Basket stretchers are an essential piece of equipment for many emergency services and rescue teams, particularly those who go to the aid of people in remote locations where rugged, uneven terrain is to be expected or where helicopter evacuation may be necessary.

In the UK, they are often used by the Coastguard during rescues around our coastline, as well as from vessels at sea.  

What is a basket stretcher?

As its name suggests, a basket stretcher is shaped like a basket rather than a flat board. It has rigid sides to both prevent the patient from falling out of the stretcher and to enable those performing the rescue to carry it from multiple locations. 

Helicopter rescue basket stretchers are also equipped with reinforced tether points that allow these kinds of stretchers to be lifted aboard a helicopter in the event that the casualty can’t be brought to safety any other way. 

In addition, basket stretchers are fitted with safety belts to secure a casualty in place and prevent them from moving during the rescue. 

How is a basket stretcher different from other stretchers?

The raised sides are one of the main differences between a basket stretcher and other forms of stretcher that might be used by the emergency services or other medical professionals. It also doesn’t have any kind of wheels, which would be impractical in situations like mountain rescues.

Basket stretchers usually have a modular design to make them highly portable too, even though once assembled they provide a very sturdy and strong support for someone who is injured. 

One of the biggest aspects that sets basket stretchers apart from every other option is that the patient can be lifted while strapped into it. This means they can be used not only for airlifting, but also to rescue someone trapped in a cave or mine.