Few medical devices are as universally recognized as stretchers and gurneys. These essential tools are used in hospitals, ambulances, and emergency response scenarios to transport patients safely and efficiently. While “stretcher” and “gurney” are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct devices with unique features and applications. If you’ve ever been inside a hospital or watched a medical drama, you’ve likely seen both in action, but you might not have noticed their differences.
Understanding the distinction between stretchers and gurneys is crucial for medical professionals when selecting the right equipment. For the average person, knowing the difference can provide insight into how patient care is managed in various settings.
Let’s explore what stretchers and gurneys are, their use, and the key differences that set them apart.
What Is a Stretcher?
A stretcher is a portable medical device to transport patients requiring medical attention. It is typically lightweight, simple in design, and used in emergencies where quick patient movement is essential. Stretchers are commonly found in ambulances, accident scenes, and search and rescue operations.
Stretchers are often made from durable materials such as aluminum or high-strength plastic, ensuring they can support a patient’s weight while remaining easy to carry. They may feature adjustable legs or wheels for easier transport, but their primary purpose is to provide a stable platform for moving patients in non-hospital settings.
What Is a Gurney?
Conversely, a gurney is a specialized type of stretcher equipped with wheels primarily used in hospital settings. It is designed to move patients within medical facilities, from an emergency room to a surgery suite or from a patient room to an imaging department.
Gurneys are more complex than standard stretchers. They often feature adjustable height, backrests, and side rails for added safety and comfort. They are typically larger and heavier than stretchers, as they are designed for use on smooth, flat surfaces like hospital floors.
What Features Are Common in Modern Gurneys?
Modern gurneys often include height adjustability, offering ease of patient transfer and reducing strain on medical staff. Many models have multi-positional backrests and leg supports to accommodate various medical procedures and improve patient comfort. Integrated side rails ensure safety during transportation while locking mechanisms stabilize the gurney when stationary. Furthermore, mobility enhancements, such as advanced caster wheels and central locking systems, aid smooth navigation in confined spaces. Additional accessories, like IV poles and accessory trays, add functionality for patient care during transport.
How Are Stretchers Used?
Stretchers are primarily used in pre-hospital and emergency settings. Here are some common scenarios where stretchers are indispensable:
- Ambulance Transport: Stretchers are a standard feature in ambulances, allowing EMTs and paramedics to transport patients to the hospital safely.
- Emergency Scenes: At accident sites, natural disasters, or mass casualty incidents, stretchers move injured individuals to a safe location or vehicle.
- Search and Rescue: In wilderness or confined space rescues, specialized stretchers like Reeves or scoop stretchers are used to navigate challenging terrain.
- Military Operations: Stretchers are essential in battlefield medevac situations, where quick and efficient patient transport is critical.
How Are Gurneys Used?
Gurneys are designed for medical facilities and optimized for patient comfort and ease of movement. Here’s how they are typically used:
- Hospital Transfers: Gurneys move patients between departments, from the emergency room to surgery or imaging.
- Patient Recovery: Patients are often transported on gurneys to recovery rooms or intensive care units after procedures.
- In-Hospital Transport: Gurneys move patients to other facilities for tests, treatments, or transfers.
- Comfort and Safety: Gurneys’ adjustable features, such as height and backrests, make them ideal for providing care during transport.
How Do Modern Gurneys Enhance Patient Transport?
Modern gurneys combine advanced technology with ergonomic features to improve patient transport. They enhance efficiency and safety for healthcare providers while maximizing patient comfort during transfers. These gurneys are created to adapt to various medical environments, ensuring seamless mobility in hospitals, clinics, and emergencies. Their durable construction and innovative design streamline workflows and optimize patient care.
What Are the Key Differences Between Stretchers and Gurneys?
While stretchers and gurneys serve similar purposes, several key differences set them apart:
-
Design and Features:
- Stretchers are simple, lightweight, and portable, designed for quick patient movement in emergency settings.
- Gurneys are more complex, featuring wheels, adjustable height, backrests, and side rails for hospital use.
-
Mobility:
- Stretchers are often carried by hand or equipped with essential wheels for short-distance transport.
- Gurneys are designed for smooth, flat surfaces and are pushed or pulled by medical staff.
-
Usage Environment:
- Stretchers are used in pre-hospital settings, such as ambulances, accident scenes, and rescue operations.
- Gurneys are used exclusively within medical facilities for in-hospital patient transport.
-
Patient Comfort:
- Stretchers prioritize functionality and portability over comfort, as they are used in urgent situations.
- Gurneys are designed with patient comfort in mind, offering adjustable features and padded surfaces.
-
Weight and Portability:
- Stretchers are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for emergency response.
- Gurneys are heavier and less portable, as they are designed for use on smooth surfaces.
When should you use a stretcher vs. a Gurney?
Choosing between a stretcher and a gurney depends on the situation and environment:
-
Use a Stretcher When:
- Transporting patients in emergency or pre-hospital settings.
- Navigating rough or uneven terrain.
- Quick patient movement is required.
-
Use a Gurney When:
- Moving patients within a hospital or medical facility.
- Patient comfort and safety during transport are priorities.
- Adjustable features like height and backrests are needed.
Why Are Stretchers and Gurneys Essential in Patient Care?
Both stretchers and gurneys play critical roles in patient care, ensuring that individuals are transported safely and efficiently. Stretchers are vital for emergency response, enabling quick movement in challenging environments, while gurneys provide comfort and stability for in-hospital transport. These devices help medical professionals deliver timely and effective care in or within a healthcare facility.
Are Hospital Stretchers Becoming Obsolete?
Hospital stretchers are not becoming obsolete, though their roles are evolving in response to advancements in gurney technology. Stretchers remain critical in emergency and field conditions where lightweight and portable designs are essential. However, in controlled healthcare environments, modern gurneys are replacing stretchers for their versatility and ability to integrate with other medical equipment. While stretchers still have specific uses, technological advancements in gurneys are gradually reducing their prevalence in non-emergency settings, especially where long-term or multi-purpose patient transport is required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the advantages of using stretchers over gurneys?
The advantages of using stretchers over gurneys include their portability and ability to be carried by hand, which makes them suitable for navigating tight spaces or uneven terrain. Stretchers can also be collapsed for easier storage and transport, making them versatile for different medical scenarios.
Q: How do gurneys facilitate patient transport?
Gurneys facilitate patient transport by providing a wheeled platform that medical personnel can easily maneuver. The wheels allow smooth movement through hallways and doorways, ensuring patients are transported safely and comfortably.
Q: Are there different types of stretchers available?
Yes, various types of stretchers are available, including standard stretchers, collapsible stretchers, and specialized options like bariatric stretchers. Each type is designed to meet specific needs in medical transportation, depending on the patient’s condition and requirements.
Q: What role do side rails play in patient safety?
Side rails are critical for ensuring patient safety during transport or stationary care. They act as a barrier to prevent falls, particularly for patients who may be unconscious, disoriented, or unable to stabilize themselves. Modern side rails offer additional benefits, such as quick-release mechanisms for easy access, padded surfaces to prevent injury, and built-in controls for patient convenience.
The Bottom Line
While stretchers and gurneys may seem similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and are optimized for different environments. Stretchers are the go-to choice for emergency and rescue operations, offering portability and functionality in high-pressure situations. Conversely, Gurneys are designed for in-hospital use, prioritizing patient comfort and ease of movement on smooth surfaces.
Understanding the differences between these two devices is essential for medical professionals and provides valuable insight into the complexities of patient care. Whether in an ambulance or a hospital hallway, stretchers and gurneys are indispensable tools that ensure patients receive the care they need when they need it.
References
-
Advances in Patient Transportation: Gurneys and Stretchers – This article explains the differences between gurneys and stretchers, focusing on their design and functionality.
-
How to Choose between Stretcher vs. Gurney for NEMT—This blog compares stretchers and gurneys, highlighting their specific uses and features.
-
Hospital Stretchers and Hospital Gurneys—This source discusses the importance of stretchers and gurneys in medical settings and offers insights into their applications.
English 
Russian 
Korean 
Portuguese 
Spanish