Ambulance Stretchers 101: A Buyer's Checklist for Quality and Compliance

The right equipment can be crucial for emergency medical services when it comes to transporting patients. The ambulance stretcher is typically the most important piece of equipment used by an EMS operation, because it's the only tool that permits the safe transport of a patient from the scene to a medical facility. Nevertheless, selecting the right stretcher is an involved process, and it requires important decisions. 

This guide takes you through a buyer's checklist for quality and regulatory compliance.

The importance of quality

Quality is extremely important when it comes to medical equipment. A good stretcher is critical to a strong medical outcome. A poor quality stretcher has been proven to contribute to complications during transport and to potential injury according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

Important Factors to Consider

• Weight Capacity: Check that the stretcher will accommodate a variety of patient sizes. Most stretchers should be able to accommodate 450 pounds, but it is smart to be mindful of the options that can support more weight, especially in situations requiring frequent use.

•  Material: You want the stretcher to be lightweight, but also durable. Aluminum frameworks frequently appear in stretchers due to their strength and certified handling. Consider what fabric that is being used to cover the mattress itself. Is it friendly to clean and disinfect?

• Adjustable: A stretcher should have adjustable height settings. This will help in situations when loading and unloading patients into ambulances (higher up), and help reduce stress on EMS personnel potentially leading to injury while loading patients at lower heights.

•  Safety Features: Straps, securely locking mechanisms, and side rails are important features to have. These things prevent patients from falling off the stretcher, and provide stability during transport.

•  Wheels: A certain number of quality stretchers have wheels. Look for sturdy wheels that can accommodate various ground conditions (gravel, hard packed ground), and locking wheels to prevent uncontrolled movement during patient transport.

Compliance with Regulations

It is very important that the stretchers comply with specific standards from organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

Certifications to verify

•  ISO Certification - This demonstrates the manufacturer is compliant with international quality management standards. Having this certification is a good sign of reliability and quality assurance.
• FDA Approval - Manufacturers should be able to furnish you with documentation of FDA Approval. This means the stretcher passes the required safety and effectiveness criteria.
• EN Standards - If you are operating in Europe, check for compliance with these standards. This ensures the stretcher meets relevant safety and performance needs.

Evaluating Manufacturer Reputation

Picking the proper manufacturer is essential. Investigate their standing in the sector. Seek out firms that have experienced several years in the trade and have an established history of supplying top-notch gear.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Gleaning from the reviews of other EMS providers can yield some pretty enlightening insights. The kind of product we’re discussing here is clearly reviewed by lots of folks in our line of work, and those reviews often yield positive feedback about the durability, ease of use, and shine right through with the kind of customer service that we really ought to expect from any manufacturer.

Budget Considerations

Although quality is critical, budget limitations often have a big impact on decision-making. Still, investing in top-notch gear can save money over time. Stretchers that necessitate a steady supply of on-hand parts—or, worse, that call for a regular diet of fresh, fit-to-be-tied replicas—can put a dent in your coffers. Not to mention that they can leave the townsfolk with some seriously stretched-out faces and shapes when the actual replacements hit the scene.

Training and Support

Once you buy a stretcher, ensure that your team gets trained properly on its use. A stretcher of high quality is only effective if your personnel know how to operate it safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate ambulance stretcher is a most vital decision for any EMS provider. It is a matter of quality, compliance, and manufacturer reputation. 

Consider Mobimedical Supply when you are prepared to make a purchase. Their range of high-quality stretchers is designed to meet the standards of most any industry and promote safety for patients.

Take patient care to the next level with MobiMedical stretchers !

Check Out Our Products

• Automatic Loading Stretcher- This multifunctional automatic loading stretcher has varied heights, with a foamed cushion bed and adjustable back for comfort.

• 6AB Basket Stretcher - The basket stretcher is durable, flexible, and designed for rapid, safe emergency use, including helicopter transport.

• MOBI Pro 650™ Elite Ambulance Stretcher - The MOBI PRO 650™ stretcher includes a telescoping IV pole, document holder, oxygen tank holder, straps, harness, and comfort mattress. Optional locking device available.

• MOBI Pro H3 H-Frame Stretcher - This multi-height stretcher features sturdy legs, all-terrain wheels, and adjustable sections.