Stretcher

What is a Stretcher?

A stretcher is a medical device used to transport patients who are unable to move on their own. It is a simple platform designed to support a patient's body, and it is equipped with features that ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during transport. Stretchers are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities to move patients from one location to another. They are also used in emergency situations, such as accidents or disasters, to transport injured or ill individuals to medical facilities for treatment.

Key Features of Stretcher:

Hospitals vary in size and design, but most of them have the same characteristics that make them effective at patient transport.

• Adjustability: Many stretchers are designed to be adjustable and weight to fit various-sized patients. This makes it possible for a patient to be comfortable while being moved, as well as prevents the stretcher from tipping over.
• Wheels: The wheel comes usually attached to hospital stretchers and is easier to be moved around in the hospital or emergency vehicle with a patient inside. The wheel often has locks so that movement occurs when not in use.
• Safety straps:  Stretchers are features that tighten the patient in place whenever they are being transported via a stretcher. Its purpose is to prevent dropping from one's stretcher or getting slid off the stretcher.
• Headrest: Its headrest is an excellent feature in a stretcher. It is adjustable that helps support the patient head and neck during transportation.
• Mattress: The mattress of a stretcher primarily consists of foam or soft material to make the patient comfortable and prevent pressure sore.

How does a stretcher work?

Performing patient transport with a modern stretcher is now very straightforward.

After assembling the stretcher, which includes height adjustment of the stretcher, securing the patient on it and ensuring that any safety feature including side rails is on, a transport procedure starts when a caregiver ensures that the patient is secure enough for moving safely.

The steps of this procedure entail:

• The stretcher gives support while the patient's body moves in safety through different parts.
• Safety features will include side rails that prevent accidental falls and wheel locks that stabilize the stretcher.
• Adjustable positions for the stretcher are of convenience and comfort in transferring a patient.
• It is on the features that all healthcare professionals rely on to safely transfer patients for treatments, surgeries, or emergency care.

Use or purpose of a stretcher:

The primary use of a stretcher is to ensure safe transfer and support of patients, thereby making it easy to maneuver and position for the health care providers within the hospitals, clinics, or departments of emergency.

A healthcare provider may need to use a stretcher in the following conditions:

• Transport patients with limited mobility
• Support patients during care in emergencies, surgery, or recovery.

What are the benefits of Stretchers?

Emergency Response efficiency:

These Portable stretchers offer quick transfers of patients in case of emergencies and thus, increase the possibility of survival,

Versatility:

Stretchers are manufactured so that they can be used in various medical settings such as hospitals and ambulances in order to enhance their usability,

Adaptability:

Many medical stretchers have some additional features such as IV pole and oxygen tank holder; thus, patients receive continuous medical attention even while being transferred.

Time-saving:

They can save valuable time in preparing the patient for transport, a feature that includes an easy and quick folding capability.

Top best brands for stretchers:

Wellcure:

It's commitment to quality and innovation, offers stretchers that are robust, user-friendly design and equipped with the latest safety features. They're investing in durability and the comfort of patients.

NiscoMed:

Niscomed stretchers are known for their user-friendly design, ensures both patient comfort and ease of use. Choosing this brand means choosing reliability and innovation, its commitment to safety and quality in medical care.

Welcraft:

Designs from the house of Welcraft offer a durability and ease of use in a broad spectrum of medical environments. Comfort, safety, etc are featured by these stretchers for which they have been sought after highly by the fraternity of health.

Navkar:

These stretchers bring the high quality and reliability to the delivery of the safest patients out of the caregivers. They are trusted in lots of healthcare workers to deliver innovation solutions suited to different medical environments.

Some key points should be considered before purchasing Stretchers:

• Define the stretcher purpose in terms of emergency services, hospital transport, or specialized rescue operations.
• Check that the stretcher has a weight range that is suitable for transporting patients that you will be moving, particularly bariatric patients.
• Always look for features such as wheels, a locking mechanism, and handles. For stair chairs or rescue stretchers, look for tracks or lift handles.
• It would be relatively easy to fold and store if used in emergency vehicles or places with limited space.

Different Types of Stretchers Used in Healthcare

Ambulance Stretcher:

They are specially designed for use in ambulances, foldable and equipped with wheels for easy movement. They came with locking system for secure transport.

Spine Board Stretcher:

This stretcher is used to transport patients with spinal injuries. It provides a firm to support the spine and prevent further injury.

Basket Stretcher:

Basket stretcher s=are used in rescue operations, these stretchers have shell-like structure, to provide protection for the patients.

Folding stretcher:

This Stretcher is known for their portability and lightweight design, simple, made of canvas or synthetic materials. They are used in situations where storage space and quick deployment is important.

How much budget do you need to buy a Stretcher in India:

Costs of hospital stretcher vary between Rs 5000 to Rs 475,200.00 depending on the desired Stretcher, brand, and features.

Machine from premium brands will cost you higher, such as ACME cost you around Rs 14132 to Rs 38323 while NISCOMED will cost you only Rs, 4800 to Rs to 94026.

Features such as durable construction, advanced safety mechanisms, adjustable height, and additional accessories can increase the cost of a hospital stretcher. Enhanced mobility options and compatibility with medical devices also contribute to higher pricing.

Here below categorized the price list of resting Stretcher according to brands and types:

Price List According to the Brands in India:

Maintenance and Cleaning of Your Stretcher:

Proper maintenance will ensure long life of your hospital stretcher and its accessories. Make sure that you follow the guidelines which you get on the instruction manual.

Some of the general guideline is as follows:

• Clean the portable stretcher with soft cloth or disinfectant wipes to maintain hygiene and functionality
• All surfaces of the medical stretcher must always be sanitized, that is, after each use.
• Inspect all the accessories on the stretcher, such as straps and handles, regularly for any evident signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged part to ensure that the tool will be safe and reliable.
• Check the wheels and locking mechanisms of the stretcher, to ensure that they are working with or without friction, and without obstruction from debris, hence is usually working effectively.
• By following these maintenance steps, you can help prolong the life of your hospital stretcher and ensure it remains safe for patient transport.

Which is the best rated Stretcher in INDIA in 2024?