Stretchers

Key Takeaways

• First, stretchers are platforms that move and support patients, and they range from a simple folding stretcher to a powered hospital stretcher.
• In most wards, the stretcher trolley is the main choice because it has wheels and side rails.
• As for size, a hospital stretcher is usually 1.9 to 2.15 m long and 55 to 70 cm wide.
• As for price, the cost depends on the type, frame material, load limit and extra features, so a simple folding stretcher costs far less than a powered hospital stretcher.
• Finally, choose a stretcher by its use, load limit, wheels, cleaning needs and standards, and not by price alone.

Contents

Every doctor and nurse has moved a patient on a stretcher, yet this device gets very little attention. However, patient handling causes many back injuries among staff and many falls among patients. Therefore, the right patient stretcher protects both the patient and the care team.

This guide is for doctors, nurses, medical students and buyers of clinic and hospital equipment. In addition, it answers the most common questions about stretchers and adds buying tips for the Indian market in 2026. For products, you can also visit Meddey, including its hospital beds and mobility equipment.

What Are Stretchers Used For?

A stretcher is a flat, strong platform that carries a patient who cannot walk safely. First, it keeps the patient in a stable position. Second, it protects the spine and limbs during movement. As a result, staff can move the patient with less effort and less risk.

In teaching hospitals, students also learn safe handling on stretchers. For instance, they practise the log-roll, the slide transfer, brake use and rail position. Moreover, they learn how to keep IV lines safe during movement.

How Does a Stretcher Work?

Most stretchers share four parts. First, a strong frame carries the load. Second, a surface such as a mattress, canvas or coated fabric supports the patient. Third, wheels, handles or runners allow movement. Finally, rails, straps and brakes keep the patient safe.

Wheeled hospital stretcher (trolley)

1. Positioning

First, staff bring the trolley next to the bed and lock the wheel brakes. As a result, it cannot move during the transfer.

2. Height matching

Next, a pedal, lever or button raises or lowers the deck on hydraulic or electric models. Therefore, the deck matches the bed height and the slide is easy.

3. Patient transfer

Then, staff move the patient across with a slide sheet, roller board or team lift. After that, they raise the side rails and fasten the straps if needed.

4. Head-up position

Meanwhile, the backrest lifts the head end to ease breathing and feeding. In addition, premium models tilt the whole deck (the Trendelenburg position).

5. Transport

Finally, staff release the brakes and push the trolley by the end handles. Also, an IV pole and an oxygen cylinder holder travel with the patient.

Folding stretcher

A folding stretcher has an aluminium frame with hinged cross-bars and a stretched fabric bed. When opened, locking hinges hold the frame firm. When closed, it folds into a small bundle. Usually, two to four people carry it by the handles. However, it is built for easy carrying and not for comfort.

Powered and ambulance stretchers

Ambulance stretchers use a scissor frame with a hydraulic or battery lift. Because the legs fold as the cot goes in, the crew lifts less weight. Also, a lock holds the cot to the vehicle floor. Therefore, powered versions reduce lifting injuries for paramedics.

How Many Types of Stretchers Are There?

There is no official count because makers group stretchers in different ways. However, in practice, about twelve types are widely known. Below, they are listed with a short note on each one.

Stretchers used inside the hospital

Portable, ambulance and rescue stretchers

Which Type of Stretcher Is Commonly Used?

In Indian hospitals and nursing homes, the wheeled stretcher trolley is the most common type. It has side rails, a padded mattress and a head-up backrest. Because it moves easily and staff can clean it fast, it works well day and night.

Outside the ward, the aluminium folding stretcher is the most popular choice in first aid rooms, schools, factories and housing societies. It stores flat and needs little care besides cleaning. In ambulances, however, the folding-leg ambulance stretcher is the norm.

Stretcher, trolley and hospital bed: what is the difference?

Many people use these three names for the same thing. However, each one has a slightly different job. A stretcher is the general name for any platform that carries a patient. Put on a wheeled base, it becomes a stretcher trolley, so it moves easily inside a building. A hospital bed, on the other hand, is meant for long stays, and it usually has more positions, stronger rails and a thicker mattress.

In practice, a patient often uses all three in one visit. For example, the ambulance stretcher brings the patient in, the stretcher trolley carries the patient to the ward, and the hospital bed then supports the stay. Therefore, a clinic that only does short visits may need just a trolley, while a ward that keeps patients overnight also needs beds.

What Types of Stretchers Are Used in Hospitals?

Each department needs different features. For example, casualty needs quick height change, while radiology needs a deck that X-rays can pass through. The table below matches common choices to each clinical setting.

For small clinics with little space, one compact stretcher trolley plus one or two folding stretchers usually cover most needs. Besides, this set-up costs far less than powered systems.

What Is the Size of a Stretcher?

Sizes differ by type and maker, but the ranges below are typical. Therefore, always check the exact size, height range and load limit on the datasheet. Also, make sure the stretcher fits through your lifts and doors.

For example, a typical stretcher on trolley measures about 570 mm wide, 2140 mm long and 820 mm high. Similarly, a common aluminium folding stretcher measures about 220 × 55 cm open and 110 × 18 × 13 cm folded, and it carries up to 150 kg.

Stretcher Price in 2026: What Decides the Cost?

Stretcher price depends on the type, frame material, mattress, adjustment options, brand and standards. Because these factors differ from one model to another, the same type of stretcher can have a wide price range. Therefore, it is better to compare the full specification than to compare one number.

How much does a stretcher bed cost, and what about a foldable stretcher?

In practice, a stretcher bed (stretcher trolley) costs more than a foldable stretcher, because it has wheels, rails and a mattress. Moreover, a hydraulic or stainless-steel trolley costs more than a basic fixed-height one. A foldable stretcher, on the other hand, is one of the lower-cost options, since it is simple and light. For the exact price of a model, please check the current listing or ask for a written quote.

What pushes the price up?

• First, powered lift and automation add a lot to the cost in ambulance and emergency models.
• Second, a higher load limit and a bariatric build cost more.
• Third, stainless steel costs more than painted mild steel, and aluminium is light but not cheap.
• In addition, brand support such as warranty, spare parts and service adds value.
• Finally, extras such as an IV pole, oxygen cage, X-ray deck and thick mattress raise the price.

How to get the best value

Instead of choosing the lowest price, look at the total cost of use. For example, a stronger frame and better wheels last longer, so they may cost less over the years. Also, ask if the quote includes delivery, GST and warranty. Then, compare the same features across two or three models before you decide.

Buying Checklist for Clinics and Hospitals

As a simple rule for small clinics, buy one good stretcher trolley for daily moves and one folding stretcher for emergencies. Then, keep both in a known place where nothing blocks them.

Common mistakes to avoid

• First, do not buy on price alone, because a cheap unit with weak wheels or brakes can cost more later.
• Second, do not ignore door and lift width, since a stretcher that does not fit is of no use.
• Third, avoid skipping the load limit, because an overloaded frame can bend or fail.
• In addition, do not forget cleaning needs, as torn mattresses and rusty joints hold germs.
• Finally, do not leave routine checks for later, since small faults grow quickly with daily use.

Safety, Cleaning and Care

• Brakes: Always lock the brakes before any transfer. Then, push gently to confirm they hold.
• Rails and straps: Raise the side rails when the patient is on the stretcher, unless the case says otherwise. Also, fasten straps for confused, sedated or young patients.
• Lifting: Use enough staff for each lift. In addition, use slide sheets or roller boards to reduce strain.
• Cleaning: Clean the stretcher between patients with the approved disinfectant. Pay special attention to rails, handles, mattress seams and joints.
• Checks: Inspect wheels, brakes, hinges, rail latches, welds and the mattress often. If a unit is damaged, remove it from use at once.
• Oiling: Oil moving parts as the maker advises, usually every few months.
• Load limit: Finally, respect the load limit. For example, never use a folding stretcher as a bed or a step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need the Right Stretcher for Your Clinic or Hospital?

Compare options, check stock and ask for a quote for your stretcher trolley, hospital stretcher or folding stretcher. Also, the Meddey support team can help you choose the right model.

Disclaimer