Hydraulic Height Adjustment, Gas-Spring Backrest, and Trendelenburg Control
The VM-PSE9 (E9) hydraulic lift mechanism adjusts the stretcher platform from 600 mm to 920 mm (±10 mm) with minimal operator effort, enabling a single clinician to reposition the stretcher for ambulance offload at low height, ergonomic clinical assessment at mid-height, or resuscitation at working height without manual cranking. The gas-spring backrest provides smooth, progressive adjustment from fully supine at 0° to near-vertical at 85° (±5°), supporting supine positioning for resuscitation, semi-recumbent for respiratory compromise, and upright for conscious or post-procedure patients — all achievable one-handed. Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg tilt is controlled via foot pedals located on both sides of the stretcher, keeping the clinician’s hands free and allowing rapid platform repositioning during haemodynamic or airway emergencies.
X-Ray Translucent Top Board for In-Situ Imaging
The E9’s top board and backrest are manufactured from X-ray translucent material, allowing plain-film and fluoroscopic imaging to be performed with the patient remaining on the stretcher throughout. In trauma and emergency scenarios, eliminating the need to transfer an unstable or immobilised patient to a separate radiology table reduces both the clinical risk to the patient and the time to diagnosis. This capability makes the VM-PSE9 (E9) particularly well suited to trauma bays and emergency departments where rapid imaging directly follows initial assessment, without requiring a dedicated radiology trolley.
Frame Construction, Safe Working Load, and Availability in South Africa
The main frame of the E9 is constructed from galvanised steel tube finished with an epoxy electrostatic spray coating, providing superior corrosion resistance, a durable wipe-clean surface compatible with standard hospital disinfection protocols, and the structural rigidity required to maintain stability across the full height and positional adjustment range. The safe working load of 2500 N (approximately 255 kg) accommodates the broad adult patient population in South African emergency and trauma settings. The VM-PSE9 (E9) is rated for operation between 5°C and 40°C, covering the temperature range encountered across South African clinical environments. Available in South Africa from Vital Medical, the VM-PSE9 (E9) is suited to emergency departments, trauma bays, operating theatre recovery rooms, procedure suites, and within-facility transport.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | E9 |
| Vital Medical Code | VM-PSE9 |
| Stretcher Type | Hydraulic trauma / transport stretcher |
| Frame Material | Galvanised steel tube, epoxy electrostatic spray coating |
| Top Board | X-ray translucent material |
| Height Adjustment | Hydraulic |
| Height Range | 600–920 mm (±10 mm) |
| Backrest Adjustment | 0–85° (±5°) |
| Backrest Control | Gas spring |
| Trendelenburg / Reverse Trendelenburg | Foot pedal controlled, both sides |
| Safe Working Load | 2500 N (approx. 255 kg) |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C–40°C |
| Suitable Environments | Emergency, trauma, theatre recovery, procedure, transport |

