5 Reasons for Traversa Transport Wheelchair v. Gurney

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The Traversa only requires one operator instead of two, like with a stretcher or gurney.
The Traversa is made for comfortable, everyday transportation rather than emergencies.
Choose the Traversa for superior comfort compared to a stretcher or gurney.
Save money by investing in the Traversa rather than a stretcher or gurney.
The Traversa saves your NEMT business time and money.

Providing an exceptional passenger experience is a top priority for non-emergency medical transportation providers. Transport wheelchairs offer numerous advantages over stretchers and gurneys for passenger safety and comfort.

Disadvantages of Using a Stretcher for NEMT

While stretchers are essential for emergency situations requiring immobilization, they pose several disadvantages for routine non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT).

Stretchers necessitate two operators, increasing labor costs compared to transport equipment designed for a single operator. Their flat design forces passengers to lie on their backs for extended periods, leading to discomfort, potential motion sickness, and a loss of dignity.
Stretchers lack ergonomic seating features like cushioning, adjustable positioning, and proper headrests/footrests, exacerbating discomfort, especially for those with conditions like arthritis or osteoporosis.
The rigid design makes entry/exit more challenging and time-consuming versus wheelchairs built for easy transfers.
They are costly investments with frequent maintenance needs like replacing expensive wheeled components.

A WC19 certified transport wheelchair, like the Traversa, provides your passengers with optimal comfort, dignity, and peace of mind. Read on to learn more about why choosing the Traversa over a stretcher makes all the difference in providing high-quality service. In fact, most operators find that up to 90% of stretcher trips can be accomplished with the Traversa Transport Wheelchair.

5 Benefits of the Traversa Transport Wheelchair NEMT Businesses

Illustration Detailing 5 Reasons to Use Traversa Transport Wheelchair Over Leading Competitor

1. The Traversa Only Requires One Operator Instead of Two

Unlike a stretcher or gurney, which requires two people to operate, the Traversa is easily managed by one NEMT driver. This saves your business money on labor costs – or frees up your workforce to take on more trips!

2. Stretchers & Gurneys are Made for Emergencies. The Traversa is Made for Everyday Transportation

A WC19 certified transport wheelchair, like the Traversa, is a game-changer for people with limited mobility who need to travel safely and comfortably. Unlike a stretcher or gurney, a WC19 certified transport wheelchair is designed specifically for routine transportation for people with disabilities and mobility impairments.

Stretchers are made to immobilize the passenger. The Traversa is built for ultimate comfort and freedom. With the Traversa, your passengers can avoid traveling flat on their back. An upright position increases comfort and dignity while decreasing the risk of motion sickness. For passengers who cannot tolerate a fully upright position, the Traversa has adjustable seat tilt and back recline features that can facilitate the passenger’s preferred posture.

3. The Traversa is More Comfortable than a Stretcher

Anyone who has spent time strapped to a stretcher or gurney knows how uncomfortable it can be. When a passenger is lying flat on their back, they are at risk for an uncomfortable and potentially traumatic trip.

Stretchers and gurneys are not designed for long-term seating, so passengers lack cushioning and support. The bumps and vibrations a passenger experiences while strapped to a gurney in transit can be especially aggravating for people with arthritis, osteoporosis, and other conditions. An upright seating position offers a safer and more pleasant trip than is possible with a gurney.

The Traversa is equipped with Broda’s famous Comfort Tension Seating® system, which provides superior comfort by conforming to the passenger’s body. The ergonomic design and special occupant seat belt keep the passenger safely seated with the correct posture. This wheelchair also has adjustable tilt and footrests that can be adjusted to various heights, so the patient’s feet remain at a comfortable level.

Zoomed In Showing Man Holding Stretcher Handle — A sturdy stretcher can be costly and its individual parts are often expensive to replace. Despite their high price point, stretchers do not offer passengers the same comfort and versatility of the more affordable Traversa Transport Chair.

4. The Traversa is More Affordable than a Stretcher

Stretchers are expensive and pose a significant cost barrier to new NEMT operators. Stretchers and gurneys also require frequent maintenance and replacement parts, which can also be costly, even for established NEMT companies. Stretcher wheels must be replaced frequently. One wheel alone may cost $250-$300 USD. These expenses add up over time, eating into profits. Because of startup costs and additional hassles, many NEMT operators seek out more affordable stretcher alternatives or choose not to use stretchers at all. NEMT businesses that can’t service these higher-needs patients lose out on an incalculable amount of potential revenue each year.

The significant costs associated with stretchers make many NEMT businesses look for more economical stretcher alternatives that still allow them to transport passengers safely and comfortably.

On the other hand, the Traversa Transport Wheelchair costs a fraction of the amount for a brand-new stretcher. Additionally, the Traversa does not require frequent maintenance like a stretcher, and replacement parts are significantly cheaper. Combined with labor savings, NEMT operators who use the Traversa Transport Wheelchairs enjoy much healthier profit margins and can service more trip types without extra equipment.

5. A Transport Wheelchair Saves Time

The Traversa makes it quick and easy to help your passengers in and out of your vehicles, reducing the overall time for the trip. This wheelchair is designed to fit through doorways and other tight spaces, so there’s no need for detours or extra equipment. Thanks to the occupant seat belt and easy-to-use vehicle tie-down points, drivers can quickly and easily secure passengers for transit. These time savings add up to more availability for even more trip availability.

Save Time & Money with the Traversa

All in all, the Traversa offers a host of advantages to NEMT operators over stretchers. From improved safety and comfort for passengers to cost savings and less time spent on each trip, the Traversa is an ideal choice for those looking to get the most out of their business. So, if you’re looking for a dependable and reliable alternative to uncomfortable and costly stretchers, the Traversa is a fantastic way to build your revenue.