What is a Stretcher ?

What is a Stretcher?

Stretchers are also known as a gurney or trolley. The stretcher and gurney are often used as synonyms—a stretcher associated with transporting sick and injured people. You can find stretchers in ambulances and in hospitals, but they are also used in the funeral industry.

What are the types of stretchers for patients?

Short answer: the main types of stretchers include transport stretchers, ambulance stretchers, emergency stretchers, spine boards, stair chair stretchers, and scoop stretchers.

 1. Transport stretcher

Transport stretchers offer safe and efficient patient transport within healthcare facilities and during emergencies. Combining reliability, safety, and comfort, transport stretchers are one of the most common and safest methods of moving patients from one area to another. One common use example is when a patient undergoing surgery needs to be transported from their patient room to the operating room. In this situation, the medical professional will likely use a transport stretcher to move the patient.

2. Ambulance Stretcher

An ambulance stretcher is commonly used in ambulances and it comes in various sizes to adapt to various sizes of ambulances too. Consists of one lower and upper frame, a lockable gas spring which makes the paramedics or the ambulance driver load and unload the stretcher into the ambulance and out of the ambulance with the patient easily. 

YA-AS05 Wheelchair Stretcher is a 2-in-1 ambulance stretcher. It can be used as a gurney or a wheelchair.

3. Emergency Stretcher

The emergency stretcher is also known as a folding stretcher. Specialized rescue and emergency stretchers are useful for assisting patients who require transport outside of the hospital. Whether used for sports medicine, EMS Rescue, or any other situation where a patient cannot walk, rescue stretchers can provide the support needed to get a patient to safety. It comes in single-fold and double-fold stretchers, based on the requirement and considering the storage space in the ambulance or anywhere.

4. Stair Stretcher

Stair stretchers and stair chairs are ideal for helping emergency medical professionals transfer patients up and down staircases.

5. Spinal board

A spinal board is a patient-handling device used primarily in pre-hospital trauma care. It is designed to provide rigid support during the movement of a person with suspected spinal or limb injuries. They are most commonly used by ambulance staff, as well as lifeguards and ski patrollers. Historically, backboards were also used in an attempt to “improve the posture” of young people, especially girls.

6. Scoop Stretcher

A device used specifically for moving injured people. It is Ideal for carrying casualties with possible spinal injuries. A scoop stretcher has a structure that can be split vertically into two parts, with shaped ‘blades’ towards the center which can be brought together underneath a patient. The two halves are placed separately on either side of the patient or then brought together until securing clips at the top and bottom both engage.

Aluminum alloy scoop stretcher: Due to its all-aluminum construction, the YA-SC02 Scoop stretcher is lightweight and durable.

Plastic scroop stretcher: The thermally-treated polymer construction maintains an even temperature for greater patient comfort, and the easy-to-clean surface is impervious to fluids.

Final thought

In summary, stretchers play a crucial role in transporting sick and injured individuals.These diverse stretcher options contribute to ensuring the safe and effective transportation of patients in various medical settings.

Learn more About Medik Stretchers

At Medik Hospital stretchers, we always want you to feel informed before you make a purchase.

If you have any doubts about which stretcher fits you, please contact the Medik team, so we can help you make the right choice.

Call us today at +86 15250358182 or email us at info@medik-medical.com.