Ambulance Stretcher：Factors to Consider when Purchasing

Learn More Types and Prices of Ambulance Stretchers Online

During an emergency, the goal is to remove people from further danger or harm as quickly and as safely as possible. Ambulance stretchers are a necessity when it comes to carrying and transporting patients to a place where they can receive medical care.

We understand that buying a new ambulance stretcher can be costly. That is why we will talk about the different features and details available on ambulance stretchers—to help guide you to choosing the best ambulance stretcher for your team.

What is an ambulance stretcher?

An ambulance stretcher is a type of medical equipment that is used to carry patients and hold them securely as they are being transported to an ambulance or to a place where they can receive medical care. Ambulance stretchers are also known by other names, including hospital stretchers, patient stretchers, transport stretchers, and stretcher trolleys.

What is the difference between a stretcher and a gurney?

Stretchers and gurneys are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different. A gurney is basically a stretcher with wheels and legs that collapse.¹

What are the different types of stretchers?

There are many different types of stretchers to choose from, including wheeled stretchers, portable stretchers, stair chairs, basket stretchers, scoop stretchers, and spine boards.

What are the parts of a typical ambulance stretcher?

The parts of a typical ambulance stretcher include a mattress, straps for the chest, hip, and knee, a transport safety locking device, and an IV pole.³

What are the different uses and applications for an ambulance stretcher?

An ambulance stretcher is used to safely carry and transport a patient along with medical equipment to a place where medical care can be administered. They are used for transport in diverse settings, including transport across the pavement, staircases, rough ground, or through a hospital.

What should you look for when buying an ambulance stretcher?

When it comes to selecting the best ambulance stretcher for your team, there are several things to keep in mind.

What are the different types of stretchers?

As we discussed previously, there are many different types of stretchers to choose from, including wheeled stretchers, portable stretchers, stair chairs, basket stretchers, scoop stretchers, and spine boards:

• Wheeled stretchers are used to transport a patient across the pavement, allowing for quicker transport compared to carrying a patient. Some wheeled stretchers have larger wheels for use on rough ground. Generally, wheeled stretchers are used to carry portable stretchers or spine boards for ease of use and flexibility by folding the wheeled legs of the stretcher and lifting them.
• Portable stretchers are flexible and can be folded. These features come in handy for use in small areas. Some portable stretchers are made of metal while others are made of fabric. Some are made of plastic that can be rolled and carried or placed inside a bag.
• Stair chairs, or staircase stretchers, are used to safely transport patients down staircases using a sliding system. These types of stretchers are great for use in confined spaces or to get a patient out of a building by using a staircase.
• Basket stretchers are made of a thick plastic material and have tough handles and hook loops, making them great for mine rescues, high-altitude rescues, and water rescues. Some basket stretchers can also hold spine boards or other types of stretchers.
• Scoop stretchers are generally made from metal and are used to carry patients with a possible injury to the spine. They are designed to carry and load a patient without lifting or moving the patient’s body.
• Spine boards are designed to carry a patient with a possible spine or limb injury. It holds the patient in an aligned position to prevent further injuries. They are made of plastic, wood, or some other type of lighter-weight material for easier lifting.

What are the different features of ambulance stretchers?

• Lightweight frames: Ambulance stretchers are used to safely carry and load patients and should be lightweight yet durable. Aluminum X-frames are recommended as they are collapsible. Shock frames are also great for making the patient more comfortable when being loaded into the ambulance.
• Adjustable features: Ambulance stretchers are used in various emergency situations. Some patients will require lying down while others will require sitting up during transport. Therefore, considering a stretcher with adjustable head and foot features is a must. These features allow responders to safely secure and transport a patient down staircases or confined areas.
• Bariatric features: A bariatric ambulance stretcher may be of use for carrying and transporting patients who weigh over a certain weight limit. These stretchers are designed with strong handles and to sit lower to the ground, making it easier and faster to load and transport a patient.
• MRI capability⁴:There may be a situation in which a patient needs an MRI stat. Some ambulance stretchers are designed to be compatible with MRI equipment, preventing the need to shift or move the patient.
• Electric power assist^4,5: Some ambulance stretchers use hydraulics and electric power assist to automatically lift and lower the stretcher, reducing the risk of strain or injury to the responders.

What is the weight capacity of an ambulance stretcher? Ambulance stretchers are lightweight themselves. However, there may be a need for a bariatric ambulance stretcher that can safely carry and transport a patient who weighs over a certain weight limit.

The width factor should be considered to ensure that the ambulance stretcher safely and securely holds the patient and appropriately fits into the ambulance.

Side or end controls for raising and lowering the ambulance stretcher are also featured to consider when choosing the right ambulance stretcher for your team.

Will the ambulance stretcher fit appropriately inside the ambulance? Be sure that you choose an ambulance stretcher that is compatible with the size of the ambulance.

What accessories come with ambulance stretchers? No matter the emergency, there are extra accessories that may come in handy, including oxygen bottle holders, lifting handles, straps and restraints, mattresses, pockets and pouches, and pediatric boards⁵:

• Oxygen bottle holders are used to safely secure oxygen cylinders for patients who require oxygen.
• Lifting handles located at the foot or head of the ambulance stretcher enable responders to load and unload the stretcher with greater ease.
• There are shoulder, waist, and child-size restraints available to strap a patient securely and safely for transport.
• Ambulance stretcher mattresses are made of durable materials but will experience wear and tear over time. There are various mattresses that can be purchased to replace your damaged or worn mattress.
• Pockets and pouches are available to provide extra storage for equipment and supplies.
• Pediatric patients, including infants, are usually too small to fit securely on an ambulance stretcher. Pediatric boards are designed to securely hold these small patients.

We understand that you may have a budget to stay within when it comes to buying an ambulance stretcher. Ambulance stretchers can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. So be sure to look at the different features available and what your team needs in an ambulance stretcher.

When purchasing an ambulance stretcher, ease of use and durability should be considered.The ambulance stretcher should be durable yet lightweight and easy to use so that the responders can quickly and easily take care of the patient.

What are the different brands of ambulance stretchers? There are several brands of ambulance stretchers available on the market, including Stryker and Ferno.

Warranty is a very important factor to consider when purchasing an ambulance stretcher. Be sure to read the warranty regarding coverage on damage, repairs, and replacement.

We understand that ambulance stretchers can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are payment options available. With the Medwish Platform, you can opt for product financing or hospital project financing. We believe costs should not be a barrier to you getting the equipment that you need.

Ambulance stretcher price guide

Ambulance stretchers can certainly be expensive, costing hundreds to thousands of dollars. Stryker ambulance stretchers can cost $2,950 USD to $14,995 USD, and Ferno ambulance stretchers can cost $2,900 USD to $8,838 USD.

Medwish wholesale price advantage

With the Medwish platform, you get the Medwish wholesale price advantage when purchasing your ambulance stretcher at: https://www.medwish.com/emergency-and-first-aid-care/emergency-stretcher/

With the Medwish platform, you can buy ambulance stretchers in bulk at wholesale pricing

Medwish is a global business-to-business platform for purchasing medical equipment at a wholesale price. Want to purchase in bulk? You can with the Medwish platform!

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The Medwish platform is your one-stop shop for medical equipment, including ambulance stretchers. From sourcing, ordering, and paying to ship, receiving, and confirming, you will get a comprehensive online shopping experience with Medwish. The Medwish team offers quality control services to ensure that you receive nothing short of high-quality products. And if your product gets damaged or lost during transportation, you will receive compensation.

To discover more about who we are and to explore the medical equipment we offer, please visit: Medwish.com