Stretcher
Who is ready at the other end of a stretcher transfer?
A coordination guide to receiving contacts, arrival locations, and handoff arrangements for planned non-emergency stretcher transportation.
A planned stretcher transfer is not complete when a vehicle reaches an address. The receiving location needs to know who is arriving, where the crew should go, and who will take responsibility for the next stage. These are coordination questions for the sending team, receiving team, family, and transportation provider to settle before departure.
Keep the care decision with the care team
The responsible clinical team should determine whether the planned transportation level is appropriate for the person’s condition and needs. A non-emergency stretcher booking must not be treated as a substitute for an ambulance or any clinical support the team says is required.
If the person’s needs change before departure, tell the responsible care team and dispatch so the arrangement can be reassessed. This guide concerns trip coordination, not clinical clearance or treatment. In an emergency, call 911.
Name the receiving contact
Record a person or department that can confirm the arrival arrangement. For a facility, that may be the receiving unit or admissions contact. For a residence, clarify with the care team who needs to be present and what must be ready.
Confirm that the receiving contact knows the expected arrival period and can be reached if it changes. A general switchboard number may be useful as a backup, but it should not be the only plan when a specific unit must be ready to receive the person.
Confirm the destination beyond the street address
Provide the building, entrance, floor, unit, and any access details requested by dispatch. Ask the receiving location about elevators, entry procedures, and the route from the arrival point. Discuss access concerns with the transportation team before confirming the transfer.
Do not assume that an entrance suitable for a walking visitor also works for the planned equipment. If a room assignment or entrance changes, notify the sending team and dispatch using the established contact process.
Agree on information and belongings
The care teams should decide which documents and instructions need to accompany the person and how they will be transferred securely. Family members can help identify belongings and the person who will receive them, without substituting for the clinical handoff.
Medicare’s discharge planning checklist can help patients and caregivers organize questions about leaving a facility. Use it as a discussion aid with staff; the individual discharge plan and transportation requirements still need to be confirmed for the actual transfer.
Further readingMedicare: Your discharge planning checklist (opens in a new tab)Set a clear response to delays
Agree on who will update the receiving location if departure is delayed, and who can confirm that arrival is still possible. A changed departure time may affect staffing or access at the destination. The sending and receiving teams should resolve that change before the journey proceeds.
A concise handoff note should list the sending contact, receiving contact, confirmed destination, relevant access instructions, and the agreed communication channel. Contact Cathay to discuss the logistics of a planned non-emergency stretcher trip with your facility or family.
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Coordinate a planned stretcher transfer
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