If you’ve ever seen paramedics carrying a patient who was sitting up, then you’ve probably seen them using a stair chair. Stair chairs are pieces of EMS equipment that allow first responders and paramedics to carry patients up and down stairwells and other tight spaces when using a stretcher is not the best option.

You might be thinking of a mechanical stair lift, which allows a person to ride up and down stairs without assistance. While it sounds similar, an EMS stair chair is a different thing. A stair chair allows the patient to be strapped in while being carried in the chair.

Stair chairs are useful for different situations that first responders might encounter. If a patient is in a small space where a medical stretcher won’t fit, the stair chair is a good option. When a patient feels more comfortable sitting up and is less likely to experience nausea or dizziness, a stair chair is also an option for that patient. Paramedics make decisions on a case-by-case basis when a stair chair should be used as opposed to a medical stretcher.

While stair chairs do have wheels so that the patient can be pushed as well as carried, there are some safety rules that should be observed when using a stair chair.

1. Three people are needed to operate a stair chair safely. One person carries the chair from the back while facing the patient. The second person carries the chair near the patient’s feet while also facing the patient. Since both carriers are facing the patient, the third person acts as a spotter and always moves behind the person who is carrying the chair backwards. The spotter keeps his or her hand on the back of the carrier and keeps the carrier advised of when to turn or step onto a landing.
2. Stair chairs should only be wheeled over safe, smooth surfaces to keep from jostling the patient.
3. Patients who are conscious and able to breathe on their own are good candidates for stair chairs. Using a stair chair for patients who are not conscious or who have neck or back injuries is not advisable.

It is possible to purchase a refurbished stair chair that is still in great condition but will save you money. Coast Biomedical Equipment offers new and refurbished stair chairs along with other EMS equipment and supplies for first responders. Contact us today to learn more or to obtain a quote.