Ambulance Stretcher Comprehensive Buying Guide - MFI Medical

Ambulance stretchers are the pivotal tool in emergency response and are necessary to transport patients and carry the life-saving equipment that responders need. While no stretcher brand is better than another, there are several important features to take into account when it comes to choosing the best one for your team. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most prominent features available from top-tier ambulance stretchers and giving you recommendations that fit those best.

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Weight: Lightweight Frame or Sturdy?

The weight of a frame can be a huge factor. Lightweight frames make it much quicker to offload the stretcher, while sturdier frames can support more weight. While both of the cots below have impressive weight capacities, there’s other features from each that you may find beneficial.

Lightweight Option: Ferno 35-A Mobile Transporter X-Frame Ambulance Cot

• Weight: 74 lb (34 kg).
• Sports an impressive 500 lb load capacity.
• Built-in shock frame.
• Low foot-end lifting for better leverage.

Sturdy Option: Stryker MX-PRO R3 Ambulance Cot

• Weight: 81 lb (38 kg).
• Available in 600 lb (272 kg) and 650 lb (295 kg) load capacities.
• Larger patient surface and oversized wheels for support.
• BackSmart design integrates hydraulics for lifting backrest and reducing strain.

Frame Design: X-Frame vs H-Frame?

When it comes to each of these frame designs, there’s not much difference between them. One slight advantage that the X-frame may have is a frame that’s more stable in roll, while the H-frame’s advantage may lie in the underframe storage options. 

H-Frame Option: Stryker EZ-PRO Ambulance Cot

• Five adjustable positions to choose from.
• 650 lb (294 kg) weight capacity.
• Includes two lap belts and one four-point shoulder restraint.

X-Frame Option: Ferno 35-X PROFlexX X-Frame Ambulance Cot

• Gas-assist backrest for adjustments.
• Compatible with LBS boards for bariatric support.
• X-frame boasts “superior stability” with a C-channel running along the cot.
• Wider surface to support elbow room, intubation, and CPR.

Loading and Unloading: Manual or Power Assist?

Whether you’re looking for a fully-loaded powered cot, or a simpler reliable frame that you can build on, we’ve got the stretchers for you. Manual stretchers are the tried-and-true models that can be counted on for stability, durability, and affordability. The new power-assisted stretchers typically feature technology that reduces the load strain from responders or allows them to load and unload quickly.

Manual: Ferno 30-NM MRI Conditional Ambulance Cot

• No frills, reliable and durable cot.
• MRI-safe - MR Conditional at 3-Tesla or less.
• Super lightweight at 54 lb.
• Stable x-frame undercarriage and adjustable backrest.

Power Assist: Stryker Power-PRO XT Ambulance Cot

• Battery-powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers the cot.
• Weight capacity of 700 lb (318 kg).
• Helps reduce spinal load on responders during lift and load.
• Compatible with the Power-LOAD fastener system, which automatically guides and locks stretcher in place inside the ambulance.

Other Specialized Stretchers

It’s not just your standard stretchers that we have in our store. Some patients or emergency situations require more specialized equipment. Take a look at what other features you’ll want to consider.

Chair Cot

Chair cots are especially unique in that they can fold all the way down into a chair position for patients. This allows them to sit comfortably, as well as be maneuvered around staircases and narrow areas. For Ferno brand, there’s the Ferno 28 Fernoflex Roll-In Chair Cot, which has the added ability of folding flat once the patient has been removed from a narrow space. It also boasts a 650 lb (294 kg) weight capacity.

Bariatric Stretcher

For patients who have a larger physique, a bariatric stretcher is the most ideal one to use. These specialty stretchers are constructed with stronger support, lower profile, and large handles to maneuver. With the Stryker MX-PRO Bariatric Transport Cot, users also have access to unique features such as:

• A load capacity up to lb (725 kg).
• Seven height positions and safety bars.
• Shock positioning.
• One-hand release bars and rails.

Accessories Every Ambulance Stretcher Needs

Regardless of which kind of stretcher you utilize for emergencies, there are extra items available through MFI Medical that can better outfit the unit. These accessories can secure vital life-saving equipment, provide extra straps for patients, or provide more surface area for patients. 

Oxygen Bottle Holders

Oxygen bottles are critical for providing patients with much-needed oxygen, but they’re often large and clunky to handle. By attaching a bottle holder to the stretcher, it keeps the cylinder secured at an easy-to-reach distance without compromising airflow or other vital equipment while in use. Bottle holders are available from Ferno and Stryker, each with different models available that can be placed on the back or the head of the ambulance stretcher.

Lifting Handles

Sometimes it can be difficult for responders to quickly load and unload the stretcher with what handholds they can find alone. In those situations, it’s best to install extra lifting handles, at either the foot or head of the stretcher. These extra handles allow for a stronger grip on the stretcher, or allows extra responders to help handle the stretcher.

For more information, please visit Stair Stretchers.

Straps and Restraints

Strapping the patient to the stretcher ensures that they reach the hospital safely, but sometimes it takes more than a simple chest or leg strap to keep them secure. Various shoulder, waist, and child-size restraints are available to ensure that the emergency response team is always prepared, no matter who the patient is. Additionally, there are wrist and ankle restraints available for extra protection.

Replacement Mattresses

Ambulance stretcher mattresses are built for extreme durability, but as with all things the material can eventually wear over time. If a mattress becomes damaged or worn, MFI Medical carries an assortment of replacement mattresses that are just as durable and long-lasting.

Pockets and Storage Pouches

It’s important to maximize all the space on your ambulance stretcher, so we recommend utilizing storage pouches and attachable trays. The Stryker Pocketed Head End Storage Pouch is conveniently placed under the head end of a Stryker stretcher, utilizing the space for small accessories or extra supplies that a responder might need within reach. Ferno also offers SofNet Drop Frame Storage trays, which are mesh surfaces that can stretched across the frame and can carry bottles or other heavy supplies.

Pediatric and Baby Boards

When pediatric or infant patient needs to be secured to a stretcher, they’re often too small for the size of the stretcher, making it risky to secure them to the stretcher. As such, Ferno offers specialized restraint systems and boards that are designed to hold these smaller patients. This allows responders to keep them strapped in, or keep their head stationary during transport. 

Specials on Ambulance Stretchers

If you’re in the market for an ambulance stretcher or any accessories, don’t forget to take a look at our Specials page. We offer frequent deals and discounts on all sorts of products and brands you trust, and these deals change throughout the year. So be sure to check back frequently!

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Are you still unsure what ambulance stretcher your team needs, or what accessories are appropriate for a stretcher you already have? Don’t hesitate to contact us, whether through the chat box (bottom corner of your screen) or by giving us a call! Our team members are happy to help.

A stretcher, gurney, litter, or pram[1] is an apparatus used for moving patients who require medical care. A basic type (cot or litter) must be carried by two or more people. A wheeled stretcher (known as a gurney, trolley, bed or cart) is often equipped with variable height frames, wheels, tracks, or skids.

Stretchers are primarily used in acute out-of-hospital care situations by emergency medical services (EMS), military, and search and rescue personnel. In medical forensics, the right arm of a corpse is left hanging off the stretcher to let paramedics know it is a deceased person. They are also used to restrain prisoners during executions via lethal injection.[2]

History

An early stretcher, likely made of wicker over a frame, appears in a manuscript from c. .[3] Simple stretchers were common with militaries right through the middle of the 20th century.[4]

Gurney

Generally spelled gurney, but also guerney or girney.[5] The first usage of the term for a wheeled stretcher is unclear, but it is believed to have been derived from Pacific Coast slang.[6] Its use in a hospital context was established by the s.[7][8]

Classification

EMS stretchers used in ambulances have wheels that makes transportation over pavement easier, and have a lock inside the ambulance and straps to secure the patient during transport. An integral lug on the stretcher locks into a sprung latch within the ambulance in order to prevent movement during transport. Modern stretchers may also have battery-powered hydraulics to raise and collapse the legs automatically. This eases the workload on EMS personnel, who are statistically at high risk of back injury from repetitive raising and lowering of patients. Specialized bariatric stretchers are also available, which feature a wider frame and higher weight capacity for heavier patients. Stretchers are usually covered with a disposable sheet or wrapping, and are cleaned after each use to prevent the spread of infection. Shelves, hooks and poles for medical equipment and intravenous medication are also frequently included.

Standard stretchers have several adjustments. The bed can be raised or lowered to facilitate patient transfer. The head of the stretcher can be raised so that the patient is in a sitting position (especially important for those in respiratory distress) or lowered flat in order to perform CPR, or for patients with suspected spinal injury who must be transported on a spinal board. The feet can be raised to what is called the Trendelenburg position, indicated for patients in shock.

Some manufacturers have begun to offer hybrid devices that combine the functionality of a stretcher, a recliner chair, and a treatment or procedural table into one device.[9]

Basic stretchers

• Simple stretchers are the most rudimentary type. They are lightweight and portable, made of canvas or other synthetic material suspended between two poles or tubular aluminum frame. Many are stored as disaster supplies and are often former military equipment.
• The folding stretcher, also known as a top deck or collapsible stretcher, is similar in design to the simple stretcher, but features one or more hinged points of articulation to allow the stretcher to be collapsed into a more compact form for easier handling or storage. Some models may even allow the patient to sit upright in a Fowler's or Semi-Fowler's position.
• The Roberson orthopedic stretcher or scoop stretcher is used for lifting patients, for instance from the ground onto an ambulance stretcher or onto a spinal board. The two ends of the stretcher can be detached from each other, splitting the stretcher into two longitudinal halves. To load a patient, one or both ends of the stretcher are detached, the halves placed under the patient from either side and fastened back together.[10] With obese patients, the possibility exists of accidentally pinching the patient's back when closing the stretcher, so care must be made not to injure them when carrying out this procedure.
• The litter, also known as a basket stretcher or Stokes litter, is designed to be used where there are obstacles to movement or other hazards: for example, in confined spaces, on slopes, in wooded terrain.[10] Typically it is shaped to accommodate an adult in a face up position and it is used in search and rescue operations. The person is strapped into the basket, making safe evacuation possible. The litter has raised sides and often includes a removable head/torso cover for patient protection. After the person is secured in the litter, the litter may be wheeled, carried by hand, mounted on an ATV, towed behind skis, snowmobile, or horse, lifted or lowered on high angle ropes, or hoisted by helicopter.
• The WauK board is also designed for use in small spaces. The patient is secured to the board with straps. It has two wheels and a foldable footrest at one end, allowing the patient to be moved by one person, much as with a hand truck for moving cargo. It can also be used at a variety of angles, making it easier to traverse obstacles, such as tight stairwells.[11]
• The Neil Robertson stretcher is a stretcher designed for securely transporting injured individuals through narrow and confined spaces, such as steep ladders, small hatchways, and narrow passages. The Neil Robertson stretcher is widely used in maritime settings, particularly by naval forces and maritime rescue team.[12]

Flexible stretchers

A flexible stretcher, also known by the brand names Reeves sleeve or SKED,[note 1] is a stretcher that is often supported longitudinally by wooden or plastic planks. Essentially a tarpaulin with handles, it is primarily used to move a patient through confined spaces, e.g., a narrow hallway, or to lift obese patients.[14] Reeves stretchers have six handholds, allowing multiple rescuers to assist extrication.[15]

Wheeled stretchers

For ambulances, a collapsible wheeled stretcher, or gurney, is a type of stretcher on a variable-height wheeled frame. Normally, an integral lug on the stretcher locks into a sprung latch within the ambulance in order to prevent movement during transport, often referred to as antlers due to their shape. It is usually covered with a disposable sheet and cleaned after each patient in order to prevent the spread of infection. Its key value is to facilitate moving the patient and sheet onto a fixed bed or table on arrival at the emergency department. Both types may have straps to secure the patient.

Other types of stretchers

• The Nimier stretcher (brancard Nimier) was a type of stretcher used by the French army during World War I. The casualty was placed on their back, but in a "seated position", (that is, the thighs were perpendicular to the abdomen). Thus, the stretcher was shorter and could turn in the trenches. This type of stretcher is rarely seen today.

See also

Notes