The gurney is a ubiquitous piece of equipment in modern healthcare, instantly recognizable as the apparatus used to move patients who cannot walk or sit up on their own. Although the terms “gurney,” “stretcher,” and “patient trolley” are often used interchangeably, they refer to a highly specialized medical transport device. This apparatus serves as a mobile bed, ensuring the safe and supported movement of individuals across various medical settings.
Defining the Medical Transport Device
A gurney is fundamentally a wheeled stretcher, representing an evolution from the simpler, carried litter-style stretchers. Unlike traditional stretchers, which must be carried by two people, the gurney incorporates a robust, variable-height frame set on specialized wheels. This design allows medical personnel to maneuver a non-ambulatory patient across distances with far less physical strain. The primary function is to provide stable, horizontal transport, maintaining the patient’s position to prevent further injury during movement.
The gurney’s design is intended to keep the patient lying flat, which is important for individuals with suspected spinal injuries or those who require constant monitoring. Modern versions include a padded surface and an integrated frame that can be adjusted to different therapeutic positions. This combination of mobility and functionality makes the gurney a self-contained unit for transient patient care.
Contexts of Use: Where Gurneys Operate
Gurneys are integral to the workflow of nearly every medical facility. In emergency medical services (EMS), specialized gurneys, often called ambulance cots, feature a locking mechanism that secures the device firmly inside the ambulance during transport. These models frequently include self-loading systems, which use hydraulic or pneumatic power to lift the patient and gurney into the vehicle, reducing manual effort and risk of injury for EMTs.
Within hospital walls, gurneys facilitate a patient’s entire journey through the facility. They are used for initial transport from the ambulance bay into the Emergency Department (ER) for triage and stabilization. They also facilitate movement between departments, such as transferring a patient from the ER to a radiology suite or an MRI scan. Specialized surgical gurneys move patients into the operating room and then into the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for recovery.
Specific models, known as mortuary trolleys, also exist for the respectful transport of deceased individuals within a hospital or morgue setting. These are typically narrower and feature a flat surface to facilitate movement. The overarching use in all contexts is to bridge the gap between fixed points of care, ensuring the patient is continuously supported.
Essential Design Features for Patient Safety
The engineering of a modern gurney maximizes patient security and comfort during movement. All gurneys are equipped with a four-wheel system, featuring large swivel casters for smooth navigation and linear brakes for stable parking. A foot-activated or hand-lever braking system locks the wheels, preventing unexpected rolling during patient transfer or medical procedures.
Adjustable frame features offer specific therapeutic benefits and aid in safe transfer. Hydraulic or electric lift systems allow staff to raise or lower the bed surface to match the height of a hospital bed, minimizing effort during patient movement. Gurneys can also be tilted to specific angles, such as the Trendelenburg position, where the patient’s feet are elevated above the head, which is necessary for managing shock or blood pressure.
For fall prevention, side rails are a standard feature, designed to be quickly raised or lowered. Integrated restraint systems, such as multiple safety belts, secure the patient to the bed surface, preventing shifting during transit. Many gurneys also incorporate accessory mounts, including dedicated poles for intravenous (IV) fluids and trays for essential medical monitoring equipment.