What Is a Stretcher Chair? A Must-Have for Modern Patient Transport

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 51.4 million inpatient surgical procedures are conducted in the US every year. In most cases, the patient needs to be moved from one surface to another to achieve the required position for the procedure. During this process, not only is a lot of time consumed but the risk of complications to the patients is also elevated. Hence, the use of stretcher chairs that can be adjusted in different positions without the need to move the patient.

In this article, let us learn about the stretcher chairs that can keep the patient comfortable while they are being moved around. In addition, a well-known stretcher chair brand has also been linked for the reader’s convenience.

What is a Stretcher Chair?

A stretcher chair is a medical equipment that is used to allow the patient to get transported with ease. Moreover, the purpose is also to minimize the change in position of the patient as the chair keeps them comfortable in a horizontal and upright position but also offers lying down or tilting. These stretcher chairs are used in various healthcare settings such as daycare units, clinics, as well as surgery centers.

Construction of Stretcher Chairs

The stretcher chairs, also known as transport chairs or evacuation chairs, have a strong build so that they can handle the patient’s body weight. However, the construction materials used are light in weight so moving the chair from one area to another remains easy for the healthcare providers. The following section provides a breakdown of the product:

Construction Material

Most stretcher chairs are constructed using aluminum because of its lighter weight. In addition, some sections are also made up of high-strength plastic that keeps the overall structure lightweight yet provides the necessary strength. In addition, the segments of the stretcher chairs can be folded which facilitates storage and transportation.

Fabric and Upholstery

The fabric used for constructing the padded surfaces of the stretcher chairs is usually polyvinyl chloride or PVC-based. This is because of the durability of the material. Moreover, as PVC is long-lasting, the backrest or other padded surfaces do not need frequent replacements. In addition, the waterproof nature of the material allows easy cleaning and maintenance, even sterilization.

Wheels

The wheels of the stretcher chairs are constructed using a smooth-rolling material such as rubber or polyurethane. Some of these chairs also have larger wheels that further ease maneuverability especially when it comes to using the stretcher chair on an uneven surface.

Belts and Locks

Most stretcher chairs come with a safety belt that holds the patient securely in their position. These add to the overall safety of the product. Moreover, the locking mechanisms of the product allow it to be secured in place when movement is not required.

Armrests

Armrests are often included in the stretcher chairs as these enhance patient comfort during the procedures. These are also adjustable and, therefore, can be changed in height depending on the patient’s comfort.

Head and Foot Supports

The head, as well as foot supports in the stretcher chairs, are the key components for added comfort. These are also adjustable.

Folding and Storage

When it comes to storing the stretcher chairs, their folding mechanisms are of great importance. These allow the device to become compact and, thus, easily fixed in a small space. Due to this feature, healthcare facilities with limited space often prefer foldable stretcher chairs.

In addition, most stretcher chairs also possess grips or handles to ease carrying and maneuverability.

Stretcher Chairs: Key Features and Benefits

Stretcher chairs are one of the widely used items in healthcare facilities due to the comfort they provide to the patients. These often come with the following features:

Dual Functionality

The stretcher chairs are structured like the regular chairs which offer a place for the patient to sit down. However, as these items are adjustable, they can be adjusted into a stretcher-like position that allows lying down. Moreover, the product also allows a tilt-like-space position that can be maintained while the patient is being examined.

High Patient Comfort

The stretcher chairs are highly comfortable for the patients as these have thickly padded seats for sitting or lying down. Therefore, patients can easily remain seated even for longer periods during an examination or a surgical procedure.

Patient Positioning

The stretcher chairs are also used to position the patient during a surgical procedure. Ideally, these are the first choice in ophthalmology where the patient needs to be positioned in a sitting but tilted position. Similarly, stretcher chairs are also used in stomatology and ENT.

Efficient Patient Transfer

Using a stretcher chair allows the healthcare staff to relax as it eliminates frequent patient transfers between different surfaces. For instance, in hospitals, the patients need to be shifted from a bed to a wheelchair or vice versa.

This shift not only takes time but also jeopardizes the patient’s safety especially right after surgery. Here, the stretcher chairs eliminate this practice as these can be made into a bed and then a chair again with quick adjustment.

Space Optimization

While using the stretcher chairs, another benefit that can be achieved is the optimization of space it has to offer. This is because the product is designed in a way that it has a compact yet optimal shape to fit into small spaces as well. This way, patient throughput is also maximized.

Versatility

The stretcher chairs are versatile in terms of their use as these can be employed in multiple healthcare setups including ophthalmology, OB-GYN, etc. Plastic and cosmetic surgery clinics also use these stretcher chairs for comfortable patient positioning.

Enhanced Ergonomics

Another notable feature of the stretcher chairs is that they are designed in a way to provide maximum comfort to the patients. This is because the product has adjustable armrests and legrests that can be positioned depending on the patient’s height or comfort level.

Enhanced Patient Safety

As using a stretcher chair eliminates the need for patient transfer from one surface to another, the overall patient safety is enhanced.

Applications of Stretcher Chairs

The stretcher chairs are employed during various procedures within healthcare facilities. Some of these include the following:

1.      Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Stretcher chairs are frequently used in pre-operative areas to shift the patient from the ward to the operating room. Similarly, once the operation has been performed, these chairs also help transfer the patients to the post-anesthesia care units (PACU).

2.      Day Surgery Units

The stretcher chairs, when used in day surgery units, streamline the flow of the patients. This way, they enhance the efficiency of the facility.

3.      Surgery Centers

Using the stretcher chairs is ideal for surgery centers as these smoothen the patient transfer, especially in facilities where limited space is a concern.

Stretcher Chairs at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications

Within healthcare facilities, transferring a patient from one place to another is a common practice. In this process, not only a lot of time is consumed but also there is a risk to the patient if they are mishandled. Here, the use of stretcher chairs is beneficial as they help with patient transfer with enhanced safety.

When it comes to learning about stretcher chairs, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:

Stryker STRYKER5051 – Stretcher Chair Eye Stryker 400lb Capacity Each

US$4,444.00

Product Details

Stryker STRYKER5051 stretcher chair eye Stryker is a product that is often preferred when it comes to buying stretcher chairs for a healthcare facility. This is because these products are compact in shape and design and, therefore, require a small space for placement. These are ideal for healthcare facilities where space is a concern.

Moreover, these Stryker stretcher chairs do not compromise patient comfort and safety. These are also known to maximize patient throughput. As these can be adjusted, the patient’s position can be changed from horizontal to upright to achieve comfort as well as to maximize the efficiency of the procedure to be conducted.

Furthermore, these Stryker stretcher chairs have a dual articulation. In addition, these Stryker stretcher chairs also come with an enhanced clearance headpiece that allows patient positioning during surgery.

Each Stryker stretcher chair has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds or lbs. The structure is versatile and the pneumatic backrest can be maneuvered from 0 to 90 degrees. To enhance patient safety, these Stryker stretcher chairs have been affixed with dual hydraulic jacks as well as a central locking system that is based on a steel brake ring. The foot section can also be moved independently or dependently on the backrest.

These Stryker stretcher chairs come in three different colors that include grey, blue, and red. As for their standard features, the product possesses a 5 cm vinyl mattress, 5 cm casters, and a 61 cm wide patient surface. Additionally, four IV receptacles are also present along with dual pedestal hydraulics. The hands-free Trendelenburg eases positioning during abdominal surgeries.

*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.

The stretcher chairs mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of stretcher chairs as well as other mobility items.

Conclusion

Transferring a patient from one area to another is common while she or he is admitted to a hospital. This is usually done by using a wheelchair or a stretcher. However, the use of these requires the patient to be shifted from one position to another which could become the cause of damage to the recently operated area.

To reduce the risk, stretcher chairs have been introduced that can be used as chairs but can also be flattened to act like a bed. Moreover, these also provide the option of tilting the patient during a procedure if needed. This way, the need to move the patient from one surface to another just to change their posture is eliminated.

Considering the importance of stretcher chairs, these are among the must-have items within healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, dental care units, etc. For purchasing different types of stretcher chairs, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.

References

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/inpatient-surgery.htm