Stretcher vs. Gurney: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
A stretcher is a simple, often portable, frame used for transporting injured or sick people, while a gurney is a wheeled stretcher used in hospitals.
Key Differences
Stretcher and gurney are both medical equipment used for transporting individuals who are sick, injured, or incapacitated, yet they have their distinct features and uses. A stretcher is a basic apparatus, usually consisting of a flat or slightly concave surface, mounted on poles and often portable, designed to transport injured or sick people. In contrast, a gurney is more complex, typically featuring wheels, and is predominantly used within hospital settings for the transportation of patients between different sections of a healthcare facility.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The stretcher, being simple and portable, is commonly utilized in emergency medical situations, like on battlefields, sports fields, or at accident sites, allowing for quick and efficient movement of patients to medical facilities. Gurneys, on the other hand, being wheeled, facilitate smoother navigation within hospitals, especially through corridors and elevators, making them suitable for internal transportation of patients, including those who are bedridden or undergoing medical procedures.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The fundamental distinction between a stretcher and a gurney lies in their design and functionality. While stretchers are simplistic and primarily aimed at providing immediate support and conveyance of patients in various environments, gurneys are equipped with additional features such as adjustable heights and backrests, enabling enhanced comfort and positioning of patients, which is particularly advantageous during medical examinations and treatments.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Despite their differences, the terms stretcher and gurney are sometimes used interchangeably, particularly in informal communication, leading to some confusion. However, professionals in healthcare settings are more likely to use the term gurney when referring to the wheeled, adjustable apparatus and stretcher for the simpler, portable one. The context of usage, therefore, plays a significant role in determining the precise meaning of these terms.
Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
In essence, while both stretcher and gurney serve the purpose of moving patients, the stretcher is more versatile and portable, making it suitable for emergency and outdoor usage, and the gurney, being wheeled and adjustable, is more suited for indoor, particularly hospital, environments, offering more comfort and convenience to the patients.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A simple, often portable frame for transporting injured or sick people.
A wheeled stretcher used predominantly in hospitals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Portability
Highly portable, used in various environments.
Less portable, used mainly within hospitals.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Features
Basic, with minimal features.
More complex, often with adjustable heights and backrests.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Common Usage
Emergency medical situations outside hospitals.
Internal transportation of patients within hospitals.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Adjustability
Usually non-adjustable.
Typically adjustable to cater to patients’ comfort and medical requirements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Stretcher and Gurney Definitions
Stretcher
A simple frame used for carrying injured or sick people.
The paramedics quickly placed the accident victim on a stretcher.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Gurney
A hospital apparatus with adjustable features for patient comfort.
The nurse adjusted the gurney to a reclining position for the patient’s comfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Stretcher
A device designed for transporting individuals who are incapacitated.
The injured player was carried off the field on a stretcher.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Gurney
A wheeled stretcher used for transporting patients in hospitals.
The patient was wheeled into the operating room on a gurney.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Stretcher
A flat or slightly concave surface mounted on poles for carrying patients.
The soldier was carried to the medical tent on a stretcher.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Gurney
A bed-like apparatus used for moving patients between different sections of a hospital.
The orderly pushed the gurney through the hospital corridors to the designated room.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Stretcher
A piece of equipment used in various environments for immediate support and conveyance of patients.
The medical team had a stretcher ready for any emergencies during the marathon.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Gurney
A movable hospital bed designed for convenience and comfort during medical examinations and treatments.
The doctor conducted a quick examination of the patient on the gurney before surgery.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Stretcher
A litter, usually of canvas stretched over a frame, used to transport the sick, wounded, or dead.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Gurney
A medical device used predominantly for internal transportation of patients.
The medical staff swiftly moved the patient on a gurney to the radiology department.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Stretcher
One that stretches, such as the wooden framework on which canvas is stretched for an oil painting.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A usually horizontal tie beam or brace serving to support or extend a framework.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A brick or stone laid parallel to the face of a wall so that only its long side is showing.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
(Informal) An exaggerated or fabricated assertion or anecdote
"That book ... is mostly a true book, with some stretchers" (Mark Twain).
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
One of the rods in an umbrella, attached at one end to one of the ribs, and at the other to the tube sliding upon the handle.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A brick or stone laid with its longer dimension in the line of direction of the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A narrow crosspiece of the bottom of a boat against which a rower braces his feet.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A litter, or frame, for carrying disabled, wounded, or dead persons.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
One of the rods in an umbrella, attached at one end to one of the ribs, and at the other to the tube sliding upon the handle.
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A wooden framework on which canvas is stretched and fixed for oil painting
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A mechanical device used to make something larger (as shoes or gloves) by stretching it
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A litter for transporting people who are ill or wounded or dead; usually consists of a sheet of canvas stretched between two poles
Sawaira Riaz
Mar 24, 2023
Stretcher
A portable medical equipment used for emergency situations.
The rescue team used a stretcher to evacuate the injured hiker.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Does a gurney have wheels?
Yes, a gurney typically has wheels and is used predominantly in hospitals for transporting patients.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is a stretcher typically portable?
Yes, a stretcher is typically portable and designed for transporting injured or sick people efficiently.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can a gurney be used in outdoor emergency situations?
Gurneys are primarily designed for indoor use, particularly within hospitals, due to their wheeled and adjustable nature.
Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Is a gurney more complex than a stretcher?
Yes, a gurney is more complex, often featuring adjustable heights and backrests for enhanced patient comfort.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can a stretcher be used in emergency medical situations?
Yes, a stretcher is commonly used in emergency medical situations like accidents or on battlefields.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Are stretchers adjustable?
Typically, stretchers are non-adjustable, designed to provide immediate support and conveyance of patients.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can a stretcher have a concave surface?
Yes, some stretchers have a flat or slightly concave surface to securely hold the patient during transport.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Are stretchers used on sports fields?
Yes, stretchers are often used on sports fields to quickly transport injured players to receive medical care.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Is the term stretcher used interchangeably with gurney?
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in informal communication, but they have different meanings and uses.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can a gurney be used for medical examinations?
Yes, a gurney, with its adjustable features, is suitable for medical examinations and treatments.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Can stretchers be used in military situations?
Yes, stretchers are widely used in military situations to transport injured soldiers from battlefields to medical facilities.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Are stretcher and gurney terms professionally distinct in healthcare settings?
Yes, in professional healthcare settings, the terms stretcher and gurney are distinct, with each representing a specific type of patient transport equipment.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Is a gurney suitable for moving bedridden patients within a hospital?
Absolutely, a gurney is designed to transport bedridden patients within hospitals smoothly and comfortably.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Can a gurney be used to transport patients to different hospital sections?
Yes, gurneys are utilized to transport patients between different sections of a hospital, like from wards to operating rooms.
Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Do gurneys have adjustable backrests?
Yes, many gurneys have adjustable backrests to cater to the comfort and medical requirements of patients.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
