5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Folding stretcher？

The varying circumstances in emergencies are why stretchers come in different designs, sizes, and shapes.

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The folding stretcher is among the most popular gurney designs you’ll find with paramedics. It’s best suited for specific emergencies that need portability.

Today, we get to explore these situations.

Foldable stretchers are the best when moving injured and sick persons in challenging circumstances. Their compact and lightweight design makes them ideal for rescuing patients from small, cramped spaces. They’re also your ideal gurney if you’re part of a search and rescue team.

We’ll discuss this vital stretcher design in more detail.

So, when would you use a folding stretcher?

• During rescue from small spaces
• In search and rescue operations

Let’s find out more.

1 – During Rescue From Small Spaces

Folding stretchers are suitable for confined spaces. They can fit through spaces that may be too small for other stretcher types. Confined spaces, like the cave shown below, are often narrow, poorly lit, and sometimes give you a small window to rescue the casualty.

Alt: poorly-lit cave

The situation can get even more complicated when you have to save many people from a confined space.

Why the Folding Stretcher Is Suitable for Confined Spaces

Several reasons make the foldable stretcher the most appropriate in confined spaces, including:

• You can rescue more people at a time. A folded stretcher occupies less space than a standard one. In the example below, the foldable stretcher is half the standard length:

Alt: folding stretcher

This feature makes it more portable, allowing you to carry more stretchers to the emergency site. You’ll be able to rescue more casualties when you have more stretchers.

• It helps you to respond to emergencies in a timelier manner. Since it’s smaller and more portable than your regular gurney, you can quickly transport the folding stretcher to the emergency site.
• It can help you increase the patient survival rate. Since you’ll arrive at the emergency scene in time, you’ll be able to rescue the patient faster and increase their survival rate.
• The folding stretcher increases the versatility of your emergency response team. A more versatile team can quickly adapt to different emergencies, increasing your efficiency.

How to Use a Folding Stretcher in an Emergency

Once you’re at the emergency scene, follow these steps to move your patient to safety:

Step 1: Unfasten the stretcher’s straps. The stretchers usually have straps that hold them in a closed position during storage. These straps also help you maneuver the stretcher without opening, so it doesn’t obstruct your movement.

Step 2: Open the stretcher spreaders. Now that you’ve loosened and untied its straps, open the stretcher by pushing each bar using your foot until it fully unlocks into position.

Note: Never use your hands because the hinges may pinch and hurt you.

Step 3: Stabilize the center hinge as it might get snagged and collapse the stretcher. Tie a short rope from the center hinge to the handles to form a “V” pattern. The string enhances the safety of the stretcher.

You can even place and secure the unfolded stretcher on a trolley, as shown below:

Alt: folding stretcher on a trolley

Step 4: Place a blanket on the stretcher. Place the blanket so you can wrap it around the patient.

The blanket makes the stretcher more comfortable and prevents infection transfer. Be sure to clean and disinfect the stretcher after use to avoid cross-infections. Nonetheless, the blanket is an extra precaution to reduce the transfer of germs.

The blanket also helps to keep the patient warm. It will also cushion the injured area from injuries during transportation.

Step 5: Place the patient on the stretcher. The technique you use to move the patient depends on their injury. If your patient is conscious, coordinate with them the entire transfer process.

If they have a head or spinal injury, you may need splints, a neck brace, and a scoop stretcher to transfer the casualty. Once the victim is on the stretcher, cover them with the blanket and tuck in the ends.

Step 6: Secure the patient by lashing. In many cases, the environment where the rescue is taking place isn’t even. The uneven surface will require you to shift the patient’s position as you move them out of the area.

Lashing helps secure the patient on the stretcher so they don’t fall off as you pass through uneven surfaces.

2 – In Search And Rescue Operations

The portability of the foldable stretchers makes them useful during search and rescue missions. The main challenge with search and rescue missions is that you never really know where the causality is located.

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You may have to walk several miles, which can be difficult if you’re carrying a bulky stretcher. The foldable stretcher is helpful in many types of search and rescue operations, including:

• Ground rescues
• Combat rescues

The Folding Stretcher in Ground Rescues

The most common search and rescue mission is the ground rescue. This rescue typically occurs when the casualty makes a distress call without specifying their exact location.

In most cases, the person in distress doesn’t know where they are and may only indicate the wider geographical area.

In some cases, ground rescues are even more challenging when you’re unable to make contact with the casualties.

For example, someone may get lost or injured during a mountain climbing trip. Since they don’t know their location, you’ll have to look for them over an expansive area.

Since you don’t have proper coordinates, you may have to walk for many kilometers searching for them. A foldable stretcher in such situations makes walking and searching for the victim easier.

The Folding Stretcher in Combat Rescues

Combat rescues involve searching and retrieving injured casualties from the battlefield. The war environment is hostile, and you’ll rarely have the luxury of carrying all the medical equipment needed.

A foldable stretcher makes it easy to rescue an injured soldier because it’s portable and quickly deployable.

Conclusion

You’ll find it useful to have a foldable stretcher when rescuing a patient from small areas. The portability of the foldable gurney makes it appropriate for various forms of search and rescue operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy to use a folding stretcher?

Yes. The foldable stretcher is very easy to use. Stretcher designers make it possible to conveniently and quickly deploy it when you need to use it.

Can the foldable stretcher fit on my motorbike?

Yes. The foldable stretcher occupies very little space when folded. It can fit on your motorbike, and you can also easily carry it around.

Is the foldable stretcher strong?

Yes. The foldable stretcher is manufactured from canvas and aluminum tubes. These materials are lightweight but are robust enough to support an adult’s weight.

Providing an exceptional passenger experience is a top priority for non-emergency medical transportation providers. Transport wheelchairs offer numerous advantages over stretchers and gurneys for passenger safety and comfort.

Disadvantages of Using a Stretcher for NEMT

While stretchers are essential for emergency situations requiring immobilization, they pose several disadvantages for routine non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).

• Stretchers necessitate two operators, increasing labor costs compared to transport equipment designed for a single operator. Their flat design forces passengers to lie on their backs for extended periods, leading to discomfort, potential motion sickness, and a loss of dignity.
• Stretchers lack ergonomic seating features like cushioning, adjustable positioning, and proper headrests/footrests, exacerbating discomfort, especially for those with conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.
• The rigid design makes entry/exit more challenging and time-consuming versus wheelchairs built for easy transfers.
• They are costly investments with frequent maintenance needs like replacing expensive wheeled components.

A WC19 certified transport wheelchair, like the Traversa, provides your passengers with optimal comfort, dignity, and peace of mind. Read on to learn more about why choosing the Traversa over a stretcher makes all the difference in providing high-quality service. In fact, most operators find that up to 90% of stretcher trips can be accomplished with the Traversa Transport Wheelchair.

5 Benefits of the Traversa Transport Wheelchair NEMT Businesses

1. The Traversa Only Requires One Operator Instead of Two

Unlike a stretcher or gurney, which requires two people to operate, the Traversa is easily managed by one NEMT driver. This saves your business money on labor costs – or frees up your workforce to take on more trips!

2. Stretchers & Gurneys are Made for Emergencies. The Traversa is Made for Everyday Transportation

A WC19 certified transport wheelchair, like the Traversa, is a game-changer for people with limited mobility who need to travel safely and comfortably. Unlike a stretcher or gurney, a WC19 certified transport wheelchair is designed specifically for routine transportation for people with disabilities and mobility impairments.

Stretchers are made to immobilize the passenger. The Traversa is built for ultimate comfort and freedom. With the Traversa, your passengers can avoid traveling flat on their back. An upright position increases comfort and dignity while decreasing the risk of motion sickness. For passengers who cannot tolerate a fully upright position, the Traversa has adjustable seat tilt and back recline features that can facilitate the passenger’s preferred posture.

3. The Traversa is More Comfortable than a Stretcher

Anyone who has spent time strapped to a stretcher or gurney knows how uncomfortable it can be. When a passenger is lying flat on their back, they are at risk for an uncomfortable and potentially traumatic trip.

Stretchers and gurneys are not designed for long-term seating, so passengers lack cushioning and support. The bumps and vibrations a passenger experiences while strapped to a gurney in transit can be especially aggravating for people with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions. An upright seating position offers a safer and more pleasant trip than is possible with a gurney.

The Traversa is equipped with Broda’s famous Comfort Tension Seating® system, which provides superior comfort by conforming to the passenger’s body. The ergonomic design and special occupant seat belt keep the passenger safely seated with the correct posture. This wheelchair also has adjustable tilt and footrests that can be adjusted to various heights, so the patient’s feet remain at a comfortable level.

4. The Traversa is More Affordable than a Stretcher

Stretchers are expensive and pose a significant cost barrier to new NEMT operators. Stretchers and gurneys also require frequent maintenance and replacement parts, which can also be costly, even for established NEMT companies. Stretcher wheels must be replaced frequently. One wheel alone may cost $250-$300 USD. These expenses add up over time, eating into profits. Because of startup costs and additional hassles, many NEMT operators seek out more affordable stretcher alternatives or choose not to use stretchers at all. NEMT businesses that can’t service these higher-needs patients lose out on an incalculable amount of potential revenue each year.

The significant costs associated with stretchers make many NEMT businesses look for more economical stretcher alternatives that still allow them to transport passengers safely and comfortably.

On the other hand, the Traversa Transport Wheelchair costs a fraction of the amount for a brand-new stretcher. Additionally, the Traversa does not require frequent maintenance like a stretcher, and replacement parts are significantly cheaper. Combined with labor savings, NEMT operators who use the Traversa Transport Wheelchairs enjoy much healthier profit margins and can service more trip types without extra equipment.

5. A Transport Wheelchair Saves Time

The Traversa makes it quick and easy to help your passengers in and out of your vehicles, reducing the overall time for the trip. This wheelchair is designed to fit through doorways and other tight spaces, so there’s no need for detours or extra equipment. Thanks to the occupant seat belt and easy-to-use vehicle tie-down points, drivers can quickly and easily secure passengers for transit. These time savings add up to more availability for even more trip availability.

Save Time & Money with the Traversa

All in all, the Traversa offers a host of advantages to NEMT operators over stretchers. From improved safety and comfort for passengers to cost savings and less time spent on each trip, the Traversa is an ideal choice for those looking to get the most out of their business. So, if you’re looking for a dependable and reliable alternative to uncomfortable and costly stretchers, the Traversa is a fantastic way to build your revenue.

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