Stretcher bearer

Personnel responsible for carrying stretchers in medical and military settings

A stretcher bearer is an individual who is responsible for carrying a stretcher in order to transport patients who are unable to walk or need assistance due to injury or illness. Stretcher bearers are commonly found in military settings, emergency medical services, and hospital environments.

Role and Responsibilities

Stretcher bearers play a crucial role in the evacuation and transport of casualties from the site of injury to a place where they can receive medical care. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Assessing the situation to determine the safest and most efficient way to transport the patient.
• Coordinating with other medical personnel to ensure the patient receives appropriate care during transport.
• Using proper lifting techniques to prevent injury to themselves and the patient.
• Navigating through difficult terrain or crowded areas while carrying the stretcher.

Historical Context

Stretcher bearers during the Dunkirk evacuation

The role of stretcher bearers has been vital in military operations throughout history. During World War I and World War II, stretcher bearers were often soldiers who were assigned to carry wounded comrades from the battlefield to field hospitals. The evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940 is a notable example where stretcher bearers played a significant role in rescuing and transporting injured soldiers.

Training and Skills

Stretcher bearers require specific training to perform their duties effectively. This training typically includes:

• First aid and basic life support skills.
• Techniques for lifting and carrying patients safely.
• Communication skills to work effectively with other medical personnel.
• Physical fitness to handle the demands of carrying a stretcher over long distances or challenging terrain.

Modern Usage

In contemporary settings, stretcher bearers are often part of emergency medical services teams. They work alongside paramedics and emergency medical technicians to provide rapid response to emergencies. In hospitals, stretcher bearers may be part of the patient transport team, responsible for moving patients between departments or to and from ambulances.

Related Pages

• Emergency medical services
• Paramedic
• First aid
• Military medicine