Description
Four Foldaway Stretcher (also known as a Quad-Fold Stretcher, Four-Fold Ambulance Stretcher, or Compact Folding Stretcher) is a lightweight, portable patient transfer device designed to fold along both its length and width. This unique design allows the stretcher to be compressed into an exceptionally small size for easy storage and transport in restrictive spaces.The Four Foldaway Stretcher excels in situations demanding a balance between high patient support and minimal storage footprint.
Features:
- Four-Fold Mechanism (Quad-Fold): The defining feature is the frame’s ability to collapse in two dimensions. The stretcher folds in half lengthwise and then folds again widthwise, reducing its volume to roughly one-eighth of its operational size.
- Lightweight and Durable Frame: Typically constructed from high-strength, lightweight materials like aluminum alloy tubing. This frame provides the necessary rigidity and weight capacity while minimizing the load carried by rescuers.
- Bed/Litter Material: The patient surface is made from a durable, heavy-duty, reinforced material, such as vinyl-coated nylon or canvas, which is resistant to fluids, fire, and mildew. This material is often easy to clean and sanitize.
- Telescoping Handles: Often features telescoping or hinged handles at both the head and foot ends. These handles can be extended for carrying by two or more rescuers and then retracted for storage.
- Carrying Bag: Nearly always supplied with a dedicated storage or carrying bag (often with shoulder straps) to contain the compactly folded stretcher, protecting it from damage and contaminants when not in use.
- Non-Slip Hand Grips: Rescuer handles are equipped with non-slip rubber or polymer grips for comfort and safety during carrying.
- Extreme Portability: The compact folding capability makes it ideal for storage in small compartments, aircraft (fixed-wing and helicopter), patrol cars, or small utility vehicles where space is at a premium
- Rapid Deployment: Can be quickly unfolded and locked into a rigid platform for immediate patient transfer.
- Accessibility: Used by military personnel, search and rescue teams, industrial first responders, and small EMS units for extracting patients from remote or restricted locations.
- Temporary Transfer: Provides a safe and rigid platform for quickly moving a patient from the point of injury to a main ambulance stretcher or transport vehicle.
