The North America hospital stretchers market, valued at USD 2.9 billion in 2023, is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing demand for innovative, patient-centric stretcher solutions. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.37% through the forecast period, reaching USD 4.6 billion by 2032. Below is a deeper analysis of the market's key drivers, challenges, emerging trends, and competitive landscape.

1. Market Overview: The Rising Demand for Advanced Hospital Stretchers

The role of hospital stretchers has evolved far beyond basic patient transport. As healthcare facilities prioritize patient safety, comfort, and efficient medical services, the demand for technologically enhanced stretchers has grown significantly.

Today’s hospital stretchers are equipped with:

• Motorized features to ease mobility and reduce manual lifting.
• Integrated monitoring systems to track patients' vital signs during transport.
• Convertible stretcher designs, which can be adjusted for emergency procedures such as X-rays, MRI, or surgery.

The increasing complexity and versatility of hospital stretchers underscore their critical role in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and ICU units.

2. Key Market Drivers: What’s Powering Growth?

a) Technological Advancements in Patient Care

One of the primary drivers of market growth is the push for advanced technology integration. Manufacturers are focusing on stretchers that combine smart features like automatic height adjustment, motorized movement, and ergonomically designed mattresses that help minimize the risk of pressure sores and patient discomfort.

Additionally, digitization has become a critical feature, with some stretchers now including real-time patient monitoring systems that display vital signs, making them invaluable in critical care units and emergency situations.

b) Growing Healthcare Infrastructure Investments

North America has seen a steady increase in hospital infrastructure investment, including the expansion of emergency and surgical care facilities. The construction of new hospitals and the modernization of older healthcare facilities in regions like the U.S. and Canada has spurred the demand for up-to-date medical equipment, including hospital stretchers.

This increase is tied to the government's efforts to modernize healthcare as part of long-term care projects, particularly in rural and underserved areas where emergency medical services (EMS) need to be improved.

c) Rising Geriatric Population

North America has one of the largest aging populations globally, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating that by 2030, 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older. This demographic shift has resulted in a growing need for healthcare equipment that caters to elderly patients' specific requirements, such as specially designed stretchers that offer higher degrees of safety, comfort, and ease of mobility.

The increase in chronic diseases among the elderly population also contributes to the demand for specialized stretchers, particularly for emergency care, surgical wards, and post-operative recovery units.

d) Surge in Emergency and Trauma Care

The increasing incidence of emergency cases due to accidents, injuries, and sudden medical complications has led to a greater need for advanced, reliable stretchers in hospitals and ambulatory services. Hospitals are upgrading their emergency departments with multipurpose stretchers that can handle emergency surgeries and diagnostic procedures such as CT scans.

3. Emerging Market Trends: Revolutionizing Hospital Stretchers

a) Motorized and Automated Stretchers

One of the most notable trends in this market is the adoption of motorized and automated stretchers. These stretchers reduce the need for manual handling by healthcare staff, reducing the risk of workplace injuries. For patients, motorized stretchers provide smoother transport, which is particularly important for ICU and trauma patients who may be in fragile conditions.

Automated stretchers can also incorporate features like:

• Automatic elevation control to adjust the height.
• Remote control operation for ease of movement.
• Electric power steering, reducing physical strain on healthcare providers.

These stretchers are being rapidly adopted in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and emergency medical services.

b) Portable and Collapsible Stretchers for EMS

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) require lightweight, portable, and collapsible stretchers for use in ambulances and rescue operations. These stretchers are becoming more popular due to their easy storage and mobility features. As ambulance services expand their fleets, the demand for compact yet durable stretchers is on the rise.

Portable stretchers are increasingly equipped with features like built-in suspension systems and shock absorbers, ensuring patient stability during fast transports in critical situations.

c) Integration of Digital Monitoring Tools

The integration of vital signs monitoring systems into stretchers is a growing trend in ICUs and emergency departments. These systems track heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure, providing real-time data to healthcare professionals even while the patient is being transported. This ensures better continuous care during patient transfer, which is essential in life-threatening situations.

4. Competitive Landscape: Major Players Driving Innovation

The North America hospital stretchers market is highly competitive, with leading players constantly seeking to innovate and capture a larger share of the market.

• Stryker Corporation: A global leader in medical technology, Stryker offers stretchers equipped with advanced ergonomic features and customizable platforms designed for emergency care and surgery. Their focus on integrating smart technologies into stretchers has kept them ahead of the competition.

• Carl Bennet AB (Arjohuntleigh AB): Known for its patient mobility solutions, Arjohuntleigh is a key player providing stretchers with enhanced safety features, including fall prevention and pressure injury reduction designs.

• Invacare Corporation: A major player in the rehabilitation and mobility sector, Invacare offers specialized stretchers for long-term care and post-operative recovery, focusing on patient comfort and durability.

• Paramount Bed Holdings Co., Ltd.: Specializes in multifunctional stretchers that are adaptable to different medical procedures, including surgery, radiography, and trauma care.

5. Growth Forecast and Future Opportunities

The hospital stretchers market is expected to grow from USD 3 billion in 2024 to USD 4.6 billion by 2032, driven by technological advancements and the expanding healthcare sector in North America. The market presents substantial opportunities for manufacturers to capitalize on the growing demand for multifunctional stretchers, especially those integrated with digital technologies.

Key Opportunities:

• Telemedicine and Smart Hospitals: The rise of telemedicine and the trend towards smart hospitals offer opportunities for stretchers that can interface with hospital management systems, allowing seamless data exchange between healthcare professionals during patient transport.

• Expansion of Ambulatory Services: With an increasing focus on ambulatory care services across North America, the demand for portable, rugged stretchers will continue to rise.

6. Challenges Facing the Market

While the market outlook is optimistic, there are challenges that could hinder growth, including:

• High Equipment Costs: Advanced stretchers are often costly, which may limit their adoption in smaller or budget-constrained healthcare facilities.
• Regulatory Approval Process: Medical devices, including hospital stretchers, must comply with strict regulatory standards in both the U.S. and Canada, which can delay the introduction of new products to the market.