As mobile life-support platforms, emergency vehicles require a variety of medical equipment to respond to emergencies. These devices must not only be quickly mobilized and operate smoothly, but also offer a high degree of safety. Within this system, medical equipment casters are crucial components for efficient equipment movement and positioning.
Ambulances typically carry the following types of equipment:
Stretchers and folding stretchers
IV poles
Ventilator carts
Multi-parameter monitors
Oxygen inhalation devices
Medical kits (with pulleys)
These devices vary in size and weight, placing varying demands on caster performance.
The following is a list of common equipment and caster selection requirements:
Medical Equipment Type | Recommended Caster Type | Size Range (mm) | Special Requirements |
Stretcher | Silent Caster with Brake | 125-150mm | Shock-absorbing, Anti-slip, and Wear-resistant |
Ventilator Cart | 360-degree Swivel Caster | 75-100mm | Flexible, Lightweight, and Stable Braking |
IV Stand | Heavy-Duty Medical Caster | 100-125mm | Stable, Corrosion-resistant, and Anti-tilt |
Monitor Cart | Medium-Duty Medical Caster | 100mm | Impact-resistant and Easy to Operate |
First Aid Kit | Small Nylon Caster | 50-75mm | Portable, Lightweight, and Stable |
Appropriate caster selection not only improves equipment mobility but also minimizes the risk of accidental slippage and damage.
In the fast-moving and frequently relocated environment of ambulances, caster performance standards are much higher than those in general medical settings.
The following table shows the specific requirements for caster functions in typical scenarios inside and outside ambulances:
Usage Environment | Key Functions | Recommended Configurations | Example of Corresponding Caster Models |
In-vehicle Transport | Precise Positioning, Quiet | TPR Caster with Brake | GC-M125 |
Out-vehicle Propulsion | High Grip, Vibration Resistance | Polyurethane Biaxial Caster | GC-PU100 |
Elevator Access | Lightweight, Flexible | 360° Swiveling Medical Caster | GC-MR75 |
Indoor Corridor Use | Anti-Slip, Flexible Turnaround | Stainless Steel Medium-Duty Caster | GC-SS100 |
Quiet and Vibration-Reducing: The complex environment inside an ambulance, especially in late-night environments, requires quiet operation. TPR (thermoplastic rubber) casters are an ideal choice, offering high flexibility and effective vibration damping.
High Load Capacity: Equipment such as stretchers and oxygen cylinders containing water can weigh over 150 kg, posing a significant challenge to the caster structure's ability to withstand stress. Quick braking and precise positioning: Many emergency equipment must be immediately secured when in use. Brake locking capability is a key criterion for evaluating the quality of medical casters.
Corrosion resistance: Frequent cleaning and disinfection are required for vehicle interiors, and stainless steel and antibacterial-treated materials are becoming increasingly popular.
Casters made of different materials have different functional responsibilities. Understanding the quality of caster materials significantly impacts the performance and lifespan of the equipment.
Material Type | Main Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Recommended Applications |
TPR | Thermoplastic Rubber Caster | Quiet, Shock-Resistant, Lightweight | Not High-Temperature-Resistant | Stretchers, IV Stands |
PU | Polyurethane Caster | Wear-Resistant, Strong Grip | Relatively High Cost | Trolleys |
Nylon | Engineering Plastic | Wear-Resistant, Low Cost | High Hardness, Noisy | Medicine Boxes, Trolleys |
Stainless Steel | Metal Alloy | Corrosion-Resistant, Strong, Long Lifespan | High Cost, Heavy Weight | Heavy Equipment Support Structures |
The average service life of casters of different materials (assuming 8 hours of daily use) is as follows:
Material | Average Service Life | Maintenance Required |
TPR | 2-4 years | Yes |
PU | 4-6 years | Yes |
Nylon | 3-5 years | No |
Stainless Steel | 8 years or more | No |
When selecting a material, consider the weight of the equipment, frequency of use, and budget.
Mistakes | Consequences | Suggested Solutions |
Focusing solely on price and ignoring performance | Equipment prone to malfunction and unstable operation | Choose brand-certified casters, such as Giessen Caster Supplier |
Material inappropriate for the operating environment | Rust and damage | Choose casters made of antibacterial or anti-corrosion materials |
Ignoring the braking system | Slippage leading to accidents | Configuring dual braking systems |
Ignoring the matching size of the caster and base | Installation difficulties | Requesting technical specifications or samples in advance for confirmation |
Giessen Caster Supplier has extensive experience in the development and export of medical casters. Our products comply with the EN12530 medical standard and offer customized caster solutions in materials such as TPR, PU, and stainless steel, suitable for a wide range of medical scenarios.
Contact us at: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
With the advancement of intelligent medical equipment, casters are also undergoing technological innovation in the following areas:
Automatic braking by sensing the device's position, weight, and speed reduces the risk of human error.
Connecting casters with device positioning modules enables real-time device tracking and remote dispatch, improving ambulance operation efficiency.
To address hospital infection control, an increasing number of caster manufacturers are using materials such as silver ion and nano-antimicrobial coatings to comprehensively enhance medical safety.
In high-intensity, high-efficiency applications like ambulances, choosing the right medical equipment casters is crucial to ensuring the emergency response process. By deeply understanding caster types, performance, materials, and application compatibility, and collaborating with professional caster suppliers like Giessen, we can significantly enhance the professionalism and responsiveness of our medical services.
For more information on medical casters, please contact us via the following channels:
Email: Giessencasters@gmail.com
Official Website: https://www.giessencasters.com
Various Applications of Industrial Casters in Automobile Manufacturing
Application Of Medical Equipment Casters In Emergency Vehicles
Classification And Application Fields Of Medium And Light Casters
Analysis Of The Anti-skid Design Of Medium And Light Casters
Application Of Industrial Casters In Warehousing And Logistics