Choosing the right stretcher: hydraulic or electric?

How do you know whether your stretcher should be hydraulic or electric? The right choice depends on how the stretcher will be used in daily practice, as well as the specific needs of your staff and patients in your clinical environment.

Why choose hydraulic?

Hydraulic stretcher is operated manually via levers and foot pedals. It is a dependable choice in fast-paced and unpredictable environments. Its key advantages include:

nurse presses a pedal on a hydraulic stretcher to lift it

  • No need for electricity – can be used anywhere across a facility and areas with limited power access
  • Foot-operated height control – allows hands-free use
  • Durable and low-maintenance design – built for long-term, heavy-duty use
  • Immediate responsiveness – enables quick patient positioning during emergencies

But: physical effort is required for adjustment of sections and lift the stretcher.

CONFIGURE Hydraulic stretcher

The advantages of electric control

Electric stretcher offers advanced functionality and user comfort. It is controlled by a hand switch. Its main benefits include:

nurse holds a hand switch to lift the electric stretcher

  • Smooth, quiet motorized adjustments – perfect for procedures requiring precise positioning
  • Effortless operation – enables fine-tuned control with minimal physical effort
  • Optional memory settings – allows quick return to preferred working positions
  • Battery backup – ensures uninterrupted use
  • Quick release: manual adjustment of head section for emergency situations

But: the personnel need to take care of charging and replace the battery when empty.

CONFIGURE electric stretcher

Finding the ideal stretcher for your workflow

Your ideal stretcher depends on the everyday demands of your workflow and the comfort, safety, and support your team and patients require. Our team is here to help you make the right decision based on your specific clinical needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice — or explore our online configurator to customize your stretcher step by step and find the perfect match for your environment.

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