Going up the stairs requires a lot of energy, especially if carrying a heavy load. You’ve probably imagined this task to be even more complicated if a patient is on a stretcher. The truth of the matter is that it isn’t, and we’ll shortly demonstrate to you how to do it safely without breaking a sweat.
Yes, a stretcher can go upstairs, and yes, there are stretchers specially designed to go upstairs. The best equipment to use to carry patients upstairs is the stair chair, both manual and electric. Alternatively, you and a few other personnel can secure your patient on any other cot and carry the patient upstairs.
Now, let’s dig into the details.
Battery-Powered And Manual Stair Chairs
The electric stair chair is a mechanical seat that allows patients to move upstairs and downstairs effortlessly. The chair is powered by a motor that powers gears that move the seat softly and safely up the stairs.
Which Patients Can Use This Device?
These chairs are suitable for:
- Walkers
- Patients on canes
- Patients on wheelchairs (electric or manual)
- Elderly patients
- Patients who are too weak to walk up the stairs
A point to note is that you shouldn’t use stair chairs for patients requiring spinal immobilization and those with mental illness. A patient with spinal injuries can’t sit on the stair chair. Meanwhile, it is challenging to make a patient with a mental illness sit still while the stair chair moves upstairs.
The table below shows some of the most popular stair chairs you can purchase.
| Stair Chair Type | Features |
Aluminum Alloy Stair Chair Stretcher | ● It is lightweight, has a small volume, and is easy to use ● You can carry it easily to and from the ambulance ●Its Oxford cloth and aluminum alloy materials are easy to clean and disinfect ●You can use it to carry a patient who weighs up to 159 kilograms ●This stair chair comes with two wheels to facilitate ground movement |
Electric Aluminum Alloy Stair Stretcher | ● This stretcher is motorized to make it easy to climb stairs ● It is battery-powered and can be used in areas without electricity ● The cot comes with four wheels for easy ground movement ● It is an electric motor that takes only four hours to charge and can power the gurney up 150 floors at the rate of 45 steps per minute. |
Rescue Foldable Aluminum Alloy Stair Stretcher | ●It is foldable and easy to carry around ●The stretcher has two safety belts to enhance patient safety ●The capstone has a unique design suitable for rescuing fracture patients. |
How To Use The Electric Stair Chair
Two trained EMS professionals can operate the stair chair, but it’s highly recommended that three or more are present during the process.
That said, these are the steps to follow when using the battery-powered version.
Step #1: Secure the patient on the stair chair. Use straps to secure the patient’s waist, torso, and ankle. The patient should position their hands across their chest to remain balanced throughout the ride.
This position also enhances patient safety by preventing them from grabbing stationary objects as the chair moves upstairs.
Step #2: One EMS professional should stand behind the patient while holding the stair chair’s handles. Since they are at the highest position, they’ll be responsible for steering the patient and activating/deactivating the motor.
Step #3: The second EMS professional will position themselves in front of the patient. They’ll hold the power grip handles and make sure they are fully extended and locked. The power grip handles are positioned near the patient’s ankles.
Step #4: The third professional will position themselves behind the second paramedic. Their work is to guide the second professional by providing data such as dangerous conditions, the remaining number of stairs, and any other arising situations.
Essentially, this professional serves as the group’s eyes by directing the entire team.
The professionals should always communicate so they can jointly coordinate the entire process. Additionally, they should assume proper body mechanics by keeping their backs and heads straight.
Once all the three are in position, it’s time to move the patient
Step #5: The professionals should start the chair and coordinatively move the patient up the flight of stairs.
Step #6: Once they reach the top, they can switch off the stair chair and dismount the patient.
The Manual Stair Stretcher
Using the manual stair chair involves more or less the same as the battery-powered chair. The only difference is that the professionals will push the chair since it is not powered
Using Stretchers To Go Upstairs
If you don’t have a stair chair, or you’re moving a patient who is too injured to use one, you can still carry the patient upstairs using a scoop stretcher, spine boards, or any other gurney.
Since you’ll be carrying the patient using your body strength, you’ll need some able-bodied personnel to accomplish the feat.
Here are a few considerations you should make when carrying the patient.
- Make sure the patient is well secured to your cot. Secure the patient by applying a strap that passes over their upper torso and through their armpits to leave the arms free.
Secure the strap to both sides of the stretcher. Secure the waist and the ankle straps so the patient remains immobile and secured to the board.
- When carrying the patient, ensure their head is always positioned higher than their feet. This position is more comfortable for the patient and reduces the chances of the patient sliding off the gurney.
- The taller paramedics should hold the foot area to minimize the stretcher’s incline
- The team leader will direct the entire process to move seamlessly without endangering the patients and EMS personnel.
- The paramedics must maintain proper lifting posture throughout the process. Keeping the back and head straight will prevent them from injuries.
A four folded aluminum alloy folding stretcher
Note: You will need more paramedics if you’re moving a bariatric patient up the stairs. Two or three can hold the patient on each side to minimize the weight everyone carries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a stretcher can go upstairs when carrying a patient. The battery-powered and manual stair chairs are the easiest for carrying a patient upstairs. These need three people to operate, but two can manage the task. You could also use any other type of stretcher to climb stairs as long as you secure the patient on the bed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the stair chair only used for carrying patients up and down a flight of stairs?
No. Most stair chairs come with wheels to enable you to move the patient on the ground as well.
Is the stair stretcher safe?
Yes. The stair stretcher is safe as long as you operate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and adhere to its load limits.
Can I use a bucket stretcher to carry a patient downstairs?
Yes. Make sure you strap the patient well on the pallet to prevent injuries. Also, have sufficient personnel to help you carry the patient down the stairs.
Can I use a Stair Stretcher on a Patient with Spinal Injuries?
No. The patient on a chair stretcher sits upright. A patient with a spinal injury may not sit upright without causing further injuries. A spine board or any other gurney that can immobilize the patient is better for this case.
