oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026
(Main)Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1: General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment
Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1: General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment
This document specifies minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretchers and other patient handling equipment used in road ambulances for the handling and carrying of patients. It aims to ensure patient safety and minimize the physical effort required by staff operating the equipment.
Krankentransportmittel in Rettungsdienstfahrzeugen- Teil1: Allgemeine Krankentragesysteme und Krankentransportmittel
Dieses Dokument legt die Mindestanforderungen an die Ausführung und Gebrauchstauglichkeit von Krankentragen und anderen Krankentransportmitteln fest, die in Krankenkraftwagen für die Behandlung und den Transport von Patienten verwendet werden. Es ist das Ziel, für die Sicherheit des Patienten zu sorgen und die körperliche Anstrengung des Personals, welches dieses Transportmittel bedient, möglichst gering zu halten.
Équipements pour le transport de patients dans les ambulances - Partie 1 : Spécification pour les systèmes généraux de brancards et équipement pour le transport de patients
Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales en matière de conception et de performances des brancards et autres équipements utilisés dans les ambulances routières pour le transport des patients. Il vise à assurer la sécurité des patients et à réduire les efforts physiques des personnels utilisant ces équipements.
Oprema za ravnanje s pacienti v reševalnih vozilih - 1. del: Splošni sistemi nosil in oprema za ravnanje s pacienti
General Information
- Status
- Not Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-Jul-2026
- Technical Committee
- VAZ - Healthcare
- Current Stage
- 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 05-Jun-2026
- Due Date
- 23-Oct-2026
Relations
- Effective Date
- 20-Apr-2022
Overview
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 sets forth the minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretcher systems and patient handling equipment used in ambulances. Published by SIST as a part of the European standardization suite, this document is vital for organizations involved in the manufacturing, testing, procurement, and use of ambulance patient handling equipment. The standard focuses on enhancing both patient safety and operator ergonomics, ensuring that devices minimize physical strain during patient transfer while maintaining a high degree of safety and hygiene.
Key Topics
This standard covers:
- General Stretcher Systems: Guidelines for the main stretcher used to transport patients in ambulances, including requirements for dimensions, mass, loading capacity, frame construction, safety features, and ease of cleaning.
- Additional Patient Handling Equipment:
- Chair stretchers
- Transfer mattresses
- Carrying sheets
- Pick-up stretchers
- Vacuum mattresses and pumps
- Long spinal boards
- Foldable and non-foldable transport chairs
- Patient Restraint Systems: Requirements for secure, quick-release patient restraint systems that allow for both safety during transport and necessary medical intervention.
- Operator Safety and Ergonomics: Provisions that minimize manual lifting, reduce injury risk from sharp edges, and mandate non-twisting, lightweight construction.
- Material and Hygiene: Stipulations for materials to be bacterial, fungal, stain, and putrid resistant, as well as easy to clean, waterproof, and resistant to petrol and oil.
- Test Methods: Protocols for testing durability, fixation, deformation resistance, and safe handling under operational stresses.
Applications
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 is essential for:
- Manufacturers of Ambulance Equipment: Ensures products meet stringent European requirements for safety, durability, and operability.
- Ambulance Service Providers: Helps select compliant equipment designed for patient comfort and safety, reducing workplace injuries and liability.
- Healthcare Facilities: Provides assurance that patient handling equipment is of high quality, compatible with road ambulances, and meets up-to-date regulatory expectations.
- Regulatory and Procurement Bodies: Serves as a benchmark for contracts and tenders, mandating compliance with the latest European norms for medical equipment.
- Standardization and Testing Agencies: Facilitates the assessment of compliance during certification and market surveillance processes.
These guidelines contribute to a safer and more effective emergency medical service (EMS) environment, supporting seamless patient transfers and high-quality care, while also safeguarding staff.
Related Standards
This document is part of a broader set of standards addressing patient handling equipment in ambulances:
- EN 1865 Series:
- Part 2: Power assisted stretcher
- Part 3: Heavy duty stretcher (under revision)
- Part 4: Foldable patient transfer chair (under revision)
- Part 5: Stretcher support (under revision)
- Part 6: Powered chairs
- Part 7: Isolation transport system (in development)
- EN 1789:2020+A1:2023: Medical vehicles and their equipment - Road ambulances - Standards for ambulance vehicles, relevant to the integration of patient handling equipment.
- EN ISO 15223-1:2021 & EN ISO 20417:2021: Medical device labeling and information requirements, ensuring correct and clear usage guidance.
Compliance with oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 also supports conformity with the General Safety and Performance Requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (Medical Device Regulation - MDR).
Practical Value
Adhering to oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 guarantees that ambulance patient handling equipment meets rigorous safety, functionality, and hygiene standards. It delivers practical benefits by:
- Improving patient and user safety during transfer and transport
- Standardizing critical ambulance equipment across Europe
- Facilitating legal compliance and quality assurance for manufacturers and service providers
- Enhancing operational effectiveness in emergency medical services
Prioritizing this standard in equipment design and procurement decisions is crucial for top-level patient care and ambulance safety.
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Frequently Asked Questions
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 is a draft published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1: General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment". This standard covers: This document specifies minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretchers and other patient handling equipment used in road ambulances for the handling and carrying of patients. It aims to ensure patient safety and minimize the physical effort required by staff operating the equipment.
This document specifies minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretchers and other patient handling equipment used in road ambulances for the handling and carrying of patients. It aims to ensure patient safety and minimize the physical effort required by staff operating the equipment.
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.160 - First aid; 43.160 - Special purpose vehicles. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2017/745; Standardization Mandates: M/575, M/575 AMD 2. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
oSIST prEN 1865-1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Oprema za ravnanje s pacienti v reševalnih vozilih - 1. del: Splošni sistemi nosil in
oprema za ravnanje s pacienti
Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1: General stretcher systems and
patient handling equipment
Krankentransportmittel in Rettungsdienstfahrzeugen- Teil1: Allgemeine
Krankentragesysteme und Krankentransportmittel
Équipements pour le transport de patients dans les ambulances - Partie 1 : Spécification
pour les systèmes généraux de brancards et équipement pour le transport de patients
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 1865-1
ICS:
11.160 Prva pomoč First aid
43.160 Vozila za posebne namene Special purpose vehicles
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
May 2026
ICS 11.160 Will supersede EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015
English Version
Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1:
Specification for general stretcher systems and patient
handling equipment
Équipements pour le transport de patients dans les Krankentransportmittel in Rettungsdienstfahrzeugen-
ambulances - Partie 1 : Spécification pour les systèmes Teil1: Allgemeine Krankentragesysteme und
généraux de brancards et équipement pour le Krankentransportmittel
transport de patients
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for second enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical
Committee CEN/TC 239.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 1865-1:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 9
4.1 General. 9
4.2 Main stretcher . 10
4.2.1 General. 10
4.2.2 Dimensions. 10
4.2.3 Mass . 10
4.2.4 Loading capacity . 10
4.2.5 Frame . 10
4.2.6 Lying part of the stretcher . 12
4.2.7 Restraint system . 12
4.2.8 Flammability . 12
4.2.9 Deformation of the frame . 12
4.2.10 Fixation . 13
4.2.11 Deformation of the lying area . 13
4.2.12 Resistance to torsion . 14
4.2.13 Splaying of the wheels . 14
4.3 Chair stretcher . 14
4.3.1 Dimensions. 14
4.3.2 Mass . 15
4.3.3 Loading capacity . 15
4.3.4 Frame . 15
4.3.5 Lying-sitting part. 15
4.3.6 Restraint system . 15
4.3.7 Flammability . 15
4.3.8 Deformation of the frame . 15
4.3.9 Fixation . 15
4.3.10 Deformation of the lying-sitting area . 16
4.3.11 Resistance to torsion . 16
4.3.12 Splaying of the wheels . 16
4.4 Transfer mattress . 16
4.4.1 Dimensions. 16
4.4.2 Mass . 17
4.4.3 Loading capacity . 17
4.4.4 Handles . 17
4.4.5 Lying part . 17
4.4.6 Flammability . 17
4.4.7 Deformation . 17
4.4.8 Deformation of the lying area . 18
4.5 Carrying sheet . 19
4.5.1 Dimensions. 19
4.5.2 Mass . 19
4.5.3 Loading capacity . 19
4.5.4 Handles . 19
4.5.5 Lying part . 19
4.5.6 Restraint system . 19
4.5.7 Flammability . 19
4.5.8 Deformation of the handles . 19
4.5.9 Deformation of the lying area . 20
4.6 Pick up stretcher . 21
4.6.1 Dimensions . 21
4.6.2 Mass . 21
4.6.3 Loading capacity . 21
4.6.4 Frame . 21
4.6.5 Lying part . 21
4.6.6 Restraint system . 21
4.6.7 Flammability . 21
4.6.8 Deformation of the frame . 22
4.6.9 Fixation . 22
4.6.10 Locking . 22
4.6.11 Deformation of the lying area . 22
4.6.12 Resistance to torsion . 22
4.7 Vacuum mattress . 22
4.7.1 Construction . 22
4.7.2 Dimensions . 23
4.7.3 Mass . 23
4.7.4 Loading capacity . 23
4.7.5 Handles . 23
4.7.6 Restraint system . 23
4.7.7 Flammability . 23
4.7.8 Deformation . 24
4.7.9 Shrinkage . 24
4.7.10 Deformation of the lying area . 25
4.8 Long spinal board . 25
4.8.1 Dimensions . 25
4.8.2 Mass . 25
4.8.3 Loading capacity . 25
4.8.4 Construction . 25
4.8.5 Lying part . 26
4.8.6 Restraint system . 26
4.8.7 Flammability . 26
4.8.8 Deformation of the lying area . 26
4.8.9 Resistance to torsion . 26
4.9 Foldable transport chair . 27
4.9.1 Dimensions . 27
4.9.2 Mass . 27
4.9.3 Loading capacity . 27
4.9.4 Frame . 27
4.9.5 Sitting part. 27
4.9.6 Restraint system . 27
4.9.7 Flammability . 27
4.9.8 Deformation of the frame, backrest, and lying-sitting area . 27
4.9.9 Locking . 28
4.10 Non-foldable transport chair. 28
4.10.1 Dimensions. 28
4.10.2 Mass . 28
4.10.3 Loading capacity . 28
4.10.4 Frame . 28
4.10.5 Sitting part . 29
4.10.6 Restraint system . 29
4.10.7 Flammability . 29
4.10.8 Deformation of the frame, backrest, and sitting area . 29
4.10.9 Fixation . 29
4.10.10 Splaying of the wheels . 30
4.10.11 Power source . 30
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European standard and the General Safety
and Performance Requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 aimed to be covered . 31
Bibliography . 33
European foreword
This document (prEN 1865-1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 239 “Rescue
systems”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the second CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015.
Compared to EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015, the following main technical changes were made:
a) Main title of EN 1865 series changed from “Patient handling equipment used in road ambulances” to
“Patient handling equipment used in ambulances”;
b) Part 1 title changed from “General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment” to “Specification
for general stretcher systems and patient handling equipment”;
c) Normative references updated;
d) Contents updated to change titles of “Flammability – Toxicity of Burning Gasses” to “Flammability”;
e) Annex ZA revised to show relationship to Medical Device Regulations (MDR) instead of Medical
Device Directive (MDD);
f) Definitions for chair stretcher (3.2), carry sheet (3.4), pick up stretcher (3.5), long spinal board (3.7)
and foldable transport chair (3.8) clarified;
g) General ergonomic statement (4.1) about minimizing lifting when possible, removal of redundant
sharp edges requirement;
h) Significant adjustments to the requirements for transfer mattress, carrying sheet and vacuum
mattresses, non-foldable transport chair;
i) Loading capacities changed from 150 kg to 200 kg, and corresponding mass increased;
j) Requirements aligned with EN 1865-2:2024;
k) Verification methods in Clause 5 moved into Clause 4 requirements that previously referenced them.
In these cases, the requirement and test methods were combined to form the following: 4.8.8 and
4.8.10 now 4.8.8; 4.9.8 and 4.9.11 now 4.9.8; 4.10.8 and 4.10.10 now 4.10.8.;
l) Added verifiable details to 4.4.5 requirements;
m) Clauses previously listing ‘not applicable’ removed; .
n) Added verifiable details to 4.7.1 requirements;
o) The use of the word label removed, intent of requirement remains unchanged: 4.2.3, 4.3.2, 4.4.2, 4.5.2,
4.6.2, 4.7.3, 4.8.2, 4.9.2, 4.10.2.;
p) Due to capacity increase, adjusted verification method in 4.8.8, formerly 5.7.1.;
q) In Long Spinal Board (4.8), Foldable chair (4.9) and Non-foldable chair (4.10), the deformation of
frame and backrest requirements were combined, as verification method is the same.
r) Clause 6 on Marking deleted, since covered by MDR.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
This document is a part of EN 1865, Patient handling equipment used in ambulances, which consists of the
following parts:
— Part 1: Specification for general stretcher systems and patient handling equipment; (this document)
— Part 2: Power assisted stretcher;
— Part 3: Heavy duty stretcher;
— Part 4: Foldable patient transfer chair;
— Part 5: Stretcher support;
— Part 6: Powered chairs;
— Part 7: Isolation transport system (preliminary work item under development).
Introduction
This document incorporates specifications for:
— main stretcher − undercarriage;
— chair stretcher;
— transfer mattress;
— carrying sheet;
— pick up stretcher;
— vacuum mattress and pump;
— long spinal board;
— foldable transport chair;
— non-foldable transport chair.
Stretcher systems and patient handling equipment covered by this document are for use in road
ambulances.
In this document, reference is made to EN 1789:2020+A1:2023 which specifies design requirements and
test methods for road ambulances, which are relevant for checking requirements for such handling
equipment.
NOTE Standardization work will continue with the aim of ensuring the safe transfer of patients and equipment
without compromising continuity of patient care and the safety of staff.
1 Scope
This document specifies minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretchers and other
patient handling equipment used in road ambulances for the handling and carrying of patients. It aims to
ensure patient safety and minimize the physical effort required by staff operating the equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 597-1:2015, Furniture — Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases — Part
1: Ignition source smouldering cigarette
EN 1789:2020+A1:2023, Medical vehicles and their equipment — Road ambulances
EN 60601-1-2:2015, Medical electrical equipment — Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and
essential performance — Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances — Requirements and tests (IEC
60601-1-2:2014)
EN 62366-1:2015, Medical devices — Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices (IEC
62366-1:2015)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
3.1
main stretcher
main device for the conveyance of a sick and/or injured person or those in labour with the purpose to
transport patients in safety and in comfort whilst facilitating treatment
3.2
chair stretcher
stretcher designed for patient use in a sitting or lying position during conveyance and in a lying position
during vehicular transport
3.3
transfer mattress
device intended to facilitate the transfer of the patient from one stretcher to another
As impacted by EN 60601-1-2:2015/A1:2021.
As impacted by EN 62366-1:2015/AC:2015, EN 62366-1:2015/AC:2016-09 and EN 62366-1:2015/A1:2020.
3.4
carrying sheet
special device to handle and carry a patient in a lying or sitting position including transportation on the
stretcher
3.5
pick up stretcher
lifting device, intended to be used for movement of patients on other transport devices including
immobilization for the patient during transportation on the stretcher
3.6
vacuum mattress
device intended primarily to provide immobilization for the patient during transportation
3.7
long spinal board
device designed for lifting and immobilizing patients including or excluding transportation on the
stretcher
3.8
foldable transport chair
device intended to handle and transport a patient in a sitting position to and from the road ambulance
but not to be used to transport a patient within the ambulance
3.9
non-foldable transport chair
device intended to handle and transport a patient in a sitting position to and from the road ambulance
and to be used to transport a patient within the ambulance
4 Requirements
4.1 General
When operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions for use, the devices shall be designed
and manufactured in such a way as to remove or reduce risk as much as possible. The devices should be
designed to minimize the physical effort of the operator (e.g. lifting).
Devices shall also:
a) allow patients to be secured so that any movement during ambulance transport is minimized;
b) be free of sharp edges that cause injury to persons or damage to other equipment on board. The
minimum radius should be 0,5 mm. Compliance is checked by inspection of the equipment and the
documentation.
Carrying handles on devices for handling of patients shall permit fixation in extended positions.
For all patients transported in the patient compartment, patient restraint-systems shall be available. All
patient restraint-systems shall have quick release systems.
Patient restraint-systems for all patient handling equipment shall secure the patient, but at the same time
shall permit treatment of the patient.
The lying-sitting part shall be made of a strong material which is bacterial resistant, fungal resistant, stain
resistant, putrid resistant, easy to clean, washable, waterproof and petrol-oil resistant.
4.2 Main stretcher
4.2.1 General
The main stretcher shall consist of a stretcher part that can be used either alone or in combination with
an integrated or detachable undercarriage.
4.2.2 Dimensions
Dimensions shall be measured from the outermost edges.
— Stretcher part: length: +20
(1 950 ) mm;
−50
width: (550 ± 20) mm;
height: Maximum 300 mm from loading holding assembly to unloaded
lying part. This height dimension does not apply to stretchers
with monoblock undercarriages. If a monoblock is not
available, the stretcher shall be constructed such that it is
detachable from the undercarriage. Where a stretcher support
is used, the measurement shall be taken from the top surface of
the stretcher support to the lying part of the stretcher.
— Undercarriage: Length and width of the frame of the undercarriage when
located in the ambulance shall not exceed length and width of
the stretcher part.
4.2.3 Mass
The mass excluding mattress and patient restraints shall not be more than:
— Stretcher part: 23 kg;
— Undercarriage including stretcher: 57 kg max (combined weight);
— Stretcher part with integrated undercarriage: monoblock 51 kg.
In all cases, the mass should be as low as possible.
4.2.4 Loading capacity
The loading capacity shall be a minimum 200 kg. The maximum loading capacity shall be stated on the
main stretcher.
4.2.5 Frame
4.2.5.1 General
The frame shall be a sturdy, lightweight, non-twisting construction enabling use of cardiopulmonary
resuscitation. All corners of the frame shall be radiused for greater safety.
It shall be possible to lock and secure the stretcher and undercarriage against lateral, longitudinal,
vertical movements.
All mechanisms shall be constructed to prevent damage to the user and the patient.
4.2.5.2 Stretcher parts
a) If side rails are fitted, they shall have a minimum length of 500 mm and a minimum height of 150 mm
measured from the top of the stretcher frame to the top of the side rail.
b) If longitudinal handles are incorporated they shall be fitted to the ends of the longitudinal frame such
that they lock and do not twist when they are stowed or in use. They shall be designed to minimize
the risk of injuries to the hands and wrists when being operated or the stretcher is carried at angles.
c) The stretcher shall have a water and scratch resistant surface finish or be manufactured of corrosion
resistant material. Both shall be unaffected by disinfectants.
d) If intended to be used without undercarriage, there shall be four wheels with a minimum diameter
of 100 mm suitably placed to ensure stability.
e) If intended to be used with undercarriage, the stretcher shall be able to be fixed to the undercarriage
without using supplementary means. A safe handling and lowering of the undercarriage shall be
ensured.
f) The fixed stretcher shall be easy to release from the stretcher fastener.
g) Stretcher should be equipped with an infusion holder.
4.2.5.3 Undercarriage
a) The undercarriage shall be fitted with four wheels with a diameter of at least 100 mm. At the foot
end, there shall be a minimum of two wheels that swivel 360° and at least two wheels shall be fitted
with a brake.
b) The undercarriage shall be suitable for a road ambulance loading and unloading with a maximum
height of 750 mm.
c) The undercarriage shall have a simple mechanism for height adjustment and shall have a minimum
of two levels (car position and fully unfolded).
d) The supporting mechanism shall automatically stay in place when fully unfolded.
e) The operating controls shall be ergonomically designed to take into consideration human body
dimensions and physical strength, and anatomical and physiological requirements of human beings.
The operating controls shall be clearly and permanently labelled, preferably with graphical symbols,
indicating their positions and settings. If the controls can initiate movements which could be
dangerous to persons, they shall be secured against unintentional operation.
f) All functions of the stretcher shall remain completely unimpaired when it is connected to the
undercarriage.
g) The undercarriage shall either be provided with a waterproof and scratch resistant surface or be
made of corrosive resistant material.
h) If the undercarriage is used with a removable top part, it shall be possible to connect or disconnect
them easily. The top part shall be secured in such a manner that unintentional separation of
undercarriage and top part cannot occur. It shall be possible to load and unload the undercarriage
and top part to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient and the operators.
4.2.6 Lying part of the stretcher
a) The lying area shall be flat over the complete surface and shall be made of sturdy lightweight
construction. The thorax area shall be manufactured of sturdy lightweight material which allows
cardiopulmonary resuscitation without acting as a spring or giving way. The materials shall be
unaffected by disinfectants.
b) The lying area shall be non-slip and shall be covered with a transfer mattress, or a mattress that shall
provide for patient comfort and also be firm enough to enable cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be
undertaken. The mattress shall be able to conform to the various treatment configuration provided
by the stretcher. The mattress shall be constructed in such a way that prevents ingress of patient
fluids and facilitate infectious control cleaning. In addition, the materials shall be unaffected by
disinfectants. The mattress on the lying part of the stretcher shall be fixed securely.
c) The lying area shall have an adjustable head-end/-backrest with a minimum length of 600 mm. It
shall be possible to raise the backrest at least 75° and there shall be at least five fixing positions
within this range. It shall be possible to maintain the angle of adjustment under all normal conditions
of loading and unloading.
d) The lying area shall have an adjustable footrest with a minimum length of 900 mm. It shall be possible
to raise the leg section (shock position) at least 15°. It shall be possible to maintain the angle of
adjustment under all normal cases of loading and unloading. A knee gatch feature shall be
incorporated for better placement/comfort of the patient.
4.2.7 Restraint system
The stretcher shall be fitted with a harness and quick-release patient restraint(s) capable of fulfilling the
test requirements specified in EN 1789:2020+A1:2023. The stretcher shall be capable of accepting a
device for restraining children that fulfils the test requirements specified in EN 1789:2020+A1:2023.
For testing a 50th Percentile Male dummy shall be secured with the restraint system. The restraint system
should be tight securely according to the instruction of the manufactures. The backrest shall be fixed in a
position of a minimum 15 degrees measured from the horizontal. The lying surface shall be in a horizontal
position.
4.2.8 Flammability
There shall be no progressive smouldering or flaming ignition when tested in accordance with
EN 597-1:2015.
4.2.9 Deformation of the frame
4.2.9.1 Requirement
The frame shall not have permanent deformation after verification frame loading.
4.2.9.2 Verification method
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 1 — Testing frame deformation
For the test of permanent deformation (bending), the stretcher shall be positioned with the fully extended
handles resting on supports (see Figure 1). The test shall be performed on a flat firm ground.
The stretcher shall be loaded evenly with 320 kg (e.g. with 8 sandbags) according to Figure 1. The
sandbags shall not rest on the longitudinal bars.
Unload the stretcher and examine for permanent deformation s and/or failures.
4.2.10 Fixation
The requirement of the fixation shall be in accordance with EN 1789:2020+A1:2023, 4.4.11.
4.2.11 Deformation of the lying area
4.2.11.1 Requirement
There shall be no remaining deformation of the lying area after verification lying area loading.
4.2.11.2 Verification method
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 2 — Testing the lying area deformation
For the test of permanent deformation, the stretcher shall be loaded with 320 kg according to Figure 2.
Unload the lying area and examine for permanent deformation and/or failures. There shall be no
remaining deformation or defects.
4.2.12 Resistance to torsion
4.2.12.1 Requirement
There shall be no remaining deformation of the lying area after verification torsion loading.
4.2.12.2 Verification method
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 3 — Testing resistance to torsion
To run the test on resistance against torsion the non-loaded stretcher shall be fixed at one end in the
middle of the fully extended handles, on the other side the longitudinal bars shall be laid on a test stand.
At this free end a lever shall be fitted out to the fully extended handles. The lever shall be loaded with
100 N according to Figure 3.
The longitudinal bar shall lift itself from the surface of the test stand by max. 50 mm, measured from the
upper edge of the test stand to the lower edge of the longitudinal bar. No remaining deformation shall
occur.
4.2.13 Splaying of the wheels
4.2.13.1 Requirement
The wheels shall not splay more than 2 mm in total during the verification loading, and there shall be no
permanent deformation after verification loading.
4.2.13.2 Verification method
To run the splaying test of the wheels, the stretcher/undercarriage shall be placed on a flat plane and
moved forward and backward 500 mm each. The stretcher is loaded evenly with 320 kg (e.g. with 6
sandbags).
4.3 Chair stretcher
4.3.1 Dimensions
The dimensions of the chair stretcher shall be as follows:
— Length: (1 900 ± 50) mm;
— Width: (550 ± 30) mm.
4.3.2 Mass
The mass shall be not more than 23 kg.
The mass should be as low as possible.
4.3.3 Loading capacity
The loading capacity shall be a minimum of 200 kg. The maximum loading capacity shall be stated on the
chair stretcher.
4.3.4 Frame
The frame of the chair stretcher shall be made of a sturdy, lightweight construction and it shall be possible
to lock in the chair-position. The chair stretcher shall have at least two rear wheels.
4.3.5 Lying-sitting part
The lying-sitting part shall be made of a strong material which is bacterial resistant, fungal resistant, stain
resistant, putrid resistant, easy to clean, washable and petrol-oil resistant.
4.3.6 Restraint system
The chair-stretcher shall be fitted with a harness and quick-release patient restraint(s) capable of
fulfilling the test requirements specified in EN 1789:2020+A1:2023. The stretcher shall be capable of
accepting a device for restraining children that fulfils the test requirements specified in
EN 1789:2020+A1:2023.
For testing, a 50th Percentile Male dummy shall be secured with the restraint system. The restraint
system should be securely tightened according to the instructions for use. The backrest shall be fixed in
a position of 15° measured from the horizontal. The lying surface shall be in a horizontal position.
4.3.7 Flammability
There shall be no progressive smouldering or flaming ignition when tested in accordance with
EN 597-1:2015.
4.3.8 Deformation of the frame
4.3.8.1 Requirement
The frame shall not have permanent deformation after verification frame loading.
4.3.8.2 Verification method
For the test of permanent deformation (bending), the stretcher shall be positioned with the fully extended
handles resting on supports (see Figure 1). The test shall be performed on a flat firm ground.
The stretcher shall be loaded evenly with 320 kg (e.g. with 8 sandbags) according to Figure 4. The
sandbags shall not rest on the longitudinal bars.
Unload the stretcher and examine for permanent deformation s and/or failures.
4.3.9 Fixation
The requirement of the fixation shall be in accordance with EN 1789:2020+A1:2023, 4.4.11.
4.3.10 Deformation of the lying-sitting area
4.3.10.1 Requirement
There shall be no remaining deformation of the lying area after verification lying area loading.
4.3.10.2 Verification method
For the test of permanent deformation, the stretcher shall be loaded with a sandbag of 320 kg according
to Figure 2.
Unload the lying area and examine for permanent deformation and/or failures. There shall be no
remaining deformation or defects.
4.3.11 Resistance to torsion
4.3.11.1 Requirement
There shall be no remaining deformation of the lying area after verification torsion loading.
4.3.11.2 Verification method
To run the test on resistance against torsion, the non-loaded stretcher shall be fixed at one end in t
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