Performance Comparison Experiment of a Newly Developed Adjustable Descent Stretcher for Emergency Staircases and Other Transport Methods

Introduction: The development of a stretcher for transporting individuals with mobility difficulties or bedridden patients down stairs during elevator stoppages caused by earthquakes or fires is an urgent task. This time, performance tests of the prototype were conducted, and the results of these tests will be reported. To clarify the effectiveness of the developed stretcher by comparing it with other transport methods. Methods: Comparative transport experiments were conducted using the prototype stretcher, a tarpaulin stretcher, and an air stretcher. Results: Transport experiments were conducted over a distance of 92.6 meters from the hallway on the 5th floor of a building to the lobby on the 1st floor. To transport one person, the prototype required one transporter, the tarpaulin stretcher required three transporters, and the air stretcher required two transporters. The transport time was shortest with the tarpaulin stretcher, followed by the air stretcher and the prototype. In addition, only the prototype was able to provide side space for others to evacuate the staircase during the descent experiment. Furthermore, the prototype machine showed the least change in the heart rate of the person being transported. Conclusion: The experiment results showed that the prototype could be operated by a single transporter, whereas other methods required multiple transporters. Although the speed was slower than other methods due to the difference in the number of transporters, it was faster than the average walking speed of elderly individuals. Moreover, the prototype ensured space for evacuees to pass during the descent. Additionally, the prototype imposed the least burden on the transported person.