Hospital Stretcher Comprehensive Buying Guide

Hospital stretchers are wheeled stretchers or gurneys that are used in a long-term clinical or acute care setting. These differ from emergency (EMS) stretchers, rescue cots and baskets, or mortuary cots.

What should I look for when buying a hospital stretcher?

For over 30 years, MFI Medical has been a source for leading brands of hospital stretchers such as Stryker, Hill-Rom, TransMotion Medical, and more. Our team of customer service experts is often asked, "What should I be looking for when shopping for a hospital stretcher?":

1. Type of stretcher: Are you looking for a transport or procedural stretcher? You will want to make sure you choose the correct type for such a large capital equipment purchase. We'll go over the three major different kinds in this blog.
2. Features: Keep in mind the type of facility and patient the stretcher will be used for in order to select an adequate stretcher. This includes features and capacity of the stretcher for the patient as well as the caregiver.
3. Accessories: If you require certain accessories such as IV poles or O bottle holders, look for these accessories options to provide a better patient care experience.

Keep reading to learn more about the different types of stretchers or check out our previous blog, How to Choose a Hospital Stretcher, to go further into the above factors.

What types of hospital stretchers are there?

Like medical specialties, the types of stretchers will vary depending on the intended use. Stretchers can range from transport, surgery, emergency, stretcher chairs, and many more. Each medical specialty and procedure has its dedicated type of stretcher to provide the best patient care.

Hospital stretchers, also known as gurneys, fall under three basic categories:

• Transport: Stretchers designed specifically for the transport of patients between departments.
• Procedural: These stretchers will be specially designed to be capable of handling a medical procedure.
• Specialty: A specialty stretcher can be for transport, procedures, or both. These stretchers are designed for specialty medical departments such as OB/GYN, radiology, pediatrics, etc.

Now that you know How to Choose a Hospital Stretcher, we’ll go over transport, procedural, and specialty stretchers to narrow your search. In this blog, we'll focus on hospital stretchers and disregard ambulance cots and gurneys that are used in emergency (EMS) settings. We'll also provide a breakdown of the stretchers discussed in this blog at the end.

Transport Stretchers

Transport stretchers are designed to move patients safely and effectively to and from procedures and rehabilitation. While patient safety and comfort are always top of mind, the safety of the medical caregiver is vitally important as well. Transport stretchers are designed to aid both the patient and medical staff.

Stretchers such as the Stryker Transport Stretcher (#ST104), “feature fifth wheel mobility for easier traction and cornering standard." Brakes on all four casters lock both swivel and rotation for security. MFI Medical offers the Stryker Transport Stretcher (#ST104) in a range of models and features to fit any need and budget. For an equally reliable transport stretcher at a more economical budget, we recommend the Wy'East Medical TotaLift II Transfer/Transport Chair.

Stryker Prime Series with dual side-mounted foot control hydraulics and uni-lower pedal (push handles sold separately)

If clinician physical strain is a concern, the Stryker Prime Series Stretcher is another favorite transport stretcher model among MFI Medical customers for its advanced mobility options:

• Model #1105 - Retractable Fifth Wheel that makes for easy cornering in tight spaces.
• Model #1115 - Big Wheel Advanced Mobility that can reduce push force by 50% and steering effort by 60%. Allows for easy transportation of heavy patients.
• Model #1125 - Zoom Motorized Drive System virtually eliminates manual push force. No need to push, the motorized system does it all.

Hausted APC All Purpose Chair pictured in the seated position

For a model with versatile uses, the Hausted APC All Purpose Chair “is intended for intra and inter-departmental transport. Pre-induction, transport, treatment, and recovery can be performed on the same unit to improve case turnaround and streamline patient handling.” The Hausted APC is an electrical model that can be converted from chair to stretcher position in just seconds with the touch of a button.

Procedural Stretchers

Procedural stretchers are stretchers that are capable of handling medical procedures in addition to transporting patients. These stretchers are specially designed for medical and surgical procedures and departments such as surgery, emergency, obstetrics, radiology, ophthalmology, and more.

Eye Surgery Stretchers

What is an eye surgery stretcher?

Eye surgery stretchers are designed to provide access for ophthalmic surgical procedures. Eye surgery stretchers will feature a specially designed head section that safely sustains the patient’s head during the procedure. These specially designed head sections also provide the surgeon with more ample access and clearance during the procedure.

The Stryker Eye Surgery Stretcher is a horizontal stretcher that features a dual articulating headpiece. Dual articulating headrest allows caregivers to place the head section in virtually any position and for positioning controls to tuck neatly within the headpiece. The Hill-Rom P8010 Surgical Stretcher also features an articulating head section as well as wrist rests for the surgeon and integrated IV pole transport device that helps maneuver the stretcher and IV pole stands with ease.

If you are looking for a stretcher that allows for the patient to be in a seated position, we recommend the Stryker 5051 Eye Surgery Stretcher. Available with either dependent or independent footrest, the Stryker 5051 Eye Surgery Stretcher features easy positioning from horizontal to chair position. A convertible stretcher is ideal for surgery centers and small spaces since it allows you to maximize patient throughput.

Stretcher Chairs

What is a stretcher chair?

Stretcher chairs are stretchers or gurneys that can convert from a traditional horizontal position to a 90° chair position to accommodate different circumstances for either the patient or medical department. Stretcher chairs are great for customers who are looking for a versatile piece of equipment. You can move the patient from bed to stretcher in a lateral position and then easily convert to a chair position, eliminating the need for manual positioning during their entire stay, thereby reducing patient fall and staff injury risk.

Similarly to the 5051 Eye Surgery Stretcher, the Stryker 5050 Stretcher Chair has the versatility of multiple positioning to accommodate any procedure or patient; with optional foot section that can be moved dependently or independently of the backrest.

The TransMotion Medical TMM4 Multi-Purpose Stretcher-Chair is a treatment chair, transport device, procedure device, and a stretcher, all in one (known as the Universal Care Platform). Battery operated controls provide easy button-powered positioning of back, leg, and height. In addition to being a procedural stretcher, the TMM4 automatically positions from seated to the fully reclined position with its auto-contour button. A full Radiolucent Back Section allows for X-Ray, fluoroscopic, and C-arm radiologic procedures. For surgical procedures, we recommend the TransMotion Medical TMM5 Mobile Surgical Stretcher-Chair. The TMM5 has similar features to the TMM4 while also providing an articulating headpiece for surgeon access.

Specialty Stretchers

Like previously mentioned in this blog, stretchers can vary just as much as medical specialties do. Here are a few other specialty stretchers that MFI Medical carries.

Fluoroscopy stretchers

What is a fluoroscopy stretcher?

Fluoroscopy stretchers are designed to accommodate the C-arm of a fluoroscopy imaging machine and minimize the need to reposition the patient. Besides the special design, fluoroscopy stretchers are made of radiolucent materials compatible with fluoroscopy imaging machines.

The Stryker 1080 Fluoroscopy Stretcher features fold down side rails, dual foot controls for increased flexibility and ease of imaging, and a radiolucent litter top. If you are looking to minimize patient transfer, the Hausted Fluoro-Track Fluoroscopy Capable Stretcher provides a treatment table for procedures and a mobile stretcher for transport in one piece of equipment. Pre-indication, treatment, and recovery can be performed on the same stretcher.

OB/GYN Stretchers

What is an OB/GYN stretcher?

OB/GYN stretchers are specially designed to accommodate people expecting a baby. These stretchers are designed to provide transport as well as patient positioning for pelvic exams.

The Stryker Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher (#1061) can convert from a general use stretcher to a pelvic exam table with locking-stirrups in just three steps. A great solution for emergency departments. Like the Stryker Transport Stretcher, the Stryker Gynnie OB/GYN Stretcher (#1061) offers retractable fifth wheel to help improve maneuverability even in the smallest of spaces. Similarly, the Hill-Rom P8050 OBGYN Stretcher provides the convenience of being a convertible transport to a procedural stretcher, built-in sliding litter, and integrated catch basin. Features like these make these models an ideal choice for maternity wards and emergency rooms.

Pediatric Crib Stretchers

What is a pediatric crib stretcher?

Pediatric crib stretchers provide 360° secure mobility while transporting and monitoring pediatric patients. The stretcher is surrounded by side rails, and sometimes a hood, to ensure the pediatric patient cannot exit the stretcher.

Stryker Cub Pediatric Crib Stretcher is designed with both patient and caregiver in mind; it is designed to have a warm and friendly crib-like appearance to cultivate a healing environment for the patient and provide 360° of unobstructed access for the caregivers. Features like an integrated scale are optional to fit your budget and needs. Integrated scale helps the caregiver with patient throughput as it minimizes the need to transfer the patient. The Hausted Pediatric Stretcher Crib has three-position vertical side rails that are easy to use while providing maximum patient security and a one-hand adjustable backrest from 0 to 50° for patient comfort.

For video imaging - Hausted Video Imaging Chair (#VIC-429-ST) is specifically designed for modified barium swallow studies for AP and lateral imaging. The chair has a clear unobstructed view for imaging. If you would like to have the convenience of a transport stretcher in addition to a procedural stretcher, an optional back extension easily allows you to use the same chair for video imaging as well as transport.

Mammography/biopsy procedure - The Hausted MBC Mammography/Biopsy Chair (#MBC-000-ST) is ideal for use as a procedural chair or treatment table during mammography/biopsy procedures. The backrest adjusts to a full upright position of 90° to facilitate mammography procedures.

Stretchers Carried by MFI Medical

MFI Medical carries hospital stretchers by major brands such as Stryker, Hill-Rom, Hausted, and more. Each hospital stretcher sold by MFI Medical includes a warranty and is backed by the MFI Certified Guarantee. With this guarantee, you can shop confidently, knowing you have the support of one of the world's leading refurbished medical equipment suppliers. Here is a breakdown of some of the models we discussed in this blog. If you have any questions about which stretcher is suitable for you, contact your account manager for more information.

*Note: Due to the nature of manufacturer and supplier restrictions, the availability of these products may change. Our team will work closely with you to ensure we find the right medical equipment for your specific needs.