Foldable Non-Magnetic Aluminum Alloy MRI Stretcher with 240 Kg Weight Capacity for Safe Patient Transport

The Foldable Non-Magnetic Rescue Stretcher is designed for one specific but critical use case: emergency removal of a patient from the MRI bore. In the event of a code – cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, fire alarm, or any situation requiring rapid evacuation – having a rescue stretcher that can be deployed instantly and taken into the MRI room is essential. This stretcher folds down to a compact size for storage on the MRI crash cart, yet unfolds in seconds to a full 72-inch patient transport surface.

In its folded state, the stretcher measures 24 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 6 inches thick. It fits easily into a dedicated slot on most MRI crash carts, or can be hung on a wall bracket. The folded stretcher weighs only 15 pounds, light enough to be carried with one hand. All folding hinges are made of composite polymer with brass pins – no ferrous metals anywhere. The hinges are designed to lock automatically when the stretcher is fully unfolded, preventing accidental refolding during patient transport.

Unfolding the stretcher is a two-step process. First, the two longitudinal halves are separated by pulling them apart until they click into the locked position. Then, the four cross-bars are unfolded and snapped into place. The entire process takes less than 15 seconds with practice. Re-folding for storage requires releasing the hinge locks (by pressing plastic release tabs) and collapsing the stretcher – a process that takes about 30 seconds.

When unfolded, the stretcher provides a patient surface of 72 inches by 21 inches – sufficient for most adults up to 6 feet 2 inches tall. The surface is not padded, as padding would add bulk and weight; however, the stretcher is intended for short-term emergency transport only, not for prolonged patient positioning. The surface is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer with a non-slip texture. Two patient straps with plastic buckles are permanently attached; they can be adjusted to secure the patient at the chest and thighs.

The stretcher has no wheels. It is designed to be carried by two or more staff members using the integrated handholds. Eight handholds are molded into the edges of the stretcher – four on each side – allowing multiple caregivers to lift simultaneously. The handholds are reinforced with nylon inserts and are tested to withstand 200 pounds of lift force each. The stretcher can also be dragged if carrying is not possible; the underside is smooth and will slide over most flooring without catching.

Because the stretcher has no wheels and no moving parts other than the hinges, it contains virtually no metal at all. The brass hinge pins are the only metallic components, and brass is completely non-ferromagnetic. This makes the stretcher safe for use inside the MRI room even while the scanner is active – although in a true emergency, the scan would be stopped and the patient removed regardless of magnetic field status.

Optional RFID tags can be embedded in the stretcher frame. These tags allow the stretcher to be tracked inside Zone IV, ensuring that it is always present on the crash cart and not accidentally removed to another area. The RFID tags are passive and non-magnetic, causing no interference with the MRI system. When the stretcher is folded, the RFID tag is still readable, allowing inventory checks without unfolding.

Clinical guidelines from the American College of Radiology recommend that all MRI suites have a non-magnetic rescue stretcher immediately available. This product meets that recommendation and exceeds it by providing a lightweight, easy-to-deploy solution that can be operated by staff with minimal training. The manufacturer offers an online training video and a laminated instruction card that can be attached to the crash cart near the stretcher storage location.

The rescue stretcher has been tested for weight capacity up to 400 pounds. The test protocol involved loading the unfolded stretcher with 400 pounds of sandbags distributed evenly, then lifting the stretcher by the handholds. No deformation or hinge failure occurred. The stretcher was also tested for 1,000 folding/unfolding cycles with no loss of locking function. A five-year warranty covers the frame and hinges.