A New Stretcher Design for Easy Manoeuvrability on Narrow Staircases and Rough Ground for Developing Countries

Abstract

Rough terrains with obstacles, narrow staircases and inadequate space to position the ambulance conveniently in relation to the exit door of houses, often encountered in developing countries like India, make it difficult if not impossible to carry patients using conventional stretchers. A novel two-wheeled stretcher to overcome the limitations has been designed, fabricated and tested for a decade. The special features allow even one stretcher operator to transport a patient over all types of ground, down staircases with landings so small as not to provide space for a regular stretcher to turn into and out from the ambulance. This wide range of facilities has been obtained by incorporating very simple and low-cost devices such as a metal guard over two wheels, friction belts and an ergonomically designed tie bar system. Usage in handling various medical and surgical emergency cases has proven the efficacy and acceptability of the design.