Stretcher-bearer profession
Unlike the ambulance driver who transports patients outside the hospital, the stretcher-bearer takes care of it in thes the very enclosure of the establishment. Find out more about the stretcher-bearer profession: mission, salary, possible training, retraining.

What is a stretcher-bearer?
The care of a patient in a hospital environment and his or her well-being are fundamental and for this, the stretcher-bearer is a key player since he is responsible for welcoming and moving patients within the various departments of the health establishment (radiology, consultation, operating room, room, etc.) in collaboration with the firefighters, ambulance drivers, nursing staff, etc. He must be able to transmit important information about patients as well as their medical records to the latter.

From the room to the operating room, from the operating room to the consultation department, he accompanies people who cannot move around alone, but not only. Wheelchair, stretcher trolley or bed, the means used vary according to the situation. During the journey, the stretcher-bearer must ensure that the patient is completely safe and to do this, he must be able to provide first aid if necessary. In addition to transferring the patient, the stretcher-bearer must also transport his medical file and personal belongings.

This professional may also transport samples between services and analysis laboratories or have to transport bodies to the morgue.

Its activity depends on the care schedule, but also on the urgent request of a department.

Stretcher-bearer's missions
Helping patients get on the stretcher. Depending on their state of health, he may have to move them or carry them himself. Provide the first aid gestures if necessary during the trip. Maintain and handle hospital equipment. Carry the patient's personal file when travelling as well as his personal belongings. Transmit the samples to the analysis laboratories and bring the results to the relevant departments. Ensure administrative follow-up in connection with his/her function and the department to which he/she is attached. Qualities to become a stretcher-bearer Good physical condition The job of stretcher-bearer requires a good physical condition. Indeed, on the one hand, it is necessary to be able to move patients, who can sometimes be corpulent, but also to be very available. It is a job that leaves little downtime and requires work that is often staggered: nights, weekends, public holidays...

Moral strength
Mental strength is essential for the stretcher-bearer to endure physical and moral fatigue. It is also important to have a good resistance to stress and pressure to be able to work in this type of job. Indeed, stretcher-bearers are often confronted with very stressful situations during their missions.

Rigour
The health and comfort of patients depends in part on the methodical and rigorous work of the stretcher-bearer: moving patients in the best possible conditions, reassuring them, taking note of their file, etc.

Be reassuring
No one appreciates being hospitalized and it can cause great moments of stress for patients. The stretcher-bearer must know how to respond and bring a reassuring shoulder so that the stay goes as smoothly as possible. Becoming a stretcher-bearer requires a keen sense of listening in addition to great availability and empathy.

Training to become a stretcher-bearer
To become a stretcher-bearer, no diploma is necessary. There is no specific training and the profession is learned on the job, although the establishments still provide internal training.

However, to practice, it is imperative to have the AFGSU1 (Level 1 Training Certificate in Emergency Gestures and Care) or the PCS1 (Level 1 Civic Prevention and Rescue).

The first attests to the ability of its holder to identify and take care of a case of medical emergency, to provide first aid while waiting for the intervention of the emergency services and is accessible to staff working in health and medical-social establishments. It covers first aid gestures but also hygiene rules.

PCS1 training is accessible to all. It lasts one day and covers first aid. These training courses are generally provided by the fire brigade, the Civil Protection or the Red Cross.

Possession of physical fitness to carry loads is also mandatory.

Salary of a stretcher-bearer
The average net monthly salary of a salaried stretcher-bearer is about 1600€ for a man or a woman (about 358000 employees in France).

(Source: INSEE statistics).

Opportunities and developments in the stretcher-bearer The profession of stretcher-bearer recruits young people looking for work considerably.

After several years of experience, it is possible to apply for new professions in the hospital environment such as nursing assistant, mortuary service agent or ambulance driver.