Jordan Ellis
A gurney, also known as a wheeled stretcher, trolley, bed, or cart, is used to move patients who require medical care. In a hospital setting, it is typically pushed by medical staff, including doctors and nurses, but in some cases, additional assistants may be needed to ensure patient safety during transfer. The use of gurneys in hospitals became common by the 1930s, and they are now standard for transporting patients within the hospital and in ambulances.
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What You'll Learn
- Two people are required to move a patient from a bed to a stretcher
- Modern gurneys have battery-powered hydraulics to reduce back injuries
- A Neil Robertson stretcher is designed for confined spaces
- A Reeves stretcher has six handholds for multiple rescuers
- A WauK board is a stretcher designed for small spaces and can be moved by one person
Two people are required to move a patient from a bed to a stretcher
Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher, or gurney, is a common procedure in hospitals. This transfer process requires careful execution to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. While some sources suggest that a minimum of three to four people is required for this task, it is also acknowledged that two people can often safely perform this move.
The first step in the transfer process is to assess the patient's needs and abilities. If the patient is able to cooperate and bear weight, they may be able to assist with the transfer by crossing their hands over their chest and tucking their chin. It is important to communicate with the patient and explain the process to them beforehand.
The bed height should then be adjusted to a safe working level, slightly higher than the stretcher, and the brakes should be locked on both the bed and the stretcher. The guardrails on the bed should be lowered, and the patient positioned closest to the side of the transfer. A sheet or slider board can be used to decrease friction and assist in sliding the patient onto the stretcher.
For a two-person transfer, one person will act as the leader and pull the patient onto the stretcher, while the other supports the patient by holding the sheet or drawsheet without pushing or lifting. The leader should be the stronger of the two to facilitate a smooth pull. An additional assistant may be helpful to support the patient's head and neck during the transfer.
By following these steps and ensuring proper communication and positioning, two people can safely and effectively transfer a patient from a bed to a stretcher in a hospital setting.
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Modern gurneys have battery-powered hydraulics to reduce back injuries
A stretcher, gurney, litter, or pram is an apparatus used for moving patients who require medical care. A basic type of stretcher must be carried by two or more people. A gurney, on the other hand, is a wheeled stretcher with adjustable height, side rails, and hydraulics, operated by a single person. Modern gurneys have battery-powered hydraulics to reduce back injuries among EMS personnel, who are at a high risk of back injuries from repetitive raising and lowering of patients.
The use of the term "gurney" for a wheeled stretcher in a hospital context was established by the 1930s. A gurney is a significant upgrade from a basic stretcher, with features that make patient care easier and safer. The key features that set gurneys apart include wheeled frames with swivel casters and locking mechanisms, adjustable height through hydraulic or electric systems, side rails for patient safety, and integrated accessories like IV poles and storage compartments.
The ergonomic improvement to the raising and lowering mechanisms of the gurney has resulted in a significant decrease in injury incidents specifically related to raising and lowering the gurney. In a study by Western Michigan University, titled “The Impact of Gurney Design on EMS Personnel,” a four-year test was conducted with a Northern California EMS provider. During the first two years, the EMS company used gurneys that required EMTs to lift and lower patients manually. During the third and fourth years, the company replaced the manual gurneys with a fleet of battery-powered hydraulic gurneys that could be raised and lowered using an activation power switch. The results showed a dramatic decrease in injury claims, lost workdays, and days of non-physical modified duty.
The Power-PRO™ XT ambulance cot is an example of a battery-powered hydraulic gurney system that raises and lowers a patient-loaded gurney with the touch of a button. It has a 700-pound weight capacity and reduces the risk of injury for paramedics. The SMRT Battery Pak Power System is another example of a marine-grade hydraulic lifting system with fast-charging, sealed batteries that are crash-tested for toughness.
Overall, the use of modern gurneys with battery-powered hydraulics can significantly reduce the physical strain on caregivers and lower the risk of back injuries, improving patient care and extending the career longevity of healthcare workers.
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A Neil Robertson stretcher is designed for confined spaces
A gurney, also known as a wheeled stretcher, is used to move patients who require medical care. In a hospital setting, it is usually the medical staff who push the gurney.
The Neil Robertson Stretcher
The Neil Robertson stretcher (NRS) is a type of rescue stretcher designed for confined spaces. It is constructed from wooden slats and canvas and is used to safely transfer an injured person by either lowering or lifting them. The patient is wrapped in canvas and secured using robust canvas straps, with a lifting rope affixed to a head-mounted ring and a guideline tied near the ankles to control the stretcher's movement. It is designed to package casualties into a compact form, allowing for rescue operations in spaces with limited openings and facilitating movement through tight areas.
The NRS is widely used in maritime settings, particularly by naval forces and maritime rescue teams. It gained popularity during World War I when the Royal Navy employed it to evacuate casualties from navy vessels with narrow passages and confined spaces, making conventional stretchers impractical. The NRS is also used in mining, construction, and other industrial sectors for confined space rescue operations.
The flexibility of the NRS can be advantageous in many situations, but it has raised concerns about its suitability for patients with spinal injuries. The stretcher's design allows for both horizontal and vertical evacuation of casualties, and its long restraint straps ensure that casualties of various sizes can be securely moved.
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A Reeves stretcher has six handholds for multiple rescuers
In a hospital setting, a stretcher, gurney, litter, or pram is used to move patients who require medical attention. A basic stretcher must be carried by two or more people. On the other hand, a wheeled stretcher, also known as a gurney, is often equipped with variable-height frames, wheels, tracks, or skids. The term "gurney" is believed to have originated from Pacific Coast slang and came into use in hospitals by the 1930s.
A Reeves stretcher, also known by the brand names Reeves sleeve or SKED, is a flexible stretcher that is often supported longitudinally by wooden or plastic planks. It is primarily used to move patients through confined spaces, such as narrow hallways, or to lift obese patients. One of its key advantages is its six handholds, which allow multiple rescuers to assist in extrication. This feature enables efficient and safe patient handling, especially in challenging environments.
The Reeves stretcher is constructed with durable materials, such as vinyl-coated polyester, and can carry weights exceeding 700 lbs. It features removable hardwood slats positioned between two layers of fabric for added strength and rigidity. The six handholds are ergonomically designed with foam-padded polypropylene webbing for a secure and comfortable grip. Additionally, the stretcher includes patient security straps and quick-release plastic buckles for optimum immobilization and easy handling.
The versatility of the Reeves stretcher makes it suitable for various scenarios. It is used by the United States Secret Service and the White House Medical Staff, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness. The stretcher's ability to navigate confined spaces and handle diverse patient needs makes it a valuable tool for emergency medical services and rescue operations.
In conclusion, the Reeves stretcher's six handholds enable multiple rescuers to collaborate in patient extrication, enhancing efficiency, safety, and responsiveness in emergency situations. This feature, combined with its flexibility and durability, makes the Reeves stretcher a valuable asset in hospital and emergency response settings.
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A WauK board is a stretcher designed for small spaces and can be moved by one person
A stretcher, also known as a gurney, litter, or pram, is a device used for moving patients who require medical attention. A basic stretcher must be carried by two or more people. A gurney, on the other hand, is a wheeled stretcher that is often equipped with variable-height frames and is used in ambulances and hospitals.
While modern gurneys have features such as battery-powered hydraulics to ease the workload on medical personnel, they are still bulky and not ideal for small spaces. This is where the WauK board comes in.
The WauK board is a stretcher designed for small spaces and can be moved by one person. It was invented by Brian Bandel, a firefighter who experienced back pain while trying to move a large patient around a tight corner. The WauK board is a dolly designed specifically for transporting people, allowing first responders to roll their patients instead of carrying them.
The WauK board has two wheels and a foldable footrest at one end, similar to a hand truck for moving cargo. The patient is secured to the board with straps, and the unique dolly feature allows first responders to extricate an immobilized patient from tight, restricted spaces without risking back injury. This makes it ideal for use in confined spaces such as small houses, narrow hallways, and stairwells.
The WauK board is a valuable innovation in patient extrication, providing a convenient and safe way to move patients in tight spaces while also preventing back injuries to first responders.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, hospital gurneys are pushed by medical staff. However, in some cases, family members or friends of the patient may also push the gurney, especially if the patient is being moved from one area of the hospital to another.
Yes, there are several types of gurneys, also known as stretchers, used in hospitals and emergency medical services (EMS). These include:
- Collapsible wheeled gurneys used in ambulances.
- Basic stretchers that must be carried by two or more people.
- Specialized bariatric stretchers with a wider frame and higher weight capacity.
- The Neil Robertson stretcher, designed for narrow and confined spaces.
Early stretchers were likely made of wicker over a frame, but modern gurneys are typically made of metal and other durable materials. Some specialized stretchers, like the Reeves sleeve or SKED, may be supported by wooden or plastic planks.
Patient safety is the top priority when moving patients from beds to gurneys. It is generally recommended to have at least two people for this task, with one person pulling and the other assisting by holding the drawsheet. If the patient weighs more than 200 pounds, it is advised to have at least three people or use a mechanical transfer device.
