A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AMBULANCE STRETCHER LOADING SYSTEMS

摘要

This paper will summarise the initial findings of a comparative analysis of stretcher loading systems used by ambulance services in the UK. Over the last decade radical changes have been made to patient transfer systems to reduce the amount of manual handling in ambulance work. As a result new systems have been developed to assist patient loading and unloading tasks for stretchers, carry chairs and independently mobilising patients. There are now three loading systems widely used across the ambulance services: hydraulic ramp and winch (with air suspension), Easiloader stretcher; and Modular tail lift.