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This article was co-authored by Ighodalo Oribhabor. Ighodalo Oribhabor, know as Odalo Oris on social media, is a Registered Nurse and content creator based in Houston, Texas. With over 2 years of experience in the nursing field, Odalo currently works in a step-down ICU trauma unit. He is passionate about nursing and storytelling, documenting his nursing experiences online to a community of over 80k followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. He aims to help people understand what nursing is like, why we need more nurses, and show that even though it’s hard, it’s something anyone can pursue. Odalo first received an Associate Degree in Nursing, then later received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Houston - Downtown.
This article has been viewed 56,975 times.
Do you know how to raise and lower an ambulance stretcher? Follow these steps to help you learn this not-so-tricky process.
Steps
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Lower the stretcher.- Look for the handle at the foot end of the stretcher (it can be red or black) which is placed under the mattress. After taking the weight off of the wheels, pull the handle
- Make sure you (and your partner) are ready for the stretcher to come down. This means standing out of its way a little, and preparing to guide the stretcher to the floor. Never lift with your back. Instead, keep your back straight and squat; use the muscles in your legs.
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Raise the stretcher.Advertisement -
After you (and your partner) are ready, pull the handle under the mattress. once the stretcher is at the desired height, let go of the handle.[1] -
Slowly transfer the weight from your arms back to the wheels.
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Tips
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Always apply the brakes before operating the stretcher. Most stretchers have color-coded brakes, red means the brake is on, and green means it’s off.[2]Thanks
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Adjust the stretcher height and the bed height to match before transferring a patient. This helps reduce back strain.[3]Thanks
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To raise the head of the stretcher, look for the yellow lever behind the head section. Press and lift to adjust the patient to a seated or 30-degree angle.[4]Thanks
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Warnings
- Stretchers are not backboards they are not meant to be carried!Thanks
- Only trained EMTs, Paramedics, or other trained emergency responders should operate the stretcher.Thanks
- Make sure that you know how to properly lift and to use proper body mechanics when lifting.Thanks
- Ambulance stretchers come in many different styles; this is only a general guide so make sure that you know how to operate the stretcher that your ambulance company uses for patient transport.Thanks
- Make sure that no arms or legs are caught in the stretcher - this happens a lot when operating by the sides rather than ends. Make sure you are clear of moving parts before you move - it is often difficult to see every one of your partner's digits.Thanks
- When lifting and moving a patient that is in the stretcher, communication is important; always make sure that you and your partner know what you are doing and understand what you are doing before you begin to move the patient in any form. Failure to communicate will result in injury/further injury to the patient, injury to yourself, and/or injury to your partner.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Stretcher
References
About This Article
Registered Nurse
This article was co-authored by Ighodalo Oribhabor. Ighodalo Oribhabor, know as Odalo Oris on social media, is a Registered Nurse and content creator based in Houston, Texas. With over 2 years of experience in the nursing field, Odalo currently works in a step-down ICU trauma unit. He is passionate about nursing and storytelling, documenting his nursing experiences online to a community of over 80k followers across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. He aims to help people understand what nursing is like, why we need more nurses, and show that even though it’s hard, it’s something anyone can pursue. Odalo first received an Associate Degree in Nursing, then later received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Houston - Downtown. This article has been viewed 56,975 times.
Co-authors: 19
Updated: August 7, 2025
Views: 56,975
Categories: First Aid and Emergency Health Care
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 56,975 times.
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