Top 5 Mistakes Buyers Make When Purchasing Ambulance Stretchers and How to Avoid

With the right stretchers for the context of your facility and your patients, safety can be improved and patient comfort can enhance. Optimal stretchers can also support workflows, increase staff working hours, and contribute to the delivery of care. Faculty can buy the right stretcher for their patients by avoiding the common mistakes people make when purchasing medical stretchers.

It's great to know that these errors are avoidable. Let’s explore the top five mistakes buyers make when purchasing ambulance stretchers and how Mobimedical Supply helps you avoid them. 

1. Ignoring Weight Capacity

One of the most significant mistakes which buyers make is ignoring the weight capacity of the stretchers.The average adult in the U.S weighs around 199 pounds (according to CDC 2023) and it can be more in case of obese patients. After adding equipment weight and obese patients you are already crossing 300 lbs. So if the load becomes an issue for the stretcher to handle , then EMS crew and patient’s life counts as safety hazards. Lifting patients who surpass the recommended weight can increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among the medical workers too.

To avoid these kinds of mistakes , patients' weight needs to be assessed. Select those stretchers that can support up to 700 ibs. It must allow for additional equipment along with weight. This is needed to ensure safety. 

Choose Mobimedical Supply’s MOBI Pro 650™ Elite Ambulance Stretcher which gives up to 650 lbs weight capacity. It has 4 swivel castors with brakes.Optional Locking Device Available.

2. Underestimating Storage Needs

Another mistake is underestimating storage space. Many buyers fail to understand how much space is available in the ambulance for the stretcher. A stretcher that does not fit into the ambulance may interfere with access to the other equipment.

Prior to the purchase, measure the storage space for the ambulance. Ensure that you're planning on how the stretcher is going to be stored (e.g. stationary, folding, removable). Evaluating these factors will help ensure that you choose a stretcher that is able to be stored in the ambulance so you can limit your response time during emergencies.

Mobimedical’s MOBI LHT Patient Transport Trolley can be chosen for extra storage needs. The stretcher features a storage compartment, collapsible side rails, IV receptacles, and drainage hooks, ensuring efficient organization while providing reliable support and comfort for patient transport.

3. Choosing Price Over Performance

When there is a budget constraint we always tend to buy the cheapest option available.This short term saving plan might result in long term expenses. Low grade stretchers wear out fast , leading to recurring repairs and replacements that can add up significantly over time.These may fail to meet FDA standards which may put patients and staff at risk. Check the durability , warranty and compliance when choosing the stretchers. Buy high quality equipment that can bear rigorous use.

Mobimedical supply offers FDA approved stretchers that can work under stressful conditions and offers great value in addition to affordable cost. By choosing stretchers from us , you can save money as well as ensure safety for everyone.

Check out our 3B Automatic Loading Aluminum Stretcher. It is easy To operate , automatic loading stretcher , lightweight , durable and safe too.

4. Overlooking User Training

Lastly, many purchasers overlook the importance of user training when purchasing a stretcher. An advanced stretcher is only as good as the people who will operate it. Without proper training, staff may not be able to safely and efficiently operate the equipment.

To avoid this mistake, make sure your team participates in detailed training on the stretcher's features and functions. Have demonstrations and practice sessions to enable everyone's familiarity with the stretcher. Investing in training will help improve patient outcomes and also keep your staff safe.

Try out our MOBI Pro X-Frame EMS Stretcher - This Includes a contoured mattress with buckle straps, eight height adjustments, foldable head end, 500 lbs capacity, and optional locking device—ideal for EMS and emergency centers.

5. Skipping Post-Purchase Support and Service

A stretcher is not a buy-and-forget product. It will require maintenance, repairs, and sometimes improvements. Many purchasers do not ask the question of what happens after delivery.

What can go wrong: If a stretcher breaks, downtime may affect emergency services and reliable patient transport.

What to do: Consider suppliers like Mobimedical that have a promise of reliable support and easy availability of parts for unfettered service. Their friendly team is responsive and you can be confident that your stretcher will always be in action when you need to respond.

Choose MOBI Pro B5 Automatic Loading Stretcher - This heavy-duty aluminum alloy stretcher features collapsible side rails, a locking device, mattress pad, securement straps, and mechanical foldaway legs for easy one-person loading.

So Buy Smart, Save Lives.

Choose Mobimedical Supply !!