Hospital Stretchers: Types, Uses & Safety Guidelines by Top Medical Equipment Manufacturers

Every moment is important and can make a difference when it comes to saving a life. Within the crucial moments of emergency care, the stretchers somehow serve as the ‘unsung heroes’. From rushing the victim of an accident to the operating theater to moving ICU patients to various diagnostic units, stretchers guarantee controlled, rapid, and stable movement of the patients.

Today, almost every leading manufacturer of medical equipment is going beyond the conventional to produce stretchers which are not only functional, but also patient-friendly, ergonomic, and durable.

In this case, we will explore the different types of stretchers and focus on the following main objectives:

• What hospital stretchers are and their types
• How they are used in healthcare settings
• Safety guidelines to follow
• Why products from top medical equipment manufacturers stand out
• A closer look at emergency stretchers …and how Tubecraft Industries is redefining patient mobility in Indian hospitals.

What are Hospital Stretchers?

A Hospital Stretcher is defined as a mobile medical platform configured to carry patients who need assistance to walk. Stretchers are considered lighter than other hospital equipment, portable, rolling on wheels, and unlike hospital beds, are not fixed.

They are predominantly utilized in ambulances, operation theatres, emergency departments, diagnostic labs, and ICUs. Most stretchers build come with the following features: washable mattresses, braking systems, adjustable head rests and safety rails which enhance patient comfort and hygiene.

In other words, stretchers form a bridge between various medical units to facilitate transfer of patients in a much safer and easier manner.

Types of Hospital Stretchers

In most healthcare facilities, there are different types of stretchers that are utilized according to the specific requirements of the stretchers, but the following types are the most common provided by top hospital furniture suppliers and medical equipment manufacturers:

1. Manual Stretchers

• Operated without any electrical power
• Lightweight and cost-effective
• Ideal for short-distance patient movement

2. Hydraulic Stretchers

• Height and angle adjusted using hydraulic pumps
• Reduce physical strain on staff
• Common in emergency and trauma care units

3. Electric or Motorized Stretchers

• Feature powered height and backrest adjustments
• Smooth, effortless operation for staff
• Used in ICUs, critical care, and long-duration procedures

4. Foldable Stretchers

• Compact, lightweight, and portable
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to transport and store

5. Bariatric Stretchers

• Built with a reinforced frame for heavier patients
• Reinforced structure for heavier patients.
• Extra-wide and heavy-duty wheels
• stability and safety during patient transfer.

6. Ambulance Stretchers

• Locking frames and shock-absorbing wheels
• Designed for safe transport in moving vehicles
• Often height-adjustable for loading/unloading

These stretchers help hospital furniture companies offer customized solutions to match different departments’ needs.

Key Uses of Hospital Stretchers

Hospital stretchers are essential for patient care across departments. Their key uses include:

• Emergency patient transport – from ambulance to emergency room
• Post-operative transfers – moving patients from OT to recovery wards
• Diagnostic procedures – taking immobile patients for scans and X-rays
• Critical care mobility – shifting ICU patients without disturbing life-support systems
• Inter-department transfers – ensuring quick movement between hospital floors

Without stretchers, the process of transporting medical equipment and patients safely would be slow and risky.

Safety Guidelines for Using Medical Stretchers

It is easy to use a stretcher, but unsafe handling can result in lethal accidents. The leading medical equipment companies stress adhering to very careful safety protocols, including:

• Check before use: Examine wheels, brakes, rails, and straps for damage
• Always secure patients: Use side rails and safety belts to avoid patient falls
• Lock brakes when stationary: prevents any of the unattended movement during patient loading/unloading
• Avoid overloading: stay between the weight limits specified by manufacturers
• Push, not pull: prevent from back strain and enhances control
• Disinfect after every use: Ensure infection control and hygiene
• Clear transport paths: Avoid obstacles while moving patients

Hospitals that train staff on these safety steps significantly reduce patient handling injuries.

Why Stretchers from the Best Medical Equipment Manufacturers Stand Out

With many hospital furniture companies in the market, not all stretchers offer the same level of quality. What The best medical equipment manufacturers usually have attributes that include:

• Quality of construction – corrosion proof steel; powder coated frames
• Ergonomic support – adjustable backrest and footrest sections; height mechanisms
• Smooth mobility – heavy-duty wheels with precision brakes
• Low maintenance – detachable parts and antimicrobial coatings
• Custom-built options – stretchers designed for specialized departments
• Certifications – compliance with ISO, CE, and BIS for safety standards

Tubecraft Industries is becoming synonymous with a trusted and reliable brand in this space. They specialize in high-performance hospital products that are anchored in comfort, durable materials, and efficient patient transfer and site handling. From onset of design through to the dispatch of each product, stringent quality checks are conducted, and the user is considered in each product testing phase.

Emergency Stretchers and Their Types

In emergencies, time is life. Emergency stretchers are designed to allow fast and safe transport in high-pressure situations. Common types include:

• Scoop Stretchers – split into two halves to lift patients without disturbing spinal alignment
• Basket Stretchers – enclosed frame for rugged outdoor use or disaster zones
• Folding Stretchers – compact and lightweight, used by paramedics and rescue teams
• Ambulance Stretchers – shock-absorbent frames and locking mechanism are for road transport

These stretchers are most commonly used by hospitals, trauma units, and also by disaster relief teams. Several medical equipment manufacturers in India are customizing emergency stretchers with oxygen cylinder holders, IV stands, and scope holders to expedite rapid response critical care.

Conclusion

Hospital stretchers serve many functions, beyond just a patient carrier as they are a vital lifesaving instrument that bolsters our healthcare systems’ capacity. Choosing a stretcher would translate into higher patient safety and comfort, together with faster response times for the benefit of patients and healthcare workers alike. Hospitals can access high-quality, durable, and ergonomic healthcare equipment from reputable medical equipment manufacturers such as Tubecraft Industries and enable higher quality services to patients with less strain on the healthcare workers themselves.

Looking to upgrade your hospital’s stretchers or healthcare products?

Contact Tubecraft Industries to explore our wide range of hospital furniture and medical equipment.

About Tubecraft Industries

Tubecraft Industries is one of India’s leading medical equipment manufacturers and hospital furniture suppliers. With decades of expertise, Tubecraft specializes in building safe, ergonomic, and long-lasting hospital furniture and healthcare products. From stretchers and ICU beds to trolleys, OT tables, and ward furniture, Tubecraft delivers reliable solutions that power the country’s leading hospitals and clinics.