At Stellar Transportation we carefully follow all stretcher transportation safety guidelines in order to provide superior service to our patients. There are specific stretcher transportation guidelines in regards to original patient assessment, the stretcher, secure straps, driver training and more. All of which play a fundamental role in the overall safety provided by a medical transportation service.

5 Of The Most Important Ways Stellar Transport Provides The Safest Melbourne Stretcher Transportation.

1. Patient Assessment

Before transportation ever takes place, patient assessment must occur, during which:

  • The type of mobility device a person uses is identified.
  • The type of equipment needed to safely transport the individual is decided upon.
  • Proper restraint systems are inspected and secured in place in order to strap in the appropriate commercially built device—be it a stretcher or wheelchair.
  • If the device a person uses is non-standard, there may be an initial meeting to assess equipment. 
  • Identify and assess a person’s physical limitations and mobility.
  • Talk with the individual to find out any restrictions that will change how they should be restrained to the stretcher to prevent injury or discomfort.
  • If one must be transported separately from their mobility device, proper accommodations must be met to store and transport the device along with the patient.

2. Patient Safety

  • If a person is transported in a lying down position the vehicle must be equipped with a driver as well as at least one attendant to watch over the patient. The additional attendant must ride in the same compartment of the vehicle as the stretcher patient.
  • In order to reduce the risk for transferring both blood-borne and airborne pathogens to a patient, the proper infection control procedures must take place. An example of these protocols includes cleaning and sterilizing blankets and sheets after every use. We also make sure that vehicles are fully detailed once a week to reduce bacteria and other pathogens.
  • A system must be in place so that it is easy for drivers to call 9-1-1 at the first sign of emergency.
  • A physician or physician extender must approve the method used for transportation when the situation pertains to a clinical setting such as a hospital, nursing home, etc.

3. Securing Stretchers & Mobility Devices

In some cases we can transport patients in their own chairs, but in other instances our own equipment is necessary. This has to do with safety measures and if your own device can be properly safeguarded using our secure straps.

In order to properly secure a stretcher or wheelchair:

  • You should never rely on wheel-locking systems alone.
  • AMD 004, “Litter Restraint System” must properly secure each device.
  • In the instance of an emergency, one must be able to unlock the restraints in less than one minute without the use of any tools.
  • The stretcher must be properly loaded onto the vehicle with the patient facing toward the front or back of the vehicle.
  • The device should not move at all when the vehicle is in motion. The system should never allow more than 2-inches of movement.
  • Connective hardware must be attached to the vehicle and then secured to the stretcher.
  • Secure straps must be at least 1.8-inches wide and made of special webbing material that will not break up to 6,000 pounds of pressure.
  • Four-point connection to the device from a non-welded point.

4. Stretcher Specifications 

  • The stretcher provided must be of commercial manufacture quality that is made specifically to transport patients in a lying down position.
  • The transport stretcher must be in line with the manufacturer’s recommended occupant safety restraint system.
  • The minimum restraint system allowed is a three-point system that restrains passengers at the chest, knees and pelvis.

5. Driver Requirements 

In order to safely transport all patients there are certain driver guidelines that must be carefully followed. There are many laws enforced by Florida in regards to non-emergency medical transportation, and a few extras we add in for precautionary measure. Some of these driver guidelines include: 

  • Drivers must have a clean driving record and an official Florida driver’s license.
  • Must have ample driving experience.
  • Have no more than one moving violation in the last 3 years.
  • Driving record routinely monitored.
  • No DUI or DWI convictions whatsoever.
  • Must pass criminal background check, as well as drug test
  • Must be smoke-free
  • Must complete defensive driving course, as well as patient sensitivity course.
  • Be knowledgeable of the geographical service area.

The secret to securing the best non-emergency medical transportation service in town is to find a company dedicated to following all of these important rules, regulations and guidelines.

Stellar Transportation provides superior non-emergency medical transportation for stretcher patients. Contact us today to get a free quote for transportation to your next local or long-distant appointment.