Power-assisted patient stretcher:

To compliment the unique features of our ambulance we have decided to design and build our own stretcher. Having looked at what is available currently and analysed the needs of the patient and paramedic we have created a unique electric motorised stretcher design. The stretcher frame is made from 306 stainless steel which is guaranteed never to rust. It has an electric / hydraulic lift ram and motor, meaning the bed can be lowered to 100mm from the floor and then can lift itself to 1.5 metres high by simply pressing a button. The bed area is also narrow for thin people and then can be made wider for larger people, again at a press of a button. It has two 200mm diameter front wheels fitted with 12 volt electric hub motors. These allows the stretcher to be driven at 3 mph for 3 miles on a full charge. Due to the off road tyre pattern, it will climb a pavement kerb stone, front door threshold, and drive over any garden chippings. It has two steering thumb controls on the rear handle bars, the right one makes the stretcher turn right at stretcher length and the left one turns left making it very easy to drive it into our ambulance. It will power up hills and can be driven very slowly if required downhill. Release pressure on the thumb controls and the electric motors act as brakes. 

Our stretcher will NOT cost more than £10,000.