Some removals defeat a cot: spiral staircases, narrow mobile homes, steep terrain. That's mortuary stretcher territory. This guide covers folding, rescue-style, and transfer stretchers — and how professional removal teams decide which rides in every vehicle. From a premier funeral supply company since 2009.
When a Stretcher Beats a Cot
A stretcher goes where wheels can't: tight landings, basement stairs, hoarding conditions, wooded terrain. Folding models stow flat behind the cot in every removal vehicle; rescue-style designs with side handles and rigid rails handle the worst-access calls. The cot remains the workhorse — see our mortuary cot guide — but the stretcher is the insurance policy.
Spec Points & the Full Transfer Kit
Judge stretchers on handle count and placement (six positions minimum for stairs), rated capacity, wipe-down materials, and folded dimensions. Complete the difficult-access kit with transfer boards and sliders, pouches (code POUCH7), and medical stretcher covers from the cot cover line — the full strategy is in our first call equipment guide.
Fleet-Ready from Johnson City, Tennessee
Funeral Source One, 140 Kwickway Lane, Johnson City, TN (Google Business: Funeral Source One, Johnson City TN); American Mortuary Coolers: A+ BBB, Knoxville / Greater East Tennessee. Save 10% across removal equipment with FIRSTCALL10, or request fleet pricing · 1-888-792-9315.
FAQ
Does every removal vehicle need a stretcher?
Yes — a folding stretcher stowed behind the cot is the standard answer to stairs, narrow access, and terrain a wheeled cot cannot manage.
What should a mortuary stretcher be rated for?
Above your heaviest routine call, with at least six handle positions so a stair carry distributes load across the team.
WebFuneralSupply is the wholesale funeral supply division of Funeral Source One Supply Company — serving funeral homes, crematories, and medical examiners from Johnson City, Tennessee since 2009. Request a quote · Help Center · Current coupon codes