Written by Hulet Smith, OT
When you think of a hospital, you probably don’t immediately picture hospital gurneys. However, to the people using them, the quality and attributes are of supreme importance. If you are bound to a gurney for extended periods of time, they must be comfortable! At the same time, if you are constantly transporting patients on hospital gurneys, it’s important they are easy to use.
Our list breaks down the vast selections for hospital gurneys and provides 5 options that we believe will satisfy you, your loved ones, and medical staff.
The extremely stable 35X PROFlexX X-Frame Ambulance Cot by Ferno places #5 on our list due to its x-frame structure and increased safety.
With this hospital gurney, don’t stress about any flipping or tipping because the x-frame design involves a longer, fixed shape which leads to a lower center of gravity and allows very little side-to-side movement. Due to its weight distribution, you are much less likely to have any accidents during transfers or transport. The EZ Pull Release System also protects against wrist strain and prevents accidental movement during transfers before you’re ready. This gurney also has side rails, swing-down sidearms, and a safety bar to increase safety for both the user and pusher.
Despite high stability, this hospital gurney is still very easy to maneuver throughout crowded hospital halls and tight corners. The 6-inch wheels have a 360-degree turning radius (while in the lowest position) and a large surface area for smoother rolling. Additionally, you can adjust the frame between 5 different positions and 7 different heights.
Lastly, the 35X ProFlexX hospital gurney is both extremely durable and comfortable. It boasts a wider bed surface and head frame that can support patients of any size and extra elbow room during intubation and CPR. Don’t worry about this hospital gurney wearing out as it’s constructed entirely of metal and has strips to prevent scuffs during loading and unloading. You can also choose between two different colors, the type of sidearms, and additional restraints. Undoubtedly, if you are looking for a strong and stable hospital gurney, the 35X Proflex Ambulance Cot is a great choice for you!
The extremely accessible Self Propelled Stretcher by MJM International earns the #4 spot on our list because its wheelchair-style wheels enable users to push themselves forward while in a prone position. With the Self Propelled Stretcher, you won’t need to wait on anyone else to push you!
It features a blue mesh sling for comfort and is reinforced at all stress points, so durability is not a concern. It can hosts users of up to 300 pounds and easily fits through doors and hallways with a width of 22 inches.
You are also able to use this hospital gurney in an MRI as the casters are all MRI-compatible. Limiting the need for transfers increases safety, as does this hospital gurneys contoured frame. By avoiding sharp edges, you can avoid skin breaks during the transfers you do have to do. If you are hoping to have independence while utilizing a hospital gurney, the self-propelled stretcher is the one for you!
Ranked #3 on our list, the 6STR35 General Purpose Medical Transport Stretcher by HNT Medical offers both reliability and sturdiness.
It boasts several features meant to improve safety and overall use. For example, the 6STR35 General Purpose Medical Transport Stretcher has a fifth wheel located in the center of the gurney to improve steering. This allows you to more easily and accurately maneuver a patient around the emergency room and throughout the hospital. It also has filtered cushions that prevent the spread of bacteria between patients.
The seat of this hospital gurney is highly adjustable. It can be raised and lowered to assist patient transfers and the head of the gurney can be raised as well to set the patient in a sitting position. This elevated feature can help patients in respiratory distress breathe, while CPR is conducted while the gurney is laid flat. Additionally, the feet can be raised to set a patient in shock into Trendelenburg position. A brake step and central locking casters lock the stretcher into place.
HNT Medical’s gurney bed is equipped with an IV pole stand, basket, defibrillator table slot, protractor, and hidable side rails. It can hold a patient weighing up to 450 pounds. Overall, this hospital gurney not only provides its users a safe and sturdy ride but a multitude of positions to enhance medical treatment.
The heavy-duty Bariatric Gurney Hospital Stretcher by Graham Field places #2 on our list due to its significant weight capacity.
With this hospital gurney‘s reinforced frame, it can support users that weigh up to 1000 pounds. It is 40 inches wide, significantly wider than a standard gurney, so patients of all sizes will comfortably fit on the seat. Bariatric patients face many challenges and unfortunately, most typical gurneys are not built to support them. With this gurney, however, they can be transported safely and comfortably.
It features all-surface casters so you can smoothly go anywhere you need to and over any floor. It also has a litter top, adjustable fowler backrest, and side rails for extra support and stability. The durable Bariatric Gurney Hospital Stretcher provides years of service in healthcare facilities and hospitals and is the perfect equipment to transport larger patients without fear of breakdowns.
Offering premium features and comfortable support, the Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport by NOA Medical receives the #1 ranking on our list!
This gurney bed is reliable and long-lasting, so don’t worry about breakdowns even with frequent use. It is made of a strong, powder-coated steel frame that can support users of up to 485 pounds. Movement is smooth and the gurney is easily maneuverable due to its fifth wheel assist and 8-inch casters.
The Platinum Hospital Stretcher includes high-quality features such as an x-ray translucent backboard, a telescoping IV stand, and foldable guardrails. These tools not only provide increased safety and convenience but limit the number of transports required. With this bed, you no longer have to move the patient before x-rays! This limits the likelihood of skin breaks or other accidents that are unfortunately not uncommon during hospital stays. It also has an adjustable backrest, leg rest, Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, and height adjustment. The Platinum Hospital Stretcher is a premium choice, so if you’re looking for a hospital gurney that is comfortable and comes with all the bells and whistles imaginable, this is the pick for you!
When you purchase a hospital gurney, you are probably focused on getting your patient, loved one, or self from one room to another. However, you should also consider the bed’s capabilities to move while in place. For example, many hospital beds allow you to adjust the height, raise the legs, and move the backrest. The ability to adjust the height of a gurney is extremely important, especially for safe transfers. The Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport and STR35 General Purpose Medical Transport Stretcher even allow you to put the patient in Trendelenburg, which is a beneficial position for patients in shock where their head is angled down and their pelvis is above their torso.
Similar to other medical equipment, weight capacity is extremely important. Your hospital gurney must be able to safely and reliably support your own, your loved ones, or your patient’s body weight. The last thing you want is a gurney breakdown during use. Be sure to purchase a gurney with a weight limit well above the necessary weight you are expecting to transport. You should also consider the width of the gurney. Make sure it will comfortably fit those you are planning to transport, but also consider the location. Beware of any narrow doors or hallways that could limit the mobility of a wider hospital gurney.
Lastly, most hospital gurneys offer an array of bonus features for convenience, comfort, and safety. Depending on your use, these could be extremely beneficial! For example, the Self Propelled Stretcher and Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport have medical imaging compatibilities, limiting the need for transfers. If you are planning to use this gurney for patients requiring x-rays or MRIs, these are excellent choices for you, but may not be necessary for in-home use. Additionally, consider the number of wheels for maneuverability purposes and storage options for adequate organization.
A: Imagine a bed on wheels! A hospital gurney is a bed-like stretcher used to transport patients. Most hospital gurneys also have adjustable features such as a raisable head segment or leg rest.
A: Fairview Health Services recommends a four-step approach when transporting patients to a gurney from a bed. First, prepare the patient to move. Lie the bed completely flat, lock the wheels, put a plastic slide board between the sheet and draw-sheet, move the patient’s legs near the edge of the bed, and explain the move to the patient. Then, grasp the draw-sheet on both sides and slide the patient to the edge of the bed. Next, position the bed slightly higher than the gurney and transfer the patient’s legs. Lastly, slide the rest of their body onto the gurney.
A: Oftentimes, the terms stretcher and gurney are used interchangeably. However, gurneys are fitted with wheels and can be moved by one person. Stretchers, on the other hand, are carried and more commonly used in emergencies.
A: The primary uses of a gurney are to transport hospital and trauma patients. They are used by emergency medical services, hospitals, and medical facilities.
A: A standard hospital gurney is approximately 24 inches, however, this does vary by state. For instance, bariatric hospital gurneys like the Bariatric Gurney Hospital Stretcher have a 40-inch width. Consider the doors and hallways you expect to transport patients through and the size of patients you will see before deciding to purchase a hospital gurney.
A: The standard gurney size is approximately 24 inches wide by 84 inches long. This fits most patients, however, wider models are common to fit larger individuals.
While at first thought the comfort, reliability, and bonus features of a gurney may not seem important, but upon use, you will soon realize they are vital! Look for hospital gurneys that are easy-to-use, comfortable for their riders, and boast the extra features you need.
The premium features, high level of comfort, and maximum support of the Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport earned its ranking as the #1 hospital gurney on our list. We believe the x-ray translucent blackboard sets it apart and in combination with the high weight capacity, this hospital gurney is an excellent choice.
View our entire catalog of Hospital Gurneys and Bariatric Hospital Gurneys to see even more gurney, patient transporter, stretcher, and trolly options. Visit Caregiver University for more Product Reviews and Buying Guides!
1.) Zezima, K. (2008, April 8). Increasing Obesity Requires New Ambulance Equipment. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/health/08ambu.html.
2.) Moving Patients from Bed to Stretcher (Gurney). Fairview. (2020). https://www.fairview.org/Patient-Education/Articles/English/s/t/a/f/f/Moving_Patients_from_Bed_to_Stretcher_Gurney_82556.
3.) UpCodes. (2016). 3002.4.1a Gurney Size. UpCodes // Code Snippet. https://up.codes/s/gurney-size.
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
