In a hospital, a stretcher is a device used to carry a person who must lie flat and can’t move on their own. It takes two strong people to carry a patient on a stretcher.Stretchers are frequently used to transport patients in the emergency department. Safety and comfort of the stretcher are important factors for the staff and patients. The present study investigated the effect of stretcher type on patient safety and treatment in an emergency department.
A hospital patient stretcher comprises of metal wheels which can be moved here and there. A wheeled stretcher comprises of different frames, wheels and racks. They are used in by emergency medical services as well as rescue personnel and military services. The EMS stretchers are used in ambulances comprise of wheels that helps stretchers to move on pavements. This comprise of a seat belt that is used to lock patients while on the move. The modern stretchers consist of battery powered hydraulics that helps in raising and collapsing all the legs automatically.
Hospital patient stretcher beds are usually covered with a disposable sheet as well as a wrapping which are cleaned on a regular basis to prevent spread of infections. The stretcher is also accompanied with shelves, hooks, and poles as medical equipment’s as well as for intravenous medication.