February 10, 2025 | Terry Smith

Felgains MultiFlow vs PatientFlow Stretchers; Which is best for your Trust?

The purpose of this article is to compare our two main patient transport stretchers; the MultiFlow Ultra-Low Stretcher, and the PatientFlow Transport Stretcher.

We will cover the key features, positives, and drawbacks of each stretcher, to make your decision-making process easier and to enable you to make the best decision for your hospital. 

Key features comparison table

 

MultiFlow

 PatientFlow
Safe Working Load 270kg 320kg
Lowest Height 420 mm 550 mm
Highest Height 820 mm 850 mm
Warranty 2 years 2 years
Fifth wheel? Yes Yes
X-Ray tunnel? Yes Yes (optional)
ISO 60601-2-52 Compliant Side Rails? Yes No
Hydraulic option? No Yes
Power drive option? No Yes

 

What is the MultiFlow Stretcher?

The new MultiFlow Low X-Ray Stretcher from Felgains combines an industry-leading minimum platform height of 420mm with a full X-Ray tunnel to bring a new standard of patient safety to your emergency department.

Key Features and Specifications

  • Safe Working Load: 270kg
  • Class-leading 420mm minimum platform height
  • Full-length X-Ray tunnel
  • Folding IV Pole
  • Retractable 5th wheel
  • Central-locking braking

Positives

  • Ultra-low mattress platform height – The industry-leading low height of 430mm reduces the risk of falls and fall-related injury in your emergency department and also promotes easier mobilisation and discharge, increasing patient flow through your hospital. 
  • Fully X-ray compatible – Radiolucent mattress platform and a full-length X-ray tunnel for unrestricted imaging.
  • 60601-2-52 compliant – The MultiFlow’s side rails are fully compliant with the ISO 60601-2-52 standard, helping your Trust meet the most recent health and safety guidelines. 
  • 5th wheel – The 5th wheel under the centre of the trolley means that the MultiFlow is very manoeuvrable – especially important in crowded emergency departments. 
  • Robust and flexible – The MultiFlow has heavy-duty IV poles that double up as push handles, giving you options for excellent ergonomics when pushing the trolley.

Drawbacks

  • Not suitable for bariatric patients over 270kg. The safe working load of 270kg means the MultiFlow isn’t suitable for use with bariatric patients.
  • Lower maximum height compared to the PatientFlow Stretcher – This could lead to taller staff members struggling to comfortably use the stretcher.
  • No hydraulic option – This is a downside when compared to the PatientFlow, which has the option of fully hydraulic functionality.

Click here to learn more about the MultiFlow stretcher 🡥

 

What is the PatientFlow Stretcher?

The PatientFlow is a hospital stretcher for emergency departments and any areas in hospitals where patients are transported. This A&E trolley is lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, yet robustly built to withstand heavy use all day, every day. 

Key Features and Specifications

  • Safe Working Load: 320kg
  • Max patient weight: 260kg
  • Dual-purpose IV pole
  • Fold-down side rails
  • Retractable 5th wheel
  • Available in both hydraulic and hybrid electric versions
  • Central-locking braking

Positives

  • Lightweight – The PatientFlow is lightweight compared to other patient stretchers on the market, which can make a big difference when the stretcher has to be used all day, every day, in busy ED departments. 
  • 5th wheel – The 5th wheel under the centre of the trolley means that the PatientFlow is very manoeuvrable – especially important in crowded emergency departments.
  • High safe working load – The PatientFlow has a higher safe working load of 320kg, meaning you can use it with most of your patients. 
  • Robust and flexible – the PatientFlow has heavy-duty IV poles that double up as push handles, giving you options on pushing positions for excellent ergonomics
  • Available in both hydraulic and electric hybrid electric versions; the Electric version allows for smooth movements across all functions, whilst the Hybrid Electric version of the PatientFlow has powered functionality and the non-essential functions are gas-spring assisted  – maximising battery capacity.
  • Power-drive assist available – To further reduce the strain on your staff, the PatientFlow is available with a power-drive assist system.

Drawbacks

  • Higher minimum height compared to the MultiFlow Stretcher – This could lead to patients struggling to mobilise from the stretcher and increased falls risk. 
  • Not compliant with 60601-2-52 – Unlike the MultiFlow, the PatientFlow isn’t compliant with the ISO 60601-2-52 bed standard. (read more here)

Click here to learn more about the PatientFlow stretcher 🡥

 

Which stretcher should you choose for your hospital?

I trust this article has given you a clear understanding of the two patient stretchers from Felgains, and the positives and drawbacks of each. 

Which stretcher you choose for your trust will vary depending on your needs and requirements, and we will happily talk this through with you if required.  Often, a hospital would trial a piece of equipment such as a stretcher before purchasing, and we would be happy to arrange this for you. 

To get started, feel free to get in touch on 01473 741144, or via the contact form below. 

 

 

Related articles

Pressure injury in emergency departments | The problem, statistics, and solutions

How does the MultiFlow Stretcher help prevent pressure injury in emergency departments?

How does the Felgains MultiFlow Low-Height Stretcher improve efficiency in emergency departments?

 

 

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Author

Terry Smith

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