Loading The Stretcher Into An Ambulance; Figure 43 - Preparing To Load The Stretcher; Figure 44 - Head-End Legs Folded; Foot-End - Ferno 50-E User Manual

Ferno Model 50-E
7.10 Loading the Stretcher
Into an Ambulance
Ferno strongly recommends using two operators to load
the stretcher into an ambulance. The stretcher can be
loaded by one trained operator if local protocols permit.
Use additional help as needed (see Using Additional
Help, page 33).
1. Raise the stretcher to its highest position and make
sure the front casters are locked so they will not
swivel as the stretcher is loaded.
2. If the ambulance has a folding bumper, raise it.
3. Roll the stretcher into the open ambulance
doorway until both loading wheels are on the
patient compartment floor and the head-end legs
contact the bumper (Figure 43). If the floor is too
high, see Increasing the Loading Height, page 30.
4. Foot-End Operator: Grasp the main frame using
an underhand (palms up) grip, and support the
stretcher but do not lift it.
5. Foot-End Operator: Squeeze and hold the red
control handle and begin pushing the stretcher
into the ambulance. The head-end legs will fold.
6. Foot-End Operator: Continue pushing the
stretcher into the ambulance. Be prepared to
assume the remaining weight of the stretcher
when the foot-end touch bar contacts the
ambulance bumper (Figure 44) and unlocks the
foot-end legs.
Note: If you let go of the lowering handle, the foot-
end legs will not fold when the touch-bar contacts
the ambulance bumper. Squeeze and hold the
lowering handle throughout the loading process.
7. Foot-End Operator: Finish pushing the stretcher
into the ambulance. Release the control handle.
8. Secure the stretcher in the vehicle using an
approved Ferno fastener.
© Ferno-Washington, Inc. 234-3257-01 December, 2004

Figure 43 - Preparing to Load the Stretcher

Important
Check the position of the casters when loading.
Front casters must be locked (no swivel).
Rear caster locks should face the ground as
the stretcher is loaded. If not, they can contact
the operator's hand during loading.
Figure 44 - Head-End Legs Folded,
Foot-End Touch Bar in Contact with Bumper
Using the Stretcher
Operator Continues
Squeezing the
Control Handle
Foot-End Touch Bar
Contacts Bumper
31