Hydraulic Positioning System: Height, Trendelenburg, and Multi-Section Adjustment
The Nitrocare NTCR SD09 Emergency Stretcher (VM-NTCRSD09) is a hydraulically-actuated multi-position emergency stretcher designed for the full range of clinical positioning requirements encountered in emergency department, patient transport, and acute intervention settings. Two hydraulic lift units — each rated at 4,000–4,500N — provide smooth, controlled height adjustment from a minimum working height of 600mm to a maximum of 910mm, accommodating clinicians of varying stature and facilitating patient transfer between stretcher and bed. The same hydraulic system drives Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg positioning, both to a maximum angle of 18°. Trendelenburg positioning (head-down/feet-up) is used in clinical management of hypotension, shock, and venous access procedures; Reverse Trendelenburg (head-up/feet-down) supports respiratory compromise and certain post-procedural recovery positions. Backrest movement is assisted by a gas damper for controlled positioning without mechanical effort from the clinician. The calf section also adjusts with damper assistance, while the foot section is controlled by a ratchet mechanism. In emergency situations, the backrest can be brought fully flat in a single movement — a critical capability during resuscitation and airway management.
Radiolucent Compact Surface, Frame Construction, and Castor System
The NTCR SD09’s lying surface is manufactured entirely from compact radiolucent material, providing full-body X-ray capability from headboard to footboard without requiring patient transfer for imaging — an essential feature in emergency settings where movement of a critically ill or traumatically injured patient carries significant clinical risk. A specialised movable cassette trolley is available to support X-ray plate positioning. The stretcher frame is constructed from metal box profiles (wall thickness 1.2–2.00mm) and pipe (wall thickness 1.2–2.00mm), finished with electrostatic powder coating to a minimum paint thickness of 40µm for corrosion resistance and hygiene maintenance under hospital cleaning protocols. Lockable side rails — manufactured from stainless, metal, and aluminium — provide fall protection and patient security during transport and positioning. The four 200mm castors are sourced from European and Taiwanese manufacturers (TENTE and RHOMBUS, Germany; HAION, Taiwan) and incorporate a pedal-operated central locking mechanism accessible from both the head and foot ends of the stretcher, engaging or releasing all four wheels simultaneously.
Integrated Accessories, Clinical Equipment Mounts, and Deployment
The NTCR SD09 is equipped with an integrated stainless steel IV pole (outer diameter 25mm, inner diameter 19mm, wall thickness 1.2mm) with two hooks, supporting continuous infusion management during patient transport and treatment. A dedicated oxygen cylinder holder is built into the stretcher frame, eliminating the need for a separate oxygen trolley during transport or emergency response. A storage basket in the lower frame provides accessible space for clinical consumables and emergency equipment. Two folding push bars — which open and close for storage and transport — provide ergonomic control for portering staff in corridor and lift environments. Stretcher dimensions are 840mm wide × 2140mm long, accommodating adult patients while remaining compatible with standard hospital lift and corridor clearances. Available in South Africa from Vital Medical, the VM-NTCRSD09 is suited to hospital emergency departments, trauma units, high-care and ICU corridors, and any clinical environment requiring a hydraulic multi-position stretcher with full X-ray capability.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS TABLE
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Nitrocare |
| Model | NTCR SD09 |
| SKU | VM-NTCRSD09 |
| Type | Multi-position emergency stretcher — hydraulic |
| Stretcher Width | 840mm |
| Stretcher Length | 2140mm |
| Height Minimum | 600mm |
| Height Maximum | 910mm |
| Height Adjustment | Hydraulic lifts |
| Hydraulic Lift Capacity | 4,000–4,500N per unit (×2) |
| Trendelenburg | Hydraulic — max 18° |
| Reverse Trendelenburg | Hydraulic — max 18° |
| Backrest Movement | Gas damper-assisted |
| Calf Section Movement | Gas damper-assisted |
| Foot Section Movement | Ratchet mechanism |
| Emergency Flat Position | Yes — backrest folds flat |
| Lying Surface | Compact radiolucent material |
| X-Ray Capability | Full length — head to foot |
| Cassette Trolley | Movable — available |
| Side Rails | Lockable — stainless, metal and aluminium |
| Frame Wall Thickness | Box profile: 1.2–2.00mm; Pipe: 1.2–2.00mm |
| Powder Coating | Electrostatic — minimum 40µm |
| Castors | 4 × 200mm — TENTE / RHOMBUS (Germany), HAION (Taiwan) |
| Castor Locking | Pedal-operated central lock — head and foot end |
| IV Pole | Stainless steel — OD 25mm, ID 19mm, 1.2mm wall, 2 hooks |
| Oxygen Cylinder Holder | Integrated |
| Storage Basket | Lower section |
| Push Bars | 2 × folding/collapsible |

