At the scene of a fire or rescue operation, you're dealing with burns, broken bones, smoke inhalation and other potentially life-threatening concerns. It's your job at this point to safely transport the patient from their location to your emergency vehicle and the closest medical facility without worsening their condition, and that's where stretchers come in.

Flexible and adaptable, these solutions provide a stable, supportive platform for patients that restricts their movement and allows you to administer emergency care. As you stock up your trucks and vans, explore all rescue and ambulance stretchers available at Fire Safety USA.

What Are Rescue and Ambulance Stretchers?

Paramedics, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and other emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are trained to respond to a number of life-threatening medical conditions on the job. This typically involves providing emergency care and stabilizing the patient as they're driven to a nearby medical facility.

Ambulance stretchers are integral to this process. The design keeps the patient flat and in one place, so emergency personnel can treat a wound or insert an IV, and provides a degree of comfort. At the same time, these attributes let you efficiently administer care until the patient can be seen by an emergency room doctor or nurse.

While constructions vary, ambulance stretchers feature a combination of the following:

• A lightweight, easy-to-transport and maneuverable folding frame, typically constructed of a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, stainless steel or durable plastic.
• Durable, ripstop fabric that creates a supportive surface for the patient, holds up to day-to-day use and lets the stretcher fold down.
• A portable, foldable design that emergency crews can carry in urban environments or over rough, demanding terrain during rescue operations.
• Handles and wheels for transporting patients over long distances.
• Safety straps, head blocks and other stabilization features that keep a patient securely and safely in place, minimizing movement and preventing further injury.

Types of Rescue and Ambulance Stretchers

The most common types of ambulance and rescue stretchers include:

• Folding stretchers: These are lightweight, portable and designed for navigating narrow, confined or otherwise challenging environments - for example, building stairwells, rugged terrain and crowds. For another advantage, these stretchers take up less space inside the ambulance.
• Scoop stretchers: These stretchers help transport patients who may have injured their spinal cord or neck, using a two-part design with built-in immobilization features to reduce movement. These stretchers are ideal for vehicle accidents and accommodate a wide range of patient body types.
• Immobilization stretchers: These stretchers keep a patient's head, neck and spine stable and suit situations involving cranial, spinal cord or other significant trauma.
• Pediatric stretchers: Proportionally sized down, these stretchers keep children and infants stable, comfortable and protected during transport.

Order Rescue and Ambulance Stretchers From Fire Safety USA

Ensure your fleet has the equipment to serve patients from the scene to the hospital. Browse all types of stretchers now at Fire Safety USA before placing an order online, through our call center or via our direct fax line.