Access to Medical Care for Individuals with Mobility Disabilities

Additional Transfer Techniques: Use of Stretchers and Gurneys

Some equipment, including radiologic equipment, lacks space underneath necessary for a portable floor lift to be used. Other equipment may be located in spaces with no room at the end of the table making it impossible to position a portable floor lift. In such cases, an overhead track lift, either permanently mounted or free-standing, may provide access to the equipment. However, metal components of these overhead lifts may not be compatible with some radiologic technologies.

When it is not feasible or possible to use a lift, another option is an adjustable-height stretcher or gurney (a table that is on wheels) that can be raised or lowered to the height of the exam table or surface. This approach involves a two step process in which the patient must transfer from their wheelchair to the stretcher, usually in a different space or area away from the equipment, and then from the stretcher to the table or surface. As many stretchers do not lower to 17” to 19” above the floor, an assisted transfer with a lift may be required to get the patient onto the stretcher. Stretchers that can be lowered to this range of typical wheelchair seat heights allow individuals capable of independent transfers a choice to do so if they prefer. Once the stretcher is positioned next to the equipment and set at the right height, many people will require assisted transfers utilizing devices such as transfer boards or slip sheets to get onto the table or surface.

Assisted Transfer to Stretcher Utilizing a Portable Floor Lift

1.Adjustable height stretchers facilitate transfer onto radiologic equipment with a table surface. Assisted transfers from a wheelchair may require use of a lift.

2.Open space under stretcher allows close positioning of lift for transfer.