Medical Equipment Blog


Questions About Emergency Rescue Chairs

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

What are the most important features to consider in choosing a particular make or style of rescue chairs?
Ease of storage, security for the person being transported and the ease of use for the person maneuvering the rescue chair are all essential considerations when selecting a model for your medical facility, office or private or public building or space. Since these chairs may be left in storage without use for long periods of time an aluminum frame that is rust proof and easy to maintain as well as nylon and vinyl reinforced seat and backrest that resists mildew and moisture damage.

Why are rescue chairs a better option than wheelchairs or stretchers for moving patients or people in an emergency situation?

Rescue chairs are much easier to maneuver is small or confined spaces such as hallways, bathrooms, elevators or in stairways. In emergency situations it may be impossible to take elevators, leaving stairways the only option to move patients or individuals to ground floor exits.

These chairs are also designed to be controlled from either the front or the back. This allows staff, first responders or even volunteers in a crisis to maneuver and control the rescue chair in a way that is most comfortable and expedient. The chairs can easily be positioned in open and secure areas in larger numbers than wheelchairs or stretchers due to their larger overall size. In addition the chairs come with built in vehicle storage system that allows the chairs to be secured for transport using a floor fastener or a wall strap. They are much lighter weight to carry to the patient and add less weight to moving the patient compared to a bulky wheelchair or a hospital bed or stretcher

What are the specifications of rescue chairs and can they be used for all adults and children?

There are slight variations in styles of rescue chairs based on the features that are provided. Obviously chairs with the full foot rest and the armrests will be slightly larger and also weigh slightly more than those without these features. However, most rescue chairs are relatively similar in specifications. Typically wheels will be either 5 inches or 7.5 inches, often on premium or deluxe models of chairs the larger wheels will be on the back legs and the smaller on the front.

Height of the back of the rescue chair will be just under 40 inches for larger chairs and closer to 35 for the slightly smaller options. Width of the seat and the frame of the back of the chair typically is fairly standard at just over 21 inches. The depth when closed is typically under twelve inches, making these easy to store in closets or supply cupboards in a variety of different settings. Weight of the chairs ranges from approximately 31 pounds to around 25 pounds.

Most chairs are rated for a weight capacity of 350 plus pounds, making them ideal for most adults. Depending on the size of the child these rescue chairs can be a good option but they will not be acceptable for toddlers or young children that cannot be secured with the safety harness.

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