Stair stretchers have many designs, but they are either manual or electric. The manual and electric stair stretchers are bulkier than the traditional ambulance stretcher. Both can make rescue efforts easy when rescuing a patient from a multi-story building.
Today, we examine their differences.
An electric stair stretcher differs from a manual stretcher by design. It also works differently from the manual stretcher. The design of the manual stair stretcher is more straightforward. It also contains fewer components. The manual stretcher uses human energy to move. Meanwhile, the electric model uses power from a battery.
Let’s examine these differences in more detail.
1 – The Difference In Design
Manual and electric stair stretchers are both helpful in moving patients up and down a flight of stairs. The manual stretcher has a simpler design that allows paramedics to control it up or downstairs.
The Design of the Manual Stretcher
The manual stair stretcher design allows you to glide the patient up and down a flight of stairs. A typical manual stair stretcher has the following components:
- The stretcher has four wear-resistant wheels. These wheels allow you to push the patient on non-inclined surfaces.
- It has an aluminum alloy frame that is light enough to carry to the rescue site. The aluminum also makes the stretcher strong enough to support the patient’s weight. Moreover, the aluminum material allows you to sterilize and clean the stair stretcher.
- The sitting area is made from PVC material. PVC is strong, lightweight, and easy to clean.
- Most designs are foldable to store and move to the rescue site. Its foldability also allows you to fit multiple stair stretchers inside your ambulance. This feature is important when carrying out multiple rescues.
- The average manual stair stretcher weighs approximately 10 kilograms. It can carry a patient weighing up to 159 kilograms.
- The manual stair stretcher has straps to help you secure the patient during movement.
The Design of the Electric Stretcher
The electric stair stretcher borrows the design of the manual stretcher. However, it has additional features that make it much easier to move the patient.
Its design features include:
- The electric stair stretcher has a track. The stair glides on the stretcher as it moves up and down the stairs. The track gives the stretcher a steady movement.
- The electric stair stretcher has an emergency stop button. This button allows you to have better control of the stretcher than the manual model.
- It has four wear-resistant wheels, such as the ones shown below.
These wheels help you when moving the patient on a flat surface.
- The electric stair stretcher has a battery. This battery provides the energy for mobbing the patient up and down the staircase. Some stretcher designs even have remote controls to make it easier to control the setup.
- The lithium battery is rechargeable and can support 500 repeated charging
- The stretcher’s battery is positioned so it’s not too close to the patient
- A single charge lasts for around one and a half hours. It provides sufficient power to move down and up a five-story apartment thirty times.
- Some designs have navigation lights. These lights will help you see when rescuing your patient through dark stairways.
- The electric chair has straps to help you secure the patient during movement.
- The typical electric stair chair set up weights 30 kilograms and can support up to 160 kilograms. Bariatric designs can support a patient weighing up to 225 kilograms.
- Electric stair stretchers generally cost more than their manual counterparts.
2 – Difference In Use
You’ll need training before using the manual or electric stair stretcher. Each type of stretcher uses a different mechanism to move up or down.
Using a Manual Stretcher
The manual stretcher helps move the patient on staircases, but it requires your energy to push and pull the patient. You’ll need at least three people to operate this machine when moving a patient.
Paramedics generally employ the following procedure when using the stair stretcher:
Step 1: Move the star stretcher to the site. Since it’s approximately 10 kilograms and foldable, one person can carry it.
Step 2: Place the patient on the stretcher and move the stretcher to the staircase. In some cases, you’ll have to stabilize the patient before moving them, as shown below:
The patient usually sits on this stretcher. Ensure the casualty is well strapped to the stretcher before commencing movement.
Step 3: Take your positions. The first paramedic stands behind the casualty and holds onto the handles. The handles must be locked at their most extended position. The second paramedic will stand at the top of the staircase and grab the handles in front of the patient.
The third paramedic stands at the top of the staircase and guides the movement of the other two.
Step 4: The paramedics begin guiding the patient up the stairs once the third paramedic issues the order to move. The three personnel communicate throughout the process to ensure safety. The two paramedics move the patient slowly, ensuring they maintain proper body mechanics.
When moving downstairs, only two paramedics may be needed, as shown in the image below:
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVlit5Eattg
Step 5: Once at the bottom of the staircase, they can transfer the patient to an ambulance stretcher and transport them to the hospital.
Using an Electric Stair Stretcher
Since this stretcher doesn’t require manpower to move, two paramedics can operate it. Once you secure the patient on the stretcher, take your positions.
The first paramedic stands in front of the patient and grabs the stretcher’s extended handles. The second paramedic stands at the bottom of the staircase and guides the first paramedic.
Once everything is in position, the first paramedic releases the brakes. The paramedic also steers the stretcher as it slowly glides down its tracks.
Conclusion
Manual and electric stair stretchers differ in more ways than one. The two differ by design and the way one operates them. A manual stair stretcher uses human energy to move up and down, while an electric one uses battery power. The electric model is easier to use. It also gives paramedics better control of the movement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery of the electric stair stretcher last?
Once fully charged, the battery will last one and a half hours of continuous use.
Is the electric stair stretcher safe?
Yes. These stretchers are manufactured according to international standards to ensure safety. Its electrical wires are insulated and tucked in to avoid any accidents.
How many people are required to operate a manual stretcher?
Three paramedics are required to operate a manual stretcher. Two paramedics guide the stretcher over the staircase. The third EMS officer guides them throughout the process.
