Choosing the Right Stretcher Trolley

A stretcher trolley is a combined stretcher and trolley. It can also be called a gurney. It allows a sick or injured patient to be transported in a lying, or occasionally sitting, position. They are mainly used in hospitals or treatment centers to transport patients between different units. They can also be used outdoors, particularly by ambulance drivers, to transport patients to medical facilities.

Different stretcher trolleys are distinguished by their field of application, ergonomics and various features.

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What are the different types of stretcher trolleys?
ROYAX ambulance stretcher trolley

The choice of the appropriate stretcher trolley will depend on the intended application. There are five main applications: emergency, trauma, mortuary, neonatal care and ophthalmology.
- Emergency stretcher trolleys are generally less cumbersome and easier to handle so they can easily be loaded and unloaded in an ambulance.
- Trauma stretcher trolleys offer all the necessary functionalities for transporting patients suffering from trauma, whether it be in the emergency room (ER), radiology or the intensive care unit (ICU).
- Mortuary stretcher trolleys are dedicated to transporting bodies within the morgue.
- Infant stretcher trolleys are used in particular for transporting incubators.
- Ophthalmological stretcher trolleys are suitable for the rapid management of ophthalmological procedures in an outpatient context.
Some stretcher trolleys have very specific characteristics such as pediatric stretcher trolleys, bariatric stretcher trolleys or stretcher trolleys intended for radiology and MRI units. In the latter case, there are radio-transparent sleeping surfaces or non-magnetic stretcher trolleys which allow the examination to be carried out directly on the gurney.
The main types of stretcher trolleys:
- Emergency stretcher trolleys
- Trauma stretcher trolleys
- Mortuary stretcher trolleys
- Infant stretcher trolleys
- Ophthalmological stretcher trolleys
What features does a stretcher trolley have?
Malvestio transport stretcher trolley

Most stretcher trolleys offer adjustment options and features that are important to consider, such as variable height, and adjustable backrests as well as reclining and self-loading options. In the latter case, an energy source (mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical) will be required to operate the mechanism.
- Height-ajustable: a stretcher trolley can have adjustable height to allow caregivers to work in an ideal position.
- Adjustable backrest: this feature promotes greater patient comfort in a seated or semi-seated position.
- Reclining: some stretcher trolleys can be reclined into the Trendelenburg position (with the patient lying on his or her back with the lower limbs higher than the head), or in Reverse Trendelenburg position (with the lower limbs lower than the head). These positions are often controlled by a pedal.
- Self-loading: for emergency response or first aid applications, we recommend that you use a self-loading stretcher trolley as it will reduce operator maneuvering during loading or unloading operations in an ambulance. By pressing on the button, the removable part separates from the stretcher trolley, even when it is in the ambulance. This makes it very easy to use the stretcher and trolley separately.
Which stretcher trolley configuration should you choose?
Depending on the field of application and frequency of use, it is important to check five aspects: weight capacity; ease of maintenance; the number of sections to the sleeping surface; steering and braking systems and compatibility with accessories.
- Weight capacity: refers to maximum load the stretcher trolley can hold. This is very important to consider, especially if you plan on transporting obese patients.
- Ease of maintenance and cleaning: this is another important aspect to consider, especially if you intend to use the stretcher trolley intensively or in soiling environments (ER or first aid, operating room, morgue, etc.).
- The number of sections to the sleeping surface: this can vary from one to four sections depending on the model. The more sections, the more comfortably the patient can be positionned on the stretcher trolley.
- Steering and braking systems: will enable optimal maneuvering of the stretcher trolley. Some models offer, for example, six-wheel drive steering or an active braking system at the handle that makes it easy to stop the stretcher.
- Compatibility with accessories: accessories can be very useful for adapting a stretcher trolley to a wide range of situations. For example, there are fixing rails for IV stands, or retractable or foldable side rails for direct access to the patient in the event of care or transfer.
What accessories should you choose for your stretcher trolley?
Many accessories are available when purchasing a stretcher trolley. For example:
- An IV stand for administering infusions during patient transfer
- Side rails to prevent fall risks for patient safety
- An integrated weighing scale
- An oxygen cylinder holder
- Fixing straps to ensure that the patient is held on the sleeping surface
- An ajustable headrest, etc.