During emergency transport, stretchers are essential equipment for directly carrying patients. The choice of material directly impacts their load-bearing capacity, portability, durability, and comfort. Currently, common stretchers are made of aluminum alloy, ABS engineering plastic, and carbon fiber. This article will comprehensively compare the advantages and disadvantages of these materials from the perspectives of structural performance, usage scenarios, and affordability.

1. Aluminum Alloy Stretcher

Features: Sturdy, durable, and widely applicable

Advantages:

High strength: Aluminum alloy offers excellent load-bearing properties, meeting the needs of most emergency transport scenarios.

Moderate weight: Lighter than traditional steel, making it easier for emergency personnel to carry.

Corrosion resistance: Anodized or spray-coated surfaces make them suitable for various environments, including hospitals and outdoor environments.

Cost-effective: Relatively low manufacturing costs and widespread market penetration.

Disadvantages:

Still relatively heavy: Significantly inferior to carbon fiber.

Fair impact resistance: May deform under extreme conditions.

Strong thermal conductivity: In cold environments, it can feel cool to the touch, resulting in less patient comfort.

Applications:

Routine hospital transport, ambulance stretchers, and general-purpose emergency rescue.

2. ABS Engineering Plastic Stretcher

Features: Lightweight and economical, suitable for short-distance and mass transport.

Advantages:

Lightweight: Overall weight is relatively light, making it easy for one person to carry.

Flexible molding: Can be designed into foldable or modular structures for excellent portability.

Good impact resistance: ABS plastic has a certain degree of toughness and is not easily dented or deformed.

Low cost: The manufacturing process is mature and the price is relatively affordable.

Disadvantages:

Limited strength: Low load-bearing capacity, unsuitable for long-distance transport of large or seriously injured patients.

Inadequate heat resistance: Limited use near high temperatures or fire.

Short lifespan: Susceptible to aging and cracking with long-term use.

Applications:

Community hospitals, temporary medical facilities, and initial transport and short-distance transfers at disaster sites.

3. Carbon Fiber Stretcher

Features: A combination of lightweight and high strength, a high-end configuration

Advantages:

Ultra-lightweight: Carbon fiber is 30%–50% lighter than aluminum alloy, significantly reducing the burden on rescuers.

High Strength: Excellent tensile and flexural properties, strong load-bearing capacity, and resistance to deformation.

Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals.

Radiology-Friendly: No metal artifacts under X-ray, CT, and MRI, making it ideal for bridging pre-hospital and in-hospital diagnostics.

Disadvantages:

Expensive: The manufacturing process is complex, and the cost is significantly higher than that of aluminum alloy and ABS.

Susceptible to brittle fracture: Fibers may break under high-energy impact or collision, making them difficult to repair on-site.

High Maintenance Requirements: Regular surface inspection for cracks or delamination is required.

Applications:

Air medical transport, pre-hospital emergency care (especially those requiring imaging), and high-end rescue equipment.

Conclusion

Different stretcher materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. When choosing a stretcher, consider the use case, patient needs, budget, and rescue environment. A comprehensive consideration includes:

Aluminum alloy: Reliable and durable, suitable for most general use;

ABS: Economical and practical, suitable for grassroots and short-distance use;

Carbon fiber: Lightweight and high-end, suitable for high-demand or specialized medical transport;

Choosing the right stretcher material not only improves emergency response efficiency but also buys valuable time for patients.

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