Investigation of Strategies to Prevent Stretcher Tripping

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the height of a stretcher is associated with the risk of tipping, and to examine strategies to prevent the tipping of a stretcher during transportation. Methods: This was a mechanical simulation study using Stryker’s Power-PRO™ XT. The stretcher and manikin were placed on a board and the board was inclined at a gradient of approximately 1 degree per second. Tipping was defined as the point at which the weight of the manikin caused one of the wheels to lift off the ground upon the application of a specific angle. The tipping angles were measured and examined. The position of the stretcher was varied between supine, seated, high (96cm), middle (66cm), and low (36cm). Results: In the supine position, the tipping angles were smaller in the order of high, middle, and low position, with a mean (degree) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 12.4 (12.2‒12.6) for the high position, 18.4 (18.1‒18.7) for the middle position, and 26.3 (25.9‒26.7) for the low position. In the seated position, the tipping angles were also smaller in the order of high, middle, and low position [11.9 (11.7‒12.1) for the high position, 16.2 (15.3‒17.0) for the middle position, and 20.2 (19.8‒20.6) for the low position, respectively]. Additionally, it was observed that the tipping angles were smaller in the seated position at all stretcher heights, when compared to the supine position. Conclusion: The risk of a stretcher tip was found to be greater in the high position compared to the low position, as well as in the seated position compared to the supine position. It is recommended that EMS providers should lower the position of the stretcher as much as possible while ensuring appropriate patient monitoring and care.