Emergency Stretcher

Folding Stretcher: A Compact, Efficient Solution for Emergency Medical Transport

By kelingmedical

Patients should be safely transported in an emergency situation as quickly as possible. Medical staff need a piece of equipment that’s durable and convenient, whether it’s at an accident scene, a hospital or an ambulance. A folding stretcher is one of those things that can save lives in a crisis situation. This foldable stretcher is easily stored, moved, and quickly launched, so healthcare providers can move fast and efficiently while every second matters.

To medical equipment dealers and manufacturers, selling folding stretchers can be a way to satisfy the growing need for small, easy-to-maneuver medical transportation devices. We’ll talk about folding stretchers and the benefits of these, how they can be used in a variety of healthcare settings, and what to look for when selecting the right folding stretcher for your customers in this post.

What is a Folding Stretcher?
The folding stretcher is a mobile transport for the patient, which can be folded down to a compact size when not in use. While the rigid stretchers can’t fold, folding stretchers fold and are thus more compact to store, move and use. This is a great feature to have if you have space issues or emergency response groups that require portable, light weight equipment.

Folding stretchers are typically constructed of heavy-duty materials like aluminum and fabric or canvas, and balance the lightweight/portability with strength. They are usually equipped with handles for convenient carrying and straps that will securing the patient while it’s being transported.

Why Choose a Folding Stretcher?
1. Compact and Portable
The portability is probably the biggest benefit of folding stretchers. Such stretchers collapse down to a size just under half of the full size, so you can easily carry and store them. There’s little room in ambulances, hospitals and emergency vehicles. A folding stretcher is smaller than the rigid stretchers and so doctors have more room to store other vital supplies.

2. Ease of Use
Folding stretchers roll out very quickly. During an emergency, medical personnel have to get the job done and folding stretcher allows for those staff members to unfold the stretcher within seconds and get patients transported. A folding stretcher is an easy enough to put into use — just one or two people can get it ready for use without the need for elaborate preparations.

3. Durability
Even though they’re portable and lightweight, folding stretchers are made to last. These stretchers are built with good quality materials like aluminum alloy frame and waterproof, tear-resistant cloth so they can withstand repeated usage and abuse. They’re made to carry patients comfortably, without letting the stretcher collapse from stress.

4. Versatility
Folding stretchers are handy for emergency and medical situations. Folding stretchers can be used in an ambulance, on the scene of a disaster or at a hospital to carry any patient, from a trauma victim to someone needing transport every day in a medical centre.

5. Cost-Effective
For distributors of medical supplies, folding stretchers are a good value-added item for doctors. Folding stretchers are lightweight, portable and durable, so they’re worth the investment, particularly for companies that need a lot of stretchers.

Common Uses of Folding Stretchers
1. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Folding stretchers are a must-have for medical services. The ambulance or EMS services often have to get patients from the accident or medical situation to an ambulance. The stretcher must be portable, easy to move and sturdy enough for patient safety. With the folding and storage capabilities to fit the stretcher in tight spots like the trunk of an ambulance, the folding stretcher is the right fit for EMS professionals.

2. Hospitals and Clinics
Hospitals and clinics carry patients using folding stretchers within the facility — most often when transferring patients from department to department or to specialized rooms. The folded stretchers are small enough for hospitals to carry and place in smaller areas without taking up any space. They’re also foldable and unfoldable so that doctors don’t have to waste time folding and unpacking them to use them.

3. Disaster and Rescue Operations
If a disaster occurs, like an earthquake, a flood, or an accident on the edge of the world, there’s equipment that needs to be ready to move and that can take patients over challenging terrain. Folding stretchers are made for this kind of situation, and can be transported easily, be held in place and stored/carried in small space. They are also so light that rescuers can carry them far away should they be required.

4. Air Transport and Evacuation
Folding stretchers are also used in air transport when you need to evacuate and space is limited. These are also foldable and small, which is great if you have to use them on helicopters, military transport aircraft, or even on airlines when you need to be evacuated for medical reasons.

The Best Features to Search For in a Folding Stretcher.
Distributors must take the time to consider those feature attributes that can make all the difference for the quality and efficiency of folding stretchers. Below are the top features to consider:

1. Material Strength and Durability
For folding stretchers, choose lightweight and strong materials – aluminium or high-strength steel for the frame, tear-resistant material like PVC-coated polyester or oxford cloth for the covering. Not only are these materials more durable but also help the stretcher support the weight of the patients.

2. Compact and Easy to Fold
Folding and unfolding the stretcher quickly is a big selling point. Find one that folds easily, preferably so that they don’t take much work to assemble. Some folding stretchers have quick-lock or snap-lock locking mechanisms, so the stretcher won’t slide off while in use but will be easily folded back when not in use.

3. Comfort Features
The main purpose of the folding stretcher is to bring patients comfort, but they also need to be comfortable. A padded stretcher will make transportation easier for the patient, especially if they must stay on the stretcher for a long time. Folding stretchers tend to be less fancy than reclining stretchers, but a little padding is better for a start.

4. Safety Features
When you are selecting a stretcher, make sure you’re safe. Make sure to buy folding stretchers that are secured with safety straps or buckles to hold the patient in place. Some also come with side rails so that the patient does not fall off. Consider having a stretcher that has anti-slip feet or rubberized ends for stability.

5. Weight Capacity
The folding stretchers have to accommodate multiple patients in a reasonable way. Make sure the stretcher you’re selling can accommodate the weight capacity of your market. Folding stretchers can hold up to 250 kg (550 lbs) but you may want to consider offering larger models for bigger patients.

6. Ease of Cleaning
With medical devices frequently utilized, you want folding stretchers that are also hygienic and convenient. Not only are stretchers made of materials such as PVC or vinyl coated fabric strong, but also washable.

Why Medical Equipment Retailers Need Folding Stretchers in Their Inventory.
As a medical equipment distributor, if you include folding stretchers in your product lineup, this is beneficial to your company in a few respects:

Demand: Usually folded stretchers are in large demand as you can find them everywhere, from hospitals to ambulances, rescue teams, etc. This is what makes them a trusted product to provide to all types of clinicians.

Space Saving and Transportability: Folding stretchers are convenient for users who want to save space in busy hospitals.

Flexibility: From emergency medicine to the military, many healthcare environments use folding stretchers and you have a great opportunity to appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Pricing: Folding stretchers are more affordable than other forms of transport solutions so your customers will get great value for money. Because they are so inexpensive, they are popular among healthcare professionals who have limited funds.

Conclusion
Folding stretchers are an aide to doctors because they provide a lightweight, sturdy and multifunctional transportation solution for your patients. Folding stretchers help get people out and about safely, whether in an ambulance, hospital, or emergency scene. Distributors and dealers of medical supplies should stock folding stretchers because it is a practical solution that can be used by many healthcare professionals and still come at an affordable price point.

Offering folding stretchers that are quality, strong and lightweight can make it easier for your clients to operate emergency transportation services and care for patients. Contact us if you’re interested in increasing your range of products with high quality folding stretchers, read more about what we offer and how we can help.