Recommendations on Standards for the Design of Medical Diagnostic Equipment for Adults with Disabilities, Advisory Committee Final Report

5.4.4.1 Transfer Support Distance from Transfer Surface Recommendation for Stretchers

The Committee recommends locating the transfer support along the long side of the of the transfer surface on the opposite side of the transfer. The horizontal distance from transfer surface should be no more than 3 inches from the edge of the patient support surface.

Rationale for the recommendation

Currently transfer supports are part of the side rail system on stretchers. To allow the side rail system to fold and store properly, the rails must be at a little less than 3 inches beyond the mattress surface edge (transfer surface edge). The Committee proposes that this horizontal dimension be included for stretchers under the proposed rule.