Stretcher: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in medical emergencies or evacuation situations to transport people who are injured or unable to move. Commonly seen in ambulances, hospitals, and rescue operations.

• The paramedics carefully placed the injured man onto the stretcher.
• During the rescue mission, the team carried the hikers down the mountain on stretchers.

Specifically used in medical settings to transport patients within a hospital. It usually has wheels for easy movement and is often seen in emergency rooms and operating theaters.

• The nurse wheeled the unconscious patient into the operating room on a gurney.
• Paramedics quickly moved the accident victim onto a gurney for immediate transport to the ER.

Used for transporting items or sometimes patients in a hospital. Typically refers to carts with wheels used for various purposes like serving food, medical supplies, or moving goods.

• A hospital trolley was used to deliver the morning breakfast to the patients.
• The cleaners used a trolley to carry all their equipment down the corridor.

Commonly used for sleeping or resting. Found in homes, hotels, and hospitals. Beds can also be specialized, such as hospital beds, for patient care.

• After a long day, she was happy to finally lie down in her comfortable bed.
• The patient was transferred to a hospital bed for further treatment.

Used in medical and emergency situations to carry people who are injured or unable to walk.

• The paramedics lifted the patient onto the stretcher and quickly moved him to the ambulance.
• During the rescue operation, survivors were carried out on stretchers.

Used in historical or military settings; a type of stretcher with poles, carried by multiple people. Can also refer to garbage, which has a negative connotation.

• The injured soldier was transported on a litter by his comrades.
• Festival organizers urged attendees to dispose of their litter properly.

Typically used in hospitals or temporary medical facilities; also refers to a portable bed often used for camping or in shelters.

• The nurse instructed the mother to place her baby in the hospital cot.
• After the hiking, they set up their cots and slept under the stars.

Refers to a device or vehicle used to move patients in hospitals or medical facilities, but can also be used for other goods.

• The hospital transporter carried the elderly woman to her appointment.
• The transporter ensured all equipment was delivered to the operation room on time.