Hospital Stretchers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Adjustable Height, Bariatric), By Technology Type (Motorized, Non-motorized), By Application- Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Regional Outlook and Forecasts, 2024-2033

The global hospital stretchers market size was estimated at USD 2,320.00 million in 2023, is expected to surpass around USD 4,115.74 million by 2033, and is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2033.

Key Takeaways:

• The bariatric segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 37.6%.
• The emergency/trauma segment held the largest revenue share of 32.9% of the global market in 2023.
• The motorized segment held the largest revenue share of more than 66.0% in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
• North America held the largest revenue share of 42.0% of the global market in 2023.

Hospital Stretchers Market Report Scope

The increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, growing geriatric population, rising hospitalization, and technological advancements are major driving factors for the growth of this market. Moreover, a rise in surgical and medical procedures performed is also projected to drive product demand over the forecast period. The increasing incidence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, respiratory disease, and other autoimmune diseases, across the globe is a key factor driving market growth.

Factors such as the adoption of unhealthy & sedentary lifestyles, rising cases of obesity, and increased alcohol consumption and smoking contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. For instance, according to the WHO, every year, approximately 17.9 million people die owing to CVDs. Also, as per the CDC, every year, 805,000 Americans have a heart attack, and about 655,000 Americans die from heart disease.

Furthermore, the rising prevalence of cancer is further driving the demand for hospital stretchers. For instance, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates (published in GLOBOCAN 2023), the cancer burden has increased to 19.3 million cases and 10 million cancer deaths in 2023. Thus, an upsurge in chronic diseases is considered to be a significant factor driving market growth.

The high geriatric population, which has a lower immune level and is more susceptible to chronic illnesses, will drive the market in the U.S. According to the WHO, by 2050, the global population aged 60 years and older is estimated to total 2 billion. Moreover, 80% of the elderly populace will live in low - middle-income nations by 2050. In addition, in 2023, globally, around 727 million people were aged over 65, and the World Bank has estimated that this number will double by 2050.

As per the CDC, it has been observed that people aged 65 years and older are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic conditions. Patients suffering from such diseases necessitate emergency as well as non-emergency hospital services. Hence, the increasing geriatric population is anticipated to be one of the major drivers for market growth.

Furthermore, a rise in the number of cases of road accidents and fatalities might necessitate emergency medical assistance and medical services. Annually, nearly 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents, as per the WHO (2021). This is more common among those under the age of 29, and it is prevalent in low- and middle-income nations. 93% of the world’s road fatalities occur in low- & middle-income countries, which have about 60% of global vehicles. Moreover, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), around 1.35 million people die in road crashes each year, and 20–50 million get injured or disabled.

Road accident victims necessitate instant medical attention and ambulance services to transport casualties to hospitals. Also, these injured or traumatized patients are often handled in a stretcher that includes accessories such as head or spine immobilizer, lifting bridles, a toe clamp, a wrist rest, a lifting harness, a shoulder harness, a footboard, and even floatation accessories. Thus, the increasing incidence of road accidents is anticipated to drive the growth of the market over the estimated study period.

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to promote market growth both directly and indirectly. All elective surgeries were postponed because of the pandemic, with care for COVID-19 patients being prioritized. As the number of COVID-19 patients is increasing rapidly, it is necessitating the rapid transport of patients to hospitals. According to Worldometers.info estimates, as of August 4, 2021, there were 200,304,173 coronavirus cases across the globe. Thus, a constant rise in COVID-19 cases will boost product demand.

Moreover, stretchers provide a dependable yet cost-effective alternative in several countries where patient bedding is in low supply owing to the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stretchers might prove to be a temporary replacement for hospital beds by adding attachments like operating table extensions, ventilators and other device support extensions, patient harnesses, remote patient monitoring accessories, and others. This factor is expected to support market growth.

Product Type Insights

On the basis of product type, the market has been segmented into fixed height, bariatric, adjustable height, and radiographic. In 2023, the bariatric segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 37.6%. Bariatric stretchers include larger frames, outsized wheels, winch attachments, and pull & push handles for safe transport. Stretchers of this sort are typically used to carry obese patients. Obesity is a major health concern that leads to numerous related chronic diseases or complications, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Thus, the increasing prevalence of obesity leading to hospitalization is increasing the demand for bariatric stretchers. For instance, according to the WHO, in 2016, around 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which, about 650 million people were obese. Bariatric stretchers can withstand weights up to 700 pounds. Moreover, the use of powered hi/low stretchers might be advantageous to enable patient transfer and positioning. Thus, the rising obese population creates a highly favorable environment for segment growth.

The market for adjustable stretchers is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years owing to the increasing demand for innovative and automated hospital stretchers by multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals. Adjustable stretchers are motorized and technologically advanced. Moreover, these stretchers provide ease of operation to healthcare providers. They are featured with a crank mechanism and robust and adjustable backrest. Fixed-height stretchers are usually less complicated and lighter as compared to adjustable-height stretchers. However, adjustable stretchers can match the elevation of other surface levels, providing easier and safer patient transfers.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the market has been segmented into daycare/inpatient, surgery, emergency/trauma, and ambulatory/transport. The emergency/trauma segment held the largest revenue share of 32.9% of the global market in 2023. The segment growth is credited to the rising number of road traffic crashes or emergency trauma cases. For instance, according to Eurostat, in 2019, the rate of people killed in road accidents in the EU was estimated at 51.2 per million inhabitants. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute, in 2019, around 33,244 fatal motor vehicle crashes occurred in the U.S., of which 36,096 died.

Moreover, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, a total of 5,333 workers in the U.S. died from a work-associated injury. Work-related injuries are prevalent in emergency services. As the number of patients increases, the demand for hospital stretchers for emergency cases is expected to grow at a rapid pace. In addition, patient transfer processes through emergency/trauma stretchers are smooth even in the presence of a crowd. Moreover, most of these stretchers are highly affordable and might not require skilled caregivers to handle patients. Such factors are further propelling market growth.

The ambulatory/transport segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Ambulatory stretchers are gaining popularity across the globe and are primarily used at emergency service centers. Cost-effective services, easy-to-use ambulance stretchers, a high level of comfort and safety, and patient-centered care are likely to boost segment growth. New hybrid devices are also being used that combine the functionality of a stretcher, reclined chair, and treatment table into one piece of equipment. For instance, hybrid systems, such as Power-PRO XT Cot with Performance-LOAD Fastener System, manufactured by Stryker, facilitate enhanced features and mobility.

Furthermore, the market is experiencing a novel trend of renting out stretchers for a short duration that helps hospitals to easily operate and receive funding throughout the year. In addition, key players are introducing novel products with innovative compact designs of ambulance stretchers and an effective workflow for patient safety in emerging nations to acquire more market share. Newly manufactured ambulance and transport stretchers exhibit enhanced adherence to the traditional manufacturing guidelines.

Technology Type Insights

On the basis of technology type, the market has been segmented into motorized and non-motorized. Motorized segment held the largest revenue share of more than 66.0% in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The segment’s growth is owing to the growing investment by key players to launch cutting-edge and innovative products. New technology assessment in hydraulic and pneumatic-based stretchers is boosting the demand in developed regions.

Electric-powered and hydraulic stretchers are gaining more traction amongst hospitals and emergency service providers. For instance, the Prime Series stretchers by Stryker features innovative mobility alternatives, such as zoom motorized drive or big wheel systems, electric-powered base & lift, and chaperone stretcher alarm system with incorporated scale. In addition, motorized stretchers are easy to carry within remote locations as compared to non-motorized stretchers.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest revenue share of 42.0% of the global market in 2023. A rise in the geriatric population is a key factor responsible for market growth in this region. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, population projections, the number of Americans aged 65 years and above is estimated to reach nearly 95 million by 2060 from 52 million in 2018. Moreover, the total share of the age group of 65 years and above is estimated to rise from 16% to 23%.

Furthermore, increasing healthcare expenditure and rising adoption of advanced healthcare facilities are factors driving the market. For instance, according to the statistics published in CMS.gov, the U.S. healthcare expenditure raised by 4.6% in 2019, reaching USD 3.8 trillion per person that accounted for a 17.7% share of the nation’s GDP. In addition, advantageous reimbursement policies in the U.S. and Canada for emergency and non-emergency medical services are likely to contribute to the market growth. For instance, Part B of Medicare covers 80% of the Medicare-sanctioned amount for medically essential emergency ambulance services and, in limited cases, non-emergency ambulance services.

The Asia Pacific regional market is primarily driven by China, India Japan, South Korea, and Australia. An increasing number of hospitals and escalating hospital admission for emergency care are key factors fueling the market growth in this region. Moreover, increasing cases of road traffic accidents resulting in a rising patient population is another key driver for market growth. For instance, according to the World Bank Report, India accounts for 11% of the global deaths in road accidents. The country accounts for around 4.5 lakh road crashes each year, of which, 1.5 lakh people die.

Road accident victims need instant medical attention and hospital services. Thus, the rising incidence of road accidents is likely to drive the market growth over the forecast period. In addition, evolving healthcare infrastructure, supportive government initiatives, and increasing awareness regarding early diagnosis and treatment have the market in Asia Pacific to grow at a substantial rate.

Some of the prominent players in the hospital stretchers market include:

• Hill-Rom Holdings
• Stryker
• Mac Medical
• TransMotion Medical Inc.
• Fu Shun Hsing Technology
• Narang Medical Limited
• ROYAX
• Advanced Instrumentations

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Nova one advisor, Inc. has segmented the global hospital stretchers market.

Product Type

• Fixed Height
• Bariatric
• Adjustable Height
• Radiographic

Technology Type

• Motorized
• Non-Motorized

Application

• Daycare/Inpatient
• Surgery
• Emergency/Trauma
• Ambulatory/Transport

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)