric Stretcher Crib has three-position vertical side rails that are easy to use while providing maximum patient security and a one-hand adjustable backrest from 0 to 50° for patient comfort.
For video imaging - Hausted Video Imaging Chair (#VIC-429-ST) is specifically designed for modified barium swallow studies for AP and lateral imaging. The chair has a clear unobstructed view for imaging. If you would like to have the convenience of a transport stretcher in addition to a procedural stretcher, an optional back extension easily allows you to use the same chair for video imaging as well as transport.
Mammography/biopsy procedure - The Hausted MBC Mammography/Biopsy Chair (#MBC-000-ST) is ideal for use as a procedural chair or treatment table during mammography/biopsy procedures. The backrest adjusts to a full upright position of 90° to facilitate mammography procedures.
MFI Medical carries hospital stretchers by major brands such as Stryker, Hill-Rom, Hausted, and more. Each hospital stretcher sold by MFI Medical includes a warranty and is backed by the MFI Certified Guarantee. With this guarantee, you can shop confidently, knowing you have the support of one of the world's leading refurbished medical equipment suppliers. Here is a breakdown of some of the models we discussed in this blog. If you have any questions about which stretcher is suitable for you, contact your account manager for more information.
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Name Model Max. Height Min. Height Max. Weight Capacity Knee Gatch Features Trendelenburg Dimensions (Overall L x Maximum W) Patient Surface Years Manufactured Stryker Transport Stretcher ST104 721 36" 21.5" 500 lb None N/A +18° to −18° 83" x 30" 24" x 76" - 734 36" 21.5" 500 lb None N/A +18° to −18° 83" x 30" 30" x 75.5" - 735 36" 21.5" 500 lb None N/A +18° to −18° 83" x 30" 26" x 76" - 737 36" 21.5" 500 lb None 26" Litter +18° to −18° 83" x 30" 26" x 75.5" - 738 36" 21.5" 500 lb 0°- 30° 30" Litter +18° to −18° 83" x 34" 30" x 75.5" - 747 36" 21.5" 500 lb N/A N/A +18° to −18° 83" x 30" 26" x 75.5" - Current 748 36" 21.5" 500 lb 0°- 30° N/A +18° to −18° 83" x 34" 30" x 75.5" - Current Stryker Prime Series Stretcher 34" 20.75" 700 lb 0°- 40° Retractable Fifth Wheel +17° to −17° 85" x 30.5" Available in 26" or 30" x 75.25" Not Available 34" 20.75" 700 lb 0°- 40° Big Wheel Advanced Mobility +17° to −17° 85" x 30.5" Available in 26" or 30" x 75.25" Not Available 34" 20.75" 700 lb 0°- 40° Zoom Motorized Drive System +17° to −17° 86" x 31" Available in 26" or 30" x 75.25" Not Available Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher 36" 22.50" 500 lb 0°- 35° Features remain essentially the same. Main difference is age. +18° to −18° 88" x 31.5" 26" x 88" - 36" 22.50" 500 lb 0°- 30° Features remain essentially the same. Main difference is age. +18° to −18° 90" x 31.5" 26" x 87" - 34" 22.50" 500 lb 0°- 30° Features remain essentially the same. Main difference is age. +18° to −18° 90" x 31.5" 26" x 87" - 34" 22.50" 500 lb 0°- 30° Features remain essentially the same. Main difference is age. +18° to −18° 90" x 31.5" 26" x 87" - Current Stryker Stretcher Chair 33.5" 22" 400 lb 0°- 30° The foot section can be moved dependently or independently of the backrest +45° to −45° 76" x 30" 24" x 74" Not Available Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher 33.5" 22" 400 lb None The foot section can be moved dependently or independently of the backrest +18° to −18° 76" x 30" 24" x 74" Not Available Stryker Fluoroscopy Stretcher 34" 20" 500 lb None C-arm access 54" +8° to −8° 87" x 30.5" 26" x 84" Not Available Stryker Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher 35" 22" 500 lb 0°- 90° Permanently-attached folding foot section and foot supports. +18° to −18° 81" x 31.5" 26" x 75.5" Not Available