A new generation stretcher system which ensures a sick or injured passenger can travel in safety and comfort on commercial aircraft and avoid the high cost of using business aircraft for medevac missions is on display with Swiss company Bucher.
"The 16g NGS Stretcher can be installed on board aircraft in just 15 minutes by folding down the backrest on the seat and easily clipping it in," says Rolf Kraus director of medical and interior components. The stretcher is also practical, as it weighs just 38kg and comes folded in a box which saves space in the cargo area. It can be transported to where it is needed. "This certainly makes it cheaper too as it means patients don't have to travel by private jet with their injuries," says Kraus.
The units come complete with bed and mattress, curtain, infusion bottles holder and tray, as well as armrests on either side which feature an individual setting capability. "There is also an optional bed extension feature, and for children or smaller persons there is a restraint to make sure they are transported safely," adds Kraus.
The NGS is made for standard Airbus and Boeing aircraft and Bucher currently has 500 in operation with 40 customers. Stretchers on board aircraft require certification. "We conduct 16g dynamic tests and in June we became the first supplier who can deliver a stretcher with a Chinese certificate, which makes our presence here even stronger," says Kraus.
Source: Flight Daily News
