Europe’s aging population is currently contributing to an increase in healthcare transport services. Elderly patients often require medical and transport care for various healthcare needs, including emergency situations and routine medical appointments.
According to current statistics, there were 90.5 million elderly people over 65 living in the EU at the beginning of 2019, and by 2022, this segment already represents one fifth of the population (21.1 %). Over the next three decades, this figure is expected to rise to 149.2 million, i.e. almost 30% of the total population will be over 65 by 2050.
In addition to this, the evident increase in chronic diseases in Europe, which also often require frequent hospital appointments, diagnostic tests and specialized treatment, makes the transport service even more frequent and necessary.
Ambulance equipment adapted for the elderly.
Ambulance equipment, and especially stretchers, will require special features such as adjustable height, easy access, stability and comfort to meet the needs of this group. Ambulance stretchers contribute to maintaining the dignity and well-being of elderly patients during transport by providing a space in which they can be comfortable, reducing possible discomfort.
Ambulance stretchers should be designed to be strong, durable and equipped with safety features, as well as ensuring that patients are well accommodated during transport, minimizing the risk of injury or complications. Many patients may require the use of medical devices during transport, such as oxygen bottles, continuous monitoring systems or IV poles, so ambulance stretchers should be designed to accommodate and hold these devices.
Elderly people may have limited mobility or medical conditions that require them to lie down or be in a supine position. Stretchers offer an adjustable surface to ensure a comfortable ride for patients, reducing the risk of discomfort or exacerbation of existing conditions.
Easier care for elderly patients.
Elderly patients may be more prone to falls or injury during transport due to their own frailty. Safety of stretchers is a major feature, movement should be easy and smooth, which assists healthcare technicians in safe transport. Features such as wheels, adjustable height and maneuverability facilitate the safe transfer of elderly patients between different medical settings, from their homes to ambulances or from ambulances to hospitals. This ease of movement is crucial in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
Patient dignity must also be considered, especially in the case of elderly people who may already be vulnerable or in distress due to their health condition.
Adopting technologically advanced ambulance stretchers.
Many current ambulance stretchers are powered, equipped with electric controls, which allow for effortless adjustment of various functions such as height, backrest angle and leg position. The electric controls provide precise and smooth adjustments, which improves patient comfort and simplifies the care provider’s workflow.
Technological advances have led to the design of stretchers with improved ergonomics, considering the comfort and well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals.
The adoption of technologically advanced ambulance stretchers is driven by the desire to improve patient outcomes, increase operational efficiency and provide a higher level of comfort and safety during transport. These advances in stretcher technology contribute to the overall progress of emergency medical services and the healthcare sector in Europe.
In conclusion, medical transport for both patient transfer and emergency care is becoming increasingly important due to the aging population and must therefore be followed by improvements in ambulance equipment. KARTSANA ambulance stretchers offer the necessary features for patient care, facilitating the work of health professionals.
