A gurney, formally known as a wheeled stretcher, is specialized equipment used in medical settings to safely transport patients who must remain lying down. Unlike a simple, portable stretcher, the gurney features a wheeled frame, an adjustable bed surface, and secure side rails. This device is fundamental for patient movement, facilitating transfers between ambulances, emergency departments, operating rooms, and various hospital units. The dimensions, particularly the width, are engineered to balance patient comfort with the necessity of navigating constrained spaces.
Standard Gurney Widths
The width of a gurney dictates the environments through which the patient can be moved. Standard ambulance stretchers are typically the narrowest, measuring approximately 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 centimeters) wide. This measurement is standardized so the gurney can be effectively mounted and locked into the ambulance cot restraint system, preventing movement during transit. The narrow profile also allows emergency medical technicians to maneuver the gurney through residential doorways and tight spaces.
Hospital gurneys, sometimes called transport stretchers, can be slightly wider than their ambulance counterparts. Some models range up to 29 or even 32.5 inches in total width, providing additional comfort and working space for medical staff. This increase is acceptable because hospital corridors and doorways are typically designed to accommodate larger equipment than residential spaces.
When patient size exceeds the capacity of a standard unit, specialized bariatric gurneys are employed. These are significantly wider, often measuring between 28 to 30 inches (71 to 76 centimeters), to safely accommodate larger individuals. This increased width necessitates wider corridors and door openings within the hospital, placing additional demands on the facility’s infrastructure.
Understanding Other Critical Dimensions
Beyond width, the length and height of a gurney are critical for its functionality. Standard gurneys are typically 75 to 84 inches (190 to 213 centimeters) long to accommodate the vast majority of the adult population. This length ensures a patient can lie completely supine with adequate support, which is important for patients requiring spinal immobilization.
Many modern gurney models incorporate a retraction mechanism, allowing the frame to shorten for easier movement in confined spaces like small elevators or tight corners. This feature provides staff with the flexibility to navigate complex architectural layouts. The length must also factor in space for accessories, such as oxygen tanks or intravenous (IV) poles, which extend beyond the main frame during patient care.
The height of a gurney is variable, facilitated by adjustable mechanisms fundamental to patient transfer and medical procedures. The height can typically be lowered to approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) from the floor to facilitate safe transfer from a bed or chair. Conversely, the gurney can be raised up to 36 inches (91 centimeters) high, allowing medical personnel to perform procedures without excessive bending. This adjustability reduces physical strain on staff, supporting occupational safety in high-volume environments.
Impact of Gurney Width on Accessibility
The standardized width of a gurney directly dictates the design and structural requirements of medical infrastructure. The standard ambulance gurney width of 24 inches means doorways must provide sufficient clearance for passage. Hospital building codes typically require a minimum clear opening of 36 inches for most doorways, ensuring gurneys can pass through, often with attendants walking alongside.
Corridor width is significantly impacted by gurney dimensions, especially where two gurneys may need to pass each other. Many hospitals feature main corridors that are 6 to 7 feet (72 to 84 inches) wide to accommodate the passage and turning radius of transport stretchers. Failure to maintain this clearance can impede emergency response and create logistical bottlenecks.
In multi-story buildings, the gurney’s width and length are factored into elevator design requirements. Building codes often specify that at least one elevator must be large enough to accommodate a standard 24-inch by 84-inch ambulance stretcher horizontally. This mandatory sizing ensures that patients can be moved between floors for diagnostic tests, surgery, or discharge.