oSIST prEN 1865-1:2025

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2025
Oprema za ravnanje s pacienti v reševalnih vozilih - 1. del: Splošni sistemi nosil in
oprema za ravnanje s pacienti
Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1: General stretcher systems and
patient handling equipment
Krankentransportmittel in Rettungsdienstfahrzeugen- Teil1: Allgemeine
Krankentragesysteme und Krankentransportmittel
Équipements pour le transport de patients dans les ambulances - Partie 1 : Spécification
pour les systèmes généraux de brancards et équipement pour le transport de patients
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 1865-1
ICS:
11.160 Prva pomoč First aid
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2025
ICS Will supersede EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015
English Version
Patient handling equipment used in ambulances - Part 1:
General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment
Spécifications d'équipements pour le transport de Krankentransportmittel im Krankenkraftwagen - Teil
patient dans les ambulances - Partie 1: Systèmes 1: Allgemeine Krankentragesysteme und
généraux de brancards et équipement pour le Krankentransportmittel
transport de patients
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 239.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 1865-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 6
Introduction . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Requirements . 9
4.1 General. 9
4.2 Main stretcher . 9
4.2.1 General. 9
4.2.2 Dimensions. 10
4.2.3 Mass . 10
4.2.4 Loading capacity . 10
4.2.5 Frame . 10
4.2.6 Lying part of the stretcher . 11
4.2.7 Restraint system . 12
4.2.8 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 12
4.2.9 Deformation of the frame . 12
4.2.10 Fixation . 12
4.2.11 Deformation of the lying area . 12
4.2.12 Resistance to torsion . 12
4.2.13 Splaying of the wheels . 12
4.3 Chair stretcher . 12
4.3.1 Dimensions. 12
4.3.2 Mass . 13
4.3.3 Loading capacity . 13
4.3.4 Frame . 13
4.3.5 Lying-sitting part. 13
4.3.6 Restraint system . 13
4.3.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 13
4.3.8 Deformation of the frame . 13
4.3.9 Fixation . 13
4.3.10 Deformation of the lying-sitting area . 13
4.3.11 Resistance to torsion . 13
4.3.12 Splaying of the wheels . 13
4.4 Transfer mattress . 14
4.4.1 Dimensions. 14
4.4.2 Mass . 14
4.4.3 Loading capacity . 14
4.4.4 Handles . 14
4.4.5 Lying part . 14
4.4.6 Restraint system . 14
4.4.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 14
4.4.8 Deformation . 14
4.4.9 Fixation . 14
4.4.10 Deformation of the lying area . 14
4.4.11 Resistance to torsion . 15
4.4.12 Splaying of the wheels . 15
4.5 Carrying sheet . 15
4.5.1 Dimensions . 15
4.5.2 Mass . 15
4.5.3 Loading capacity . 15
4.5.4 Handles . 15
4.5.5 Lying part . 15
4.5.6 Restraint system . 15
4.5.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 15
4.5.8 Deformation of the handles . 15
4.5.9 Fixation . 15
4.5.10 Deformation of the lying area . 15
4.5.11 Resistance to torsion . 16
4.5.12 Splaying of the wheels . 16
4.6 Pick up stretcher . 16
4.6.1 Dimensions . 16
4.6.2 Mass . 16
4.6.3 Loading capacity . 16
4.6.4 Frame . 16
4.6.5 Lying part . 16
4.6.6 Restraint system . 17
4.6.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 17
4.6.8 Deformation of the frame . 17
4.6.9 Fixation . 17
4.6.10 Locking . 17
4.6.11 Deformation of the lying area . 17
4.6.12 Resistance to torsion . 17
4.6.13 Splaying of the wheels . 17
4.7 Vacuum mattress . 17
4.7.1 Construction . 17
4.7.2 Dimensions . 18
4.7.3 Mass . 18
4.7.4 Loading capacity . 18
4.7.5 Handles . 18
4.7.6 Restraint system . 18
4.7.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 18
4.7.8 Deformation . 18
4.7.9 Fixation . 18
4.7.10 Shrinkage . 18
4.7.11 Deformation of the lying area . 19
4.8 Long spinal board . 19
4.8.1 Dimensions . 19
4.8.2 Mass . 19
4.8.3 Loading capacity . 19
4.8.4 Construction . 19
4.8.5 Lying part . 19
4.8.6 Restraint system . 19
4.8.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 19
4.8.8 Deformation . 20
4.8.9 Fixation . 20
4.8.10 Deformation of the lying area . 20
4.8.11 Resistance to torsion . 20
4.8.12 Splaying of the wheels . 20
4.9 Foldable transport chair . 20
4.9.1 Dimensions. 20
4.9.2 Mass . 20
4.9.3 Loading capacity . 20
4.9.4 Frame . 20
4.9.5 Sitting part . 20
4.9.6 Restraint system . 21
4.9.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 21
4.9.8 Deformation of the frame . 21
4.9.9 Fixation . 21
4.9.10 Locking. 21
4.9.11 Deformation of the backrest lying-sitting area . 21
4.9.12 Resistance to torsion . 21
4.9.13 Splaying of the wheels . 21
4.10 Non-foldable transport chair . 21
4.10.1 Dimensions. 21
4.10.2 Mass . 21
4.10.3 Loading capacity . 22
4.10.4 Frame . 22
The frame of the non-foldable transport chair shall be of a sturdy lightweight non-twisting
construction. It shall have four wheels of at least 100 mm diameter. Either the front
or rear wheels shall be able to swivel through 360°. If all four wheels are able to swivel
through 360°, at least two shall be lockable when the non-foldable transport chair is
moved forward. At least two wheels shall be fitted with a brake. . 22
4.10.5 Sitting part . 22
4.10.6 Restraint system . 22
4.10.7 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases . 22
4.10.8 Deformation of the frame . 22
4.10.9 Fixation . 22
4.10.10 Deformation of the sitting area . 23
4.10.11 Resistance to torsion . 23
4.10.12 Splaying of the wheels . 23
4.10.13 Power Source . 23
5 Test methods . 23
5.1 Main stretcher . 23
5.1.1 Permanent deformation of the frame. 23
5.1.2 Fixation inside the ambulance . 24
5.1.3 Permanent deformation of the lying area . 24
5.1.4 Resistance to twisting/torsion . 25
5.1.5 Splaying of the wheels . 25
5.2 Chair stretcher . 25
5.2.1 Permanent deformation of the frame. 25
5.2.2 Permanent deformation of the lying-sitting area . 25
5.2.3 Resistance to twisting/torsion . 25
5.2.4 Splaying of the wheels . 26
5.3 Transfer mattress . 26
5.3.1 Deformation . 26
5.3.2 Deformation of the lying area . 27
5.4 Carrying sheet . 27
5.4.1 Strength of the handles . 27
5.4.2 Permanent deformation of the lying area . 28
5.5 Pick up stretcher . 29
5.5.1 Permanent deformation of the frame . 29
5.5.2 Resistance to twisting/torsion . 29
5.6 Vacuum mattress and pump . 29
5.6.1 Deformation . 29
5.6.2 Shrinkage . 30
5.6.3 Deformation of the lying area . 30
5.7 Long spinal board . 30
5.7.1 Permanent deformation of the frame and lying area . 30
5.7.2 Resistance to twisting/torsion . 30
5.8 Foldable transport chair . 30
5.8.1 Permanent deformation of the frame and backrest lying-sitting area . 30
5.9 Non-foldable transport chair. 31
5.9.1 Permanent deformation of the frame and sitting area . 31
5.9.2 Fixation inside the ambulance . 31
5.9.3 Splaying of the wheels . 31
6 Marking . 31
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European standard and the General
Safety and Performance Requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 aimed to be
covered . 32
Bibliography . 39
European foreword
This document (prEN 1865-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 239 “Rescue
systems”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document is a part of EN 1865, Patient handling equipment used in ambulances, which consists of the
following parts:
• Part 1: Specification for general stretcher systems and patient handling equipment; (this document)
• Part 2: Power assisted stretcher;
• Part 3: Heavy duty stretcher; (under revision)
• Part 4: Foldable patient transfer chair; (under revision)
• Part 5: Stretcher support; (under revision)
• Part 6: Powered chairs;
• Part 7: Isolation transport system (preliminary work item under development).
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
Compared to EN 1865-1:2010+A1:2015 the following main technical changes were made:
a) Main title changed from “Patient handling equipment used in road ambulances” to “Patient handling
equipment used in ambulances”;
b) Part 1 title changed from “General stretcher systems and patient handling equipment” to “Specification
for general stretcher systems and patient handling equipment”
c) Normative reference up-dated;
d) Annex ZA revised to show relationship to Medical Device Regulations (MDR) instead of Medical
Device Directive (MDD);
e) Definitions for Chair stretcher (3.2), carry sheet (3.4), pick up stretcher (3.5), long spinal board (3.7)
and foldable transport chair (3.8) clarified;
f) significant adjustments to the requirements for transfer mattress, carrying sheet and vacuum
mattresses;
g) Loading capacities changed from 150 kg to 200 kg except for the spinal board and mass
h) Requirements aligned with EN 1865-2:2024.
Introduction
This document incorporates specifications for:
— main stretcher − undercarriage;
— chair stretcher;
— transfer mattress;
— carrying sheet;
— pick up stretcher;
— vacuum mattress and pump;
— long spinal board;
— foldable transport chair;
— non-foldable transport chair.
Stretcher systems and patient handling equipment covered by this document are for use in road
ambulances.
In this document reference is made to EN 1789:2020+A1:2023 which specifies design requirements and
test methods for road ambulances, which are relevant for checking requirements for such handling
equipment.
NOTE Standardization work will continue with the aim of ensuring the safe transfer of patients and equipment
without compromising continuity of patient care and the safety of staff.
1 Scope
This document specifies minimum requirements for the design and performance of stretchers and other
patient handling equipment used in road ambulances for the handling and carrying of patients. It aims to
ensure patient safety and minimize the physical effort required by staff operating the equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 597-1:2015, Furniture - Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases - Part 1:
Ignition source smouldering cigarette
EN 1789:2020+A1:2023, Medical vehicles and their equipment - Road ambulances
EN ISO 15223-1:2021, Medical devices - Symbols to be used with information to be supplied by the
manufacturer - Part 1: General requirements (ISO 15223-1:2021)
EN ISO 20417:2021, Medical devices - Information to be supplied by the manufacturer (ISO 20417:2021)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
main stretcher
main device for the conveyance of a sick and/or injured person or those in labour with the purpose to
transport patients in safety and in comfort whilst facilitating treatment
3.2
chair stretcher
stretcher designed for patient use in a sitting or lying position during conveyance and in a lying position
during vehicular transport
3.3
transfer mattress
device intended to facilitate the transfer of the patient from one stretcher to another
3.4
carrying sheet
special sheet to handle and carry a patient in a lying or sitting position including transportation on the
stretcher
3.5
pick up stretcher
lifting device, intended to be used for movement of patients on other transport devices including
immobilization for the patient during transportation on the stretcher
3.6
vacuum mattress
device intended primarily to provide immobilization for the patient during transportation
3.7
long spinal board
device designed for lifting and immobilising patients including or excluding transportation on the
stretcher
3.8
foldable transport chair
device intended to handle and transport a patient in a sitting position to and from the road ambulance
but not to be used to transport a patient within the ambulance
3.9
non-foldable transport chair
device intended to handle and transport a patient in a sitting position to and from the road ambulance
and to be used to transport a patient within the ambulance
4 Requirements
4.1 General
When operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the devices shall not
present any high level of risk. Any identified risk shall be reduced as far as possible.
Devices shall also:
• allow patients to be secured so that any movement during ambulance transport is minimized;
• be free of sharp edges that could cause injury to persons or damage to other equipment on board. The
minimum radius should be 0,5 mm.
Carrying handles on devices for handling of patients shall permit fixation in extended positions.
All equipment for the handling of patients shall be free of any sharp edges. The minimum radius should
be 0,5 mm.
For all patients transported in the patient compartment, patient restraint-systems shall be available. All
patient restraint-systems shall have quick release systems.
Patient restraint-systems for all patient handling equipment shall secure the patient, but at the same time
shall permit treatment of the patient.
The lying-sitting part shall be made of a strong material which is bacterial resistant, fungal resistant, stain
resistant, putrid resistant, easy to clean, washable, waterproof and petrol-oil resistant.
4.2 Main stretcher
4.2.1 General
The main stretcher shall consist of a stretcher part that can be used either alone or in combination with
an integrated or detachable undercarriage.
It shall be designed so that the full weight of the patient and the carried stretcher part will only be
lifted/carried by the personnel for the minimum period of time.
4.2.2 Dimensions
Dimensions shall be measured from the outermost edges.
+20
— Stretcher part: length: (1 950 ) mm;
−50
width: (550 ± 20) mm;
height: maximum 300 mm from loading holding assembly to unloaded
lying part. This height dimension does not apply to stretchers
with monoblock undercarriages. If a monoblock is not
available, the stretcher shall be constructed such that it is
detachable from the undercarriage. Where a stretcher support
is used the measurement shall be taken from the top surface of
the stretcher support to the lying part of the stretcher.
— Undercarriage: length and width of the frame of the undercarriage when located in the
ambulance shall not exceed length and width of the stretcher part.
4.2.3 Mass
The mass excluding mattress and patient restraints shall not be more than:
— Stretcher part: 23 kg;
— Undercarriage including stretcher: 57 kg max (combined weight);
— Stretcher part with integrated monoblock 51 kg.
undercarriage:
In all cases the mass should be as low as possible.
4.2.4 Loading capacity
The loading capacity shall be a minimum 200 kg. A label on the stretcher shall indicate the maximum
loading capacity.
4.2.5 Frame
4.2.5.1 General
The frame shall be a sturdy lightweight non-twisting construction enabling use of cardiopulmonary
resuscitation. All corners of the frame shall be radiused for greater safety.
It shall be possible to lock and secure the stretcher and undercarriage against lateral, longitudinal,
vertical movements.
All mechanisms shall be constructed to prevent damage to the user and the patient.
4.2.5.2 Stretcher parts
a) If side rails are fitted, they shall have a minimum length of 500 mm and a minimum height of 150 mm
measured from the top of the stretcher frame to the top of the side rail.
b) If longitudinal handles are incorporated they shall be fitted to the ends of the longitudinal frame such
that they lock and do not twist when they are stowed or in use. They shall be designed to minimize
the risk of injuries to the hands and wrists when being operated or the stretcher is carried at angles.
c) The stretcher shall have a water and scratch resistant surface finish or be manufactured of corrosion
resistant material. Both shall be unaffected by disinfectants.
d) If intended to be used without undercarriage there shall be four wheels with a minimum diameter of
100 mm suitably placed to ensure stability.
e) If intended to be used with undercarriage the stretcher shall be able to be fixed to the undercarriage
without using supplementary means. A safe handling and lowering of the undercarriage shall be
ensured.
f) The fixed stretcher shall be easy to release from the stretcher fastener.
g) Stretcher should be equipped with an infusion holder.
4.2.5.3 Undercarriage
a) The undercarriage shall be fitted with four wheels with a diameter of at least 100 mm. At the foot
end there shall be a minimum of two wheels that swivel 360° and at least two wheels shall be fitted
with a brake.
b) The undercarriage shall be suitable for a road ambulance loading and unloading with a maximum
height of 750 mm.
c) The undercarriage shall have a simple mechanism for height adjustment and shall have a minimum
of two levels (car position and fully unfolded).
d) The supporting mechanism shall automatically stay in place when fully unfolded.
e) The operating controls shall be ergonomically designed to take into consideration human body
dimensions and physical strength, and anatomical and physiological requirements of human beings.
The operating controls shall be clearly and permanently labelled, preferably with graphical symbols,
indicating their positions and settings. If the controls can initiate movements which could be
dangerous to persons, they shall be secured against unintentional operation.
f) All functions of the stretcher shall remain completely unimpaired when it is connected to the
undercarriage.
g) The undercarriage shall either be provided with a waterproof and scratch resistant surface or be made
of corrosive resistant material or similar surface.
h) If the undercarriage is used with a removable top part it shall be possible to connect or disconnect
them easily. The top part shall be secured in such a manner that unintentional separation of
undercarriage and top part cannot occur. It shall be possible to load and unload the undercarriage
and top part to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient and the operators.
4.2.6 Lying part of the stretcher
a) The lying area shall be flat over the complete surface and shall be made of sturdy lightweight
construction. The thorax area shall be manufactured of sturdy lightweight material which allows
cardiopulmonary resuscitation without acting as a spring or giving way. The materials shall be
unaffected by disinfectants.
b) The lying area shall be non-slip and shall be covered with a transfer mattress, or a mattress that shall
provide for patient comfort and also be firm enough to enable cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be
undertaken. The mattress shall be able to conform to the various treatment configuration provided
by the stretcher. The mattress shall be constructed in such a way that prevents ingress of patient
fluids and facilitate infectious control cleaning. In addition, the materials shall be unaffected by
disinfectants. The mattress on the lying part of the stretcher shall be fixed securely.
c) The lying area shall have an adjustable head-end/-backrest with a minimum length of 600 mm. It
shall be possible to raise the backrest at least 75° and there shall be at least five fixing positions
within this range. It shall be possible to maintain the angle of adjustment under all normal conditions
of loading and unloading.
d) The lying area shall have an adjustable footrest with a minimum length of 900 mm. It shall be possible
to raise the leg section (shock position) at least 15° with a system to minimize the lifting effort of the
operator. It shall be possible to maintain the angle of adjustment under all normal cases of loading
and unloading. A knee gatch feature shall be incorporated for better placement/comfort of the
patient.
NOTE It is desirable to have a system to minimize the lifting effort of the operator.
4.2.7 Restraint system
The stretcher shall be fitted with a harness and quick-release patient restraint(s) capable of fulfilling the
test requirements specified in EN 1789:2020+A1:2023. The stretcher shall be capable of accepting a
device for restraining children that fulfils the test requirements specified in EN 1789:2020+A1:2023.
For testing a 50th Percentile Male dummy shall be secured with the restraint system. The restraint system
should be tight securely according to the instruction of the manufactures. The backrest shall be fixed in a
position of 15 degrees measured from the horizontal. The lying surface shall be in a horizontal position.
4.2.8 Flammability − Toxicity burning gases
There shall be no progressive s
...