Did you know that over 1.3 million Canadian seniors have trouble getting around on their own? For many people in Canada, mobility challenges can make something as simple as getting to a medical appointment a huge ordeal.
Without the right kind of transport—like vehicles made for gurney transportation—people who can’t walk or climb stairs may have to rely on risky or uncomfortable travel options. For their caregivers, this means extra work and stress trying to figure out how to get them there safely. Gurney transportation is a strong solution to these problems.
At MoveMobility, we’re all about making transportation easier, safer, and more reliable for people across Canada who face these types of challenges. For more than 20 years, we’ve been working with organizations to provide specialized vehicles that break down barriers to transportation and healthcare.
We’re not the only ones doing this, but we’re proud to help communities, whether in Toronto, Vancouver, or smaller towns, break down barriers to accessible transportation.
In this article, we’ll talk about what gurney transportation actually is and why it’s so important. By the end, you’ll know exactly why gurney transportation matters and how the right vehicle can make a big difference for people who need this type of care.
Gurney transportation: What is it, and why does it matter?
In Canada, many people rely on gurney transportation to reach hospitals or healthcare appointments. This kind of transport is necessary for those who can’t sit up or need some extra medical support.
Imagine needing to lie down for your entire trip or having to travel long distances from a rural town to get to a specialist. Gurney transport helps people in these situations travel safely and comfortably, whether they’re in a major city like Toronto or a remote community like Yellowknife.
So, what exactly is a gurney?
A gurney is a special kind of stretcher with wheels used to move people who can’t sit up or need to lie flat during travel. Think of it as a portable bed on wheels. Gurneys are important for people with severe mobility issues, injuries, or fragile health who need to get from one place to another smoothly.
Here’s what makes a gurney unique:
Safety features: Gurneys have straps and sturdy frames to keep patients safe, especially if they need to travel over longer distances.
Adjustable positions: Gurneys can be raised or lowered to meet different medical needs and make patients more comfortable.
Wheels: The wheels make it easy to roll patients from one spot to another.
What organizations use gurney transportation in Canada?
Many organizations in Canada use gurney transport services to make life easier and safer for those with limited mobility. Let’s look at some of the places and services that use it.
1. Care homes and assisted living
Getting to a medical appointment or the hospital can be challenging for many seniors in care homes. Gurney transport makes it possible for residents who need to lie down to travel comfortably and safely.
2. Hospitals and clinics
Hospitals use gurneys daily to move patients between departments, such as from the emergency room to surgery or from a patient room to an X-ray area. This keeps people safe and supported when they can’t walk or sit up on their own.
3. Home healthcare
Some people who get care at home need to visit hospitals or clinics from time to time. Gurney transport helps patients who can’t use regular transport get to their appointments safely. Home care teams can bring a gurney to the patient’s house and give them a secure, comfortable ride.
4. Rehabilitation centres
Rehab centers, which help people recover from injuries or surgeries, often use gurney transport to get patients to other medical centers or therapy sessions. This type of transport makes sure patients travel safely while they’re healing.
5. Airports and travel help
Some people need medical help as soon as they get off a flight, and gurney transportation makes that possible. At airports in provinces like Toronto and Vancouver, people with medical needs can get gurney transport to a hospital or care facility right after they land. This service provides peace of mind for families and patients who need extra support.
6. Specialty medical clinics
Some clinics focus on specific medical needs, like bone or nerve care, and offer gurney transport for patients who need to be lying down or can’t sit up. This transport is safe, comfortable, and designed for people needing extra care.
7. Ambulances and emergency teams
Emergency responders use gurney transport to move patients from accident sites to the hospital. Gurneys keep patients safe, stable, and supported during emergencies.
8. First Nations Communities
Gurney transport services are an important resource for many First Nations communities in Canada, helping elders and others with mobility or health challenges get the care they need. These services are often organized by local health programs to assist community members in traveling to hospitals, clinics, or specialized care facilities.
As you can see, gurney transportation makes a big difference for people across Canada who need safe, comfortable rides. Now, let’s look at which vehicles work best for gurney transport!
Why is the right vehicle important for gurney transportation?
While a gurney is necessary, the vehicle that carries it is just as important. The right vehicle for gurney transport is one that fits the gurney safely and keeps the person comfortable during the ride. Most people picture an ambulance, but not every situation needs one. Some trips are less urgent, and specialized vehicles can provide a safe, comfortable option without the stress or high costs of an ambulance.
The Mobile Response Van
The Mobile Response Van is an ideal choice for safely transporting patients who need extra care. This van has special features to keep both patients and staff comfortable, organized, and ready for any needs that come up on the road.
Here’s why the Mobile Response Van stands out for gurney transportation:
Sturdy stretcher system: It has a secure stretcher system that keeps the patient steady during the ride, with space for an attendant to stay close and provide care.
Flexible seating: The van’s AutoFloor lets you easily adjust seating to fit the patient’s needs, making the setup as comfortable as possible.
Easy-access seats: The seats for attendants are on wheels, making it easy for staff to move around and quickly help the patient if needed.
Lots of storage: Strong cabinets and storage areas keep medical supplies safe and easy to reach.
Simple to clean: The van’s surfaces are easy to wipe down, helping maintain a clean space for patients.
Space for equipment: There’s room for important medical gear like oxygen tanks, first aid kits, and AEDs, so it’s ready for any situation.
Power access: The van has outlets and 12V plugs to power medical equipment and make sure everything runs smoothly.
Another gurney transportation option: The P4 3-in-1 Van
If you’re looking for another strong gurney transport option, the P4 3-in-1 Van is a great option for transporting patients in wheelchairs, on stretchers, or even ambulatory passengers. Built on the Ram Promaster 2500, this van is designed to handle different types of transport needs with ease.
Here’s what makes the P4 3-in-1 Van a good option for Canadian roads and weather:
Easy to drive: It has a compact size that’s great for city driving, and no special driver’s licence is needed.
Handles snow and ice: With front-wheel drive and a high ground clearance, this van manages Canadian winters well.
Fuel-efficient: The P4 3-in-1 Van has great fuel mileage, making it a smart choice for frequent trips.
Certified safe: This van meets all safety certifications, including CMVSS and D409.
Heavy-duty ramp: The ramp can hold up to 1,000 lbs, stows out of the way, and is easy to operate with a manual backup.
Both the Mobile Response Van and the P4 3-in-1 Van are excellent choices for gurney transport. They’re built to make patient transport safer, easier, and more comfortable for everyone involved.
3. Standard ambulance for emergency gurney transport
Standard ambulances are commonly used across Canada in emergency situations. These vehicles are built to handle urgent medical transport and have features that allow paramedics to provide immediate care. While ambulances are often used in emergencies, they’re also effective for planned gurney transport, especially if medical monitoring is needed during the trip.
Full medical equipment: Ambulances come equipped with monitors, oxygen tanks, and IV setups.
Designed for critical care: These vehicles have space for emergency care and life-saving interventions.
Quick response: Ambulances are prioritized on the road, allowing for faster transport in urgent situations.
While ambulances are typically reserved for emergency services, some organizations also use them for scheduled transports where patients need continuous medical supervision.
Still curious about gurney transportation?
You came to this article to learn what gurney transportation is and why it’s so important. Now, you know about the different types of vehicles used for gurney transport and how each one can help patients travel safely and comfortably.
At MoveMobility, we take pride in helping organizations like yours overcome the challenges of patient transport by creating accessible, dependable solutions. If you’re a hospital, care, home, or any other type of organization that wants to give patients the comfort and safety they deserve on every journey, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. We’d love to answer any questions or comments you may have.
Not ready to talk to someone yet? We have some other resources that’ll help you explore how accessible transport can make a difference.
Many organizations run into funding issues when starting their journey. To relieve that burden, start by checking out our article on how to apply for funding for mobile medical vehicles.
At this stage, you might also be wondering how service works after you purchase a vehicle for gurney transportation. Check out our article on how service works to learn more.
