Key Findings
- The North America Stretchers Market is witnessing consistent growth due to rising hospital admissions, increasing accident cases, and the expanding elderly population requiring emergency and long-term care.
- Demand in North America is driven by the rising number of surgeries, advancements in stretcher technology, and improvements in healthcare infrastructure across both public and private facilities.
- Automated and electric stretchers are gaining traction in North America as hospitals and emergency service providers aim to enhance patient handling efficiency and reduce manual strain on staff.
- The expansion of ambulance services in North America is fueling demand for emergency stretchers with advanced features like hydraulic lifts, lightweight frames, and portability.
- Increasing investments in healthcare modernization projects in North America are supporting the adoption of technologically advanced and specialized stretchers in hospitals and clinics.
- Rising preference for home healthcare services in North America is creating demand for portable and foldable stretchers suitable for non-hospital settings.
- Companies in North America are focusing on ergonomic designs, patient comfort, and safety features to meet the growing expectations of patients and healthcare professionals.
- Government regulations and safety standards in North America are driving manufacturers to produce stretchers that comply with quality, durability, and patient safety requirements.
North America Stretchers Market Size and Forecast
The North America Stretchers Market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 4.7 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period. Growth is driven by the rising number of emergency cases, ongoing healthcare facility upgrades, and increasing demand for specialized stretchers in critical care and surgical applications.
Introduction
Stretchers are essential medical devices designed for patient transportation and positioning within hospitals, ambulances, and other healthcare facilities. In North America, their demand is rising due to the surge in road accidents, trauma cases, chronic illnesses, and surgical procedures. Stretchers improve patient mobility while ensuring safety and comfort, making them indispensable in both emergency and non-emergency care. Innovations in stretcher design are further enhancing their usability and expanding their adoption across multiple care settings.
Future Outlook
By 2031, the stretchers market in North America is expected to witness strong growth due to the increasing adoption of electric and automated stretchers that reduce manual effort and enhance patient care. The trend toward advanced materials such as lightweight alloys and composites will improve maneuverability and durability. Rising healthcare investments and the expansion of emergency services will further support market expansion. With the growing emphasis on patient safety, stretchers equipped with monitoring devices and smart features are likely to become mainstream.
North America Stretchers Market Trends
- Adoption of Automated and Electric Stretchers
In North America, hospitals and emergency providers are increasingly adopting automated and electric stretchers to improve efficiency and reduce staff fatigue. These stretchers provide features such as motorized height adjustment and hydraulic lifting that make patient handling safer and more convenient. Their adoption is accelerating in advanced healthcare facilities as patient volumes rise. This trend highlights a shift toward technology-driven solutions in patient transportation across North America. - Rising Demand from Emergency Services
The growing incidence of road accidents, natural disasters, and medical emergencies in North America is fueling demand for emergency stretchers. Ambulance services are equipping themselves with lightweight, foldable, and durable stretchers for quick patient transfers. Increased government focus on emergency preparedness is further boosting investments in this segment. Stretchers with shock absorption and enhanced mobility are becoming critical in saving time and improving patient survival outcomes. - Integration of Smart Features in Stretchers
Manufacturers in North America are introducing stretchers with integrated monitoring systems, sensors, and tracking devices. These features enable real-time monitoring of patient vitals during transport, enhancing patient safety. Hospitals are adopting these smart stretchers to improve clinical workflows and reduce the risk of complications. This trend is expected to gain momentum as healthcare systems move toward digitalization and connected care solutions. - Focus on Lightweight and Ergonomic Designs
Growing demand in North America for stretchers that are easy to handle and transport is driving innovation in ergonomic and lightweight designs. Use of advanced materials such as aluminum and composite alloys reduces stretcher weight without compromising durability. These designs not only ease the burden on healthcare workers but also improve patient comfort. The trend is contributing to widespread adoption across hospitals, ambulances, and home healthcare. - Expansion in Home Healthcare Segment
With the rising adoption of home healthcare in North America, there is growing demand for portable and foldable stretchers. These stretchers are designed to be space-efficient, lightweight, and easy to maneuver in residential settings. Patients with mobility issues, chronic illnesses, or those requiring post-surgical care benefit significantly from such products. This expansion is creating new opportunities for manufacturers to tap into non-hospital markets in North America.
Market Growth Drivers
- Increasing Hospital Admissions
The growing patient population in North America, driven by rising disease prevalence and surgical procedures, is significantly increasing the demand for stretchers. Hospitals are expanding their capacity and investing in advanced equipment to handle the surge in admissions. Stretchers play a vital role in transporting patients across various departments, making them indispensable for efficient hospital operations. This factor continues to be a strong driver of market growth. - Rising Incidence of Accidents and Trauma Cases
The high number of road accidents, falls, and trauma incidents in North America is boosting the demand for emergency stretchers. Emergency medical services rely heavily on stretchers for quick and safe patient transfers. Governments are strengthening ambulance networks, which is creating consistent demand for durable and advanced stretchers. This trend is expected to sustain as urbanization and traffic density continue to rise in North America. - Technological Advancements in Stretcher Design
Innovations such as motorized adjustments, height control, and advanced materials are transforming the stretcher market in North America. Hospitals are increasingly adopting these advanced products to improve patient care and staff efficiency. The availability of specialized stretchers for critical care, surgical use, and bariatric patients is further driving adoption. These advancements highlight the role of technology as a core growth driver in North America. - Aging Population Requiring Long-Term Care
The aging demographic in North America is contributing to the rising demand for stretchers, particularly for long-term care and chronic disease management. Elderly patients often require frequent transportation within hospitals and healthcare facilities. Specialized stretchers that prioritize comfort and safety are becoming essential in geriatric care. This demographic shift is expected to sustain market growth well into the forecast period. - Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure
Governments and private players in North America are investing heavily in expanding and modernizing healthcare infrastructure. This includes upgrading hospital facilities with advanced medical equipment such as automated stretchers. Improved infrastructure creates a strong foundation for adopting new technologies in patient transportation. This expansion is ensuring steady growth of the stretchers market across the region.
Challenges in the Market
- High Cost of Advanced Stretchers
Advanced automated and electric stretchers are often expensive, limiting their adoption in smaller hospitals and low-income regions of North America. High initial costs and ongoing maintenance requirements create financial barriers. Budget constraints among healthcare providers further hinder widespread deployment. This challenge slows market penetration for premium stretcher solutions. - Limited Awareness in Rural Areas
In rural regions of North America, awareness and availability of modern stretchers remain low. Many facilities continue to use basic or outdated equipment, affecting patient care and safety. Lack of proper distribution networks also hinders the availability of advanced products in these regions. Addressing this gap will be essential to achieving balanced market growth. - Maintenance and Durability Issues
Stretchers are subjected to frequent use in hospitals and ambulances, leading to wear and tear. In North America, limited availability of spare parts and servicing facilities creates challenges in maintaining product durability. Poor maintenance can compromise patient safety and increase operational costs. This issue underscores the need for robust aftersales support systems. - Shortage of Skilled Healthcare Workers
The shortage of trained healthcare staff in North America affects the proper use of advanced stretcher equipment. Many stretchers require technical knowledge for safe operation, particularly automated and smart models. Lack of training can result in misuse or underutilization of available equipment. This limits the benefits of technological advancements in the market. - Regulatory and Compliance Challenges
Manufacturers in North America must comply with strict safety and quality standards for stretchers. Navigating complex regulatory frameworks can delay product launches and increase costs. Variations in compliance requirements across regions add further complexity. These challenges can slow innovation and adoption in the stretcher market.
North America Stretchers Market Segmentation
By Product Type
- Manual Stretchers
- Automated Stretchers
- Electric Stretchers
- Specialty Stretchers
By Application
- Emergency and Trauma Care
- Inpatient Care
- Surgery and Critical Care
- Home Healthcare
By End-User
- Hospitals
- Ambulance Services
- Clinics
- Homecare Settings
Leading Key Players
- Hill-Rom Holdings, Inc.
- Stryker Corporation
- Ferno-Washington, Inc.
- Arjo AB
- GF Health Products, Inc.
- Spencer Italia S.r.l.
- MeBer S.r.l.
- Anetic Aid Ltd.
- Zhangjiagang New Fellow Med Co., Ltd.
- Medline Industries, LP
Recent Developments
- Stryker Corporation launched a new electric ambulance stretcher in North America.
- Hill-Rom Holdings expanded its smart stretcher product line in North America.
- Ferno-Washington partnered with emergency service providers in North America.
- Arjo AB introduced ergonomic stretchers for geriatric care in North America.
- GF Health Products launched lightweight manual stretchers in North America.
This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions
- What is the projected size and CAGR of the North America Stretchers Market by 2031?
- Which product types are experiencing the highest adoption in North America?
- How is the rise in accidents influencing stretcher demand in North America?
- What are the major challenges impacting stretcher adoption in North America?
- Who are the key players shaping the competitive landscape in North America?
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