How to Operate an Ambulance Stretcher

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Do you know how to raise and lower an ambulance stretcher? Follow these steps to help you learn this not-so-tricky process.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-1.jpg\/aid141983-v4-728px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    • Look for the handle at the foot end of the stretcher (it can be red or black) which is placed under the mattress. After taking the weight off of the wheels, pull the handle
    • Make sure you (and your partner) are ready for the stretcher to come down. This means standing out of its way a little, and preparing to guide the stretcher to the floor. Never lift with your back. Instead, keep your back straight and squat; use the muscles in your legs.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-2.jpg\/aid141983-v4-728px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-3.jpg\/aid141983-v4-728px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    once the stretcher is at the desired height, let go of the handle.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-4.jpg\/aid141983-v4-728px-Operate-an-Ambulance-Stretcher-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Make sure that the stretcher locks into place when you load it into the ambulance.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
      • If you don't have a lock you shouldn't have a stretcher! One of the first things they teach you in EMS is safety, and this is certainly not a safe practice!
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
      • There are two wheels at the "head end" of the stretcher. Pull those out to the edge of the ambulance, and pull the handle - the wheels will come down, so make sure you are not in the way before you pull.
        Thanks
        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Stretchers are not backboards they are not meant to be carried!
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
      • Only trained EMTs, Paramedics, or other trained emergency responders should operate the stretcher.
        Thanks
        Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
      • Make sure that you know how to properly lift and to use proper body mechanics when lifting.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
      • Ambulance stretchers come in many different styles; this is only a general guide so make sure that you know how to operate the stretcher that your ambulance company uses for patient transport.
        Thanks
        Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1
      • Make sure that no arms or legs are caught in the stretcher - this happens a lot when operating by the sides rather than ends. Make sure you are clear of moving parts before you move - it is often difficult to see every one of your partner's digits.
        Thanks
        Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3
      • When lifting and moving a patient that is in the stretcher, communication is important; always make sure that you and your partner know what you are doing and understand what you are doing before you begin to move the patient in any form. Failure to communicate will result in injury/further injury to the patient, injury to yourself, and/or injury to your partner.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Stretcher

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Call an Ambulance
      How to
      Make a Simple Stretcher
      How to
      Do a Two Person Arm Carry
      How to
      Do CPR on a Child
      When to Worry about Left Arm Pain (And When Not To)
      How to
      Request a Welfare Check for Someone
      How to
      Check for Appendicitis at Home: Signs, Tests & More
      How to
      Tape a Thumb
      What to Do If a Popcorn Kernel Is Stuck in Your Throat
      How to
      Make a Saline Solution
      How to
      Carry Someone Who's Bigger Than You
      How to
      Perform the Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself
      How to
      Do a Fireman's Carry
      How to
      Safely Perform an Emergency Air Puncture (Tracheotomy)
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,216 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement