Stretcher
Prepare the home before a planned stretcher arrival
Confirm the entrance, room path, responsible adult, destination setup, and backup decision before the return trip begins.
Original editorial illustration; not a photograph of Cathay operations.
A planned non-emergency stretcher trip does not end when the vehicle reaches the home address. The crew still needs an approved entrance, a clear route to the destination room, and a responsible person ready to receive the passenger. Preparing those details before discharge helps prevent a late discovery that the home cannot receive the scheduled trip as planned.
Walk the route from curb to room
Confirm the exact building entrance, parking or loading location, elevator, hallway, doorway, turns, steps, and final room. Remove movable clutter and identify rugs, furniture, or stored items that narrow the path.
Do not assume a familiar doorway will accommodate transport equipment. Share measurements and access details requested by the provider, especially when the route includes stairs, a small elevator, or a sharp turn.
Name the person receiving the passenger
Choose a responsible adult who will be present, reachable, and familiar with the home plan. Give that person's name and phone number to the transportation office through its designated process.
The receiving person should know where the passenger is going and which belongings or documents are expected. Several relatives giving different room or entrance instructions can slow the arrival.
Confirm the destination is ready
Before departure from the facility, verify that the intended bed or receiving location is available and that any separately arranged home-care or equipment services are in place. Transportation staff should not be expected to resolve missing home equipment or clinical arrangements on arrival.
Keep medication, discharge instructions, identification, and valuables with the responsible person according to the facility's process. Use a simple inventory for bags and personal items.
- Approved entrance and clear room path.
- Working elevator or confirmed stair plan.
- Named receiving adult.
- Prepared destination and belongings inventory.
Set a decision point for access problems
Decide who will be contacted if the elevator stops working, the entrance becomes blocked, or the receiving adult is delayed. Changes should be reported before the vehicle begins the trip whenever possible.
This guidance is for scheduled non-emergency transportation. If the passenger has an urgent or life-threatening condition, follow the discharge facility's emergency procedures or call 911 rather than waiting for the planned vehicle.
Your next step
Discuss a planned non-emergency stretcher trip
Connect with our team to discuss your needs and the available arrangements.
