How to Choose Between Stretcher vs Gurney for NEMT: Key Factors to Consider

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) plays an important role in helping patients get to and from medical facilities for treatments and appointments. Depending on the patient’s condition, different equipment may be needed to ensure their safety and comfort during transport. Two commonly used types of patient transport equipment in NEMT are stretchers and gurneys.

At NEMT Cloud Dispatch we'll explore the differences between stretchers and gurneys, when each should be used, and how to make the right choice for transporting patients.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Stretcher?

A stretcher is a flat platform, often made of fabric or metal, designed to carry patients who are lying down. It typically has handles or bars for medical personnel to hold while carrying the patient. Stretchers are often used in situations where a patient must be transported without moving them too much or when the patient needs to remain in a fully reclined position during transport.

Common Uses of a Stretcher in NEMT:

• Transporting patients who cannot sit up due to their medical condition (e.g., severe injury, paralysis, or surgery recovery).
• Moving patients who need to be kept in a lying position for medical reasons, such as patients with spinal injuries or fractures.
• Safely carrying patients over short distances, such as from their home to the NEMT vehicle or from the vehicle to a hospital or clinic.

Types of Stretchers:

1- Basic Manual Stretchers: These are lightweight and require two or more people to carry the patient. They are ideal for transporting patients over short distances.

2- Foldable Stretchers: These can be folded to fit into small spaces and are convenient for https://nemtclouddispatch.com/blog/how-to-become-nemt-provider">NEMT providers who need to transport stretchers in compact vehicles.

3- Specialized Stretchers: Some stretchers are designed for specific medical needs, such as stretchers with immobilization features for patients with spinal cord injuries.

What is a Gurney?

A gurney sometimes called a hospital bed on wheels, is a more advanced type of stretcher that includes a wheeled frame and often has adjustable features. Gurneys can be moved easily over long distances by one or more people and are commonly found in hospitals, ambulances, and NEMT vehicles.

Common Uses of a Gurney in NEMT:

• Moving patients who can lie down or sit up, as most gurneys are adjustable and allow the patient to recline at different angles.
• Transporting patients who need to remain mobile while being securely positioned on a wheeled platform.
• Moving patients over longer distances without lifting, thanks to the gurney’s wheels.

Types of Gurneys:

1- Standard Gurneys: These are basic hospital beds on wheels, with a flat surface and the ability to adjust the headrest or footrest to different angles.

2- Advanced Gurneys: These come with additional features, such as hydraulic lifts to adjust the height, padding for extra comfort, or secure locking mechanisms to keep the patient safe during transport.

3- Bariatric Gurneys: Designed to support heavier patients, these gurneys are wider and more reinforced than standard gurneys.

Key Differences Between Stretchers and Gurneys

Understanding the key differences between stretchers and gurneys can help NEMT providers and caregivers make the right choice when transporting patients:

1- Mobility:

Stretcher: Requires manual lifting by two or more people to move the patient.

Gurney: Has wheels, allowing the patient to be transported without lifting, which makes it easier to move the patient over longer distances.

2- Patient Positioning:

Stretcher: Typically keeps the patient lying flat, which is essential for patients who need to remain in a horizontal position due to medical conditions.

Gurney: Adjustable to various angles, allowing the patient to recline or sit up depending on their comfort and medical needs.

3- Comfort:

Stretcher: May not have padding, which can make it uncomfortable for longer transports.

Gurney: Often comes with padding and adjustable features, making it more comfortable for patients who need to be transported over longer distances.

4- Use Cases:

Stretcher: Best for short-distance transport and patients who need to be immobilized during the trip.

Gurney: Ideal for longer-distance transport, patients with more flexibility in movement, and those who require greater comfort.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Stretcher and Gurney for NEMT

When deciding whether to use a stretcher or gurney for non-emergency medical transport, several factors come into play. Below are some key considerations:

Patient Condition:

If the patient is immobile or requires full-body support, a stretcher may be the best option. This ensures that they remain in a flat, stable position throughout the journey. If the patient can sit up, even partially, or if they need to be reclined at an angle, a gurney may be the better choice.

Distance of Transport:

For short trips, such as moving the patient from their home to the NEMT vehicle or from the vehicle to a nearby facility, a stretcher may be sufficient. For longer transport, such as traveling across town to a medical center, a gurney may be more appropriate, especially for patient comfort and ease of movement.

Level of Comfort Required:

A stretcher may not be comfortable for patients who need to be transported for extended periods, as it may lack padding and adjustable features. A gurney typically offers more comfort and customization, with padding and adjustable features to suit the patient's needs.

Weight Capacity:

For heavier patients or those who need bariatric support, a bariatric gurney is often the best choice due to its higher weight capacity. Standard stretchers may not be suitable for patients with higher weight needs, making it important to select equipment that can safely support the patient’s weight.

Available Space in the Vehicle:

Stretchers are often more compact and easier to store in smaller NEMT vehicles. Gurneys, especially advanced or bariatric gurneys, may require more space in the vehicle, so it is important to ensure that the NEMT vehicle has adequate space to accommodate the gurney.

Ease of Handling for the NEMT Provider:

Stretchers require multiple people to lift and carry the patient, which may be physically demanding for the NEMT provider. Gurneys, with their wheels and adjustable height, are generally easier to maneuver, requiring less physical effort from the transport team.

The Role of NEMT Software in Stretcher and Gurney Transport

Efficient management of stretcher and gurney transport within NEMT services can be greatly enhanced through the use of NEMT software. Advanced NEMT software solutions streamline scheduling, route planning, and dispatching, ensuring that patients with specific transport needs. The software can also track equipment availability, making it easier for NEMT providers to allocate the proper resources based on the patient’s medical condition and transport requirements.

Additionally, real-time tracking and communication features help improve coordination, ensuring that patient pickups and drop-offs occur smoothly and safely. By integrating NEMT software, providers can optimize their operations, reduce wait times, and deliver a higher standard of care during transport, particularly for patients needing specialized equipment like stretchers or gurneys.

Conclusion

Choosing between a stretcher and a gurney for NEMT services comes down to several important factors, including the patient’s medical condition, the distance of transport, and the level of comfort required. While stretchers are ideal for short trips and patients who need to remain flat and immobile, gurneys offer greater mobility, comfort, and flexibility for longer journeys or patients who can sit up.

NEMT providers must assess each patient’s unique needs to ensure that the most appropriate equipment is used, ensuring both safety and comfort during transportation. By understanding the differences between stretchers and gurneys and considering the factors outlined in this article, NEMT providers can make informed decisions that best support their patients.