A Stretcher Chair Overview
The stretcher chair is one of the most flexible pieces of medical equipment invention and design. The multiple purposes provided by the stretcher chair make them the best to have when it comes to providing patient ease and comfort.
Being able to function as a chair and a stretcher as well makes the stretcher chair an invaluable piece of equipment for healthcare facilities with limited space. Yet, even larger healthcare institutions benefit from the versatility provided by the stretcher chair.
Below is a detailed overview of a stretcher chair:
Functionality and flexibility
Many applications and functionality are gained by using a stretcher chair. It is because it can be used as a stretcher and function as a chair when needed. The chair offers an invaluable service for PACU/recovery areas of healthcare facilities.
Space-saving
Clinics and outpatient healthcare facilities often have space constraints. Using a stretcher chair offers an invaluable service for ensuring the comfort of patients. Dental clinics, for instance, are the top healthcare facilities using stretcher chairs. It is because of the space-saving feature of the chair without compromising patient comfort and convenience.
Money-saving option
Purchasing a stretcher chair saves money. Healthcare settings gain a chair and a stretcher for the price of one. Investing in a separate chair and stretcher can quickly add to the overhead costs. Buying a stretcher chair provides a money-saving option rather than buying a stretcher and a step-down recliner chair.
Enhanced patient comfort and flow
Transferring a patient from a stretcher to a recliner is not only a hard task for healthcare providers – patient comfort and flow are compromised as well. Repositioning the patient is the only thing needed when using stretcher chairs. Time is also saved with the seamless and smooth patient flow.
Functions as a regular stretcher
The same features offered by standard stretchers are also seen in stretcher chairs. It includes:
- Hydraulic height adjustment
- Trendelenburg position
- Reverse Trendelenburg position
- Adjustable backrest
- Optional IV poles
- Patient side rails
- O2 tank holders
Additional features
While manufacturers provide varied stretcher chair dimensions and weights, many models provide similar features, including:
- An Independent leg section that functions independently with the backrest position
- Fold-down footrests for placing the feet of patients when they are uprightly seated
- Pneumatic backrest
- Rails with arm pads
- Height adjustment
Importance of a Stretcher Chair
The importance of investing in a stretcher chair includes:
Efficient
Equipment such as an op-bed, transport stretcher table, and recliner are needed in the performance of medical procedures such as ophthalmic surgeries, oral surgeries, ENT, plastic surgeries, and more. A stretcher chair, on the other hand, functioning as a bed and a chair makes them the most efficient equipment for any healthcare facility to have.
Patient comfort
Patient comfort is always the top priority of any healthcare setting. The pressure reduction materials provided by stretcher chairs maximise the comfort levels of patients. The varied positioning options ensure that patients stay in their most comfortable position.
Enhance patient safety
Obese, elderly, and overweight patients all need physical assistance when they require surgeries. Fall-related injuries are prevented when these types of patients are positioned on stretcher chairs. The safety features provided by the chair ensure patients’ safety at all times.
Safety for healthcare personnel
Lifting and carrying patients when they need to be transferred to wheelchairs or lifted to stretcher tables compromises the safety of healthcare personnel. Having stretcher chairs avoids back-breaking patient transfers.