One of the most invaluable pieces of equipment during emergencies is medical stretchers. The various forms and types of medical stretchers all ideally work to safely transport an injured person requiring immediate evacuation and medical treatment.

The varied models of medical stretchers are designed to provide maximum comfort for a patient in all kinds of emergencies.

 

The Varied Models of Medical Stretchers

 

The different kinds of medical stretchers provide the ideal solution in providing maximum safety and comfort to an injured or critically ill person during transport to the nearest medical facility.

Stokes Basket Stretcher

The Stokes basket stretcher is designed to safely transport an injured victim in wooded terrain, restricted spaces, on slopes, and other hazardous terrain. Popularly referred to as the rescue basket or litter, the Stokes basket can handle an adult in a face upward position. The removable torso/head cover and the raised sides of the stretcher offer maximum protection for an injured person while being transported. Search and rescue operations usually prefer the Stokes basket as the rescued person can be strapped in the litter and transported by hand, towed behind snowmobiles, horse, or skis, carried by hand or airlifted by helicopter.

Collapsible Stretcher

Known as the folding stretcher or top deck, the collapsible stretcher is designed as a simple stretcher. The only difference is with the one or more articulation hinge points that allow it to collapse for convenient storage and handling. Some models of this stretcher allow patients to assume an upright sitting position.

EMS Stretcher

The wheels feature of the EMS stretcher makes it the popular choice of ambulances. Transporting a critically injured person over the pavement becomes easier and safe with the wheels and the seatbelt. Movement is prevented during transport with the integral lug that locks into a sprung latch. Some models feature battery-powered hydraulics that allows the legs to collapse or rise as needed.

Other models available feature a higher weight capacity and wider frame to accommodate heavier people. The spread of infection is prevented by either disposing or cleaning the attached disposable wrapping or sheet of the stretcher.

The EMS stretcher is the only kind of stretcher that usually includes intravenous medication, shelves, poles for medical equipment, and hooks.

Flexible Stretcher

Otherwise known as the SKED or reeves stretcher, the feature of two longitudinal plastic or wooden boards make the flexible stretcher ideal to evacuate patients through confined spaces such as narrow hallways. The six handholds feature of the flexible stretcher allows more people to assist with the evacuation. The flexibility of this stretcher makes it the preferred choice when transporting obese patients.

Basic Stretcher

The simplest stretcher is the basic stretcher. Made of synthetic material suspended on two tubular or poles of aluminium frame, it is portable and lightweight.

This type of stretcher is the most rudimentary kind with materials that are often surplus products from the military.

 

The bottom line

 

Bedridden or critically injured patients that are unable to sit or move need medical stretcher transportation to the nearest medical institution. Emergencies that need immediate evacuation and medical treatment need medical stretchers to make the transfer quick and safe. Medical stretchers are also used to accommodate non-emergency cases such as non-ambulatory patient visits to medical practitioners. In situations like this, medical stretchers supplied by Select Patient Care and transportation pick up patients from their homes and into their appointment.