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, they must be comfortable! At the same time, if you are constantly transporting patients on hospital gurneys, they must be 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.
 | 1) NOA Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport View Product |
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 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 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. Imagine a bed on wheels!
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.
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.
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 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 purchasing a hospital gurney.
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.
 | Ferno 93-H PROFlexx H-frame Ambulance Cot View Product |
The 93-H PROFlexx H-frame Ambulance Cot by Ferno makes it to number 5 on our list because it's designed to offer unparalleled stability and comfort during patient transport.
With a lowering feature that reduces lifting strain on operators and an exclusive adjustable foot-end load frame, it ensures optimal lifting posture and easier lifting and loading. The cot's exclusive transport position provides maximum stability and comfort during movement, while its sturdy H-Frame design, powder-coated tubing, and all-metal construction deliver exceptional strength and durability.
Additionally, it features a one-hand drop frame for improved maneuverability in tight spaces, making it suitable for a wide range of patient transport needs. The cot also comes with various features such as a gas assist backrest, dual wheel lock, and reflective labels, along with the option of two color choices. It is tested to industry standards, making it a reliable and efficient choice for patient transport.
 | Low Profile Bariatric Transport Stretcher by Sechrist Industries View Product |
The Low Profile Transport Stretcher by Sechrist Industries provides medical professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient care with a versatile and efficient solution for patient mobility. With large casters, guard rails, and an adjustable backrest, this stretcher ensures patient comfort and promotes optimal conditions for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
It is designed to minimize the risk of falls or improper patient handling, as it lies lower to the ground than any other stretcher of its kind, with a minimum height from the floor to the mattress of under 22 inches. This allows for controlled patient handling, supporting patients up to 701 pounds. The stretcher's large guardrails further enhance patient safety, reducing the risk of falling while receiving treatment. The hydraulic transport mechanism and adjustable backrest angle provide ease of use for healthcare professionals, allowing for ideal patient positioning and treatment. With its capability to support patients up to 701 pounds and a maximum bed height of 33 inches, this stretcher offers a best-in-class option for reliable patient transport, providing accessibility and safety for patient transfer in various healthcare settings.
 | Self Propelled Stretcher View Product |
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 host 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, which limits the need for transfers and increases safety, as does this hospital gurney's contoured frame. By avoiding sharp edges, you can avoid skin breaks during the transfers you have to do. If you are hoping to have independence while utilizing a hospital gurney, the self-propelled stretcher is the one for you!
 | Sling Gurney with Five Position Elevating Headrest View Product |
The Sling Gurney with Five Position Elevating Headrest is specially designed to provide maximum comfort and safety for both adult and child patients. It features dual drop safety rails and a mildew-resistant mesh sling that meets health-grade standards.
The positional headrest can be easily adjusted into 5 different configurations, offering flexibility and comfort. The gurney's PVC frame is reinforced at all the known stress areas, securing a long lifetime of the gurney no matter what you throw at it.
This sling gurney comes in two distinct sizes, an adult-sized gurney and a pediatric-sized one. The adult gurney has a weight capacity of 450 pounds and measures 6.5 feet long, 2.3 feet wide, and 2.5 feet high with the safety rails down. While the pediatric version supports up to 250 pounds and measures 5 feet long, 28 inches wide, and 30 inches high also with the safety rails down.
With this level of thoughtful design, the Sling Gurney with Five Position Elevating Headrest easily makes it to the second spot on our top 5 list!
 | NOA Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport View Product |
Offering premium features and comfortable support, the Platinum Hospital Stretcher for Patient Transport by NOA Medical receives the number 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!
While at first thought the comfort, reliability, and bonus features of a gurney may not seem important, 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 the ranking as the number 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 gurneys, patient transporters, stretchers, and trolly options. Visit Caregiver University for more Product Reviews and Buying Guides!
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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.
