Position Title
Stretcher Assistant / Transportation Attendant
Position Summary
The Stretcher Assistant supports the safe transportation of patients requiring stretcher or mobility assistance during non-emergency medical transportation services. This position works alongside the driver or medical transport team to ensure patient safety, comfort, dignity, and timely transportation to and from medical appointments, healthcare facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and residences. The ideal candidate is dependable, professional, physically capable, and experienced in patient handling and customer service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with the safe loading and unloading of stretcher and wheelchair patients.Operate stretcher systems, wheelchair lifts, ramps, and securement equipment safely and correctly.Provide patient assistance during transport, including transfers, ambulation support, and basic comfort measures.Ensure patients are properly secured using approved restraint and safety systems.Maintain professional, respectful, and compassionate interactions with patients, family members, and healthcare staff.Monitor patients during transport and immediately report any medical or safety concerns to the driver or supervisor.Assist drivers with navigation, communication, scheduling, and trip documentation as needed.Complete trip logs, incident reports, and required transportation documentation accurately.Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of vehicles and equipment in accordance with company infection control procedures.Follow all HIPAA, OSHA, company safety policies, and applicable state and federal regulations.Participate in routine vehicle and equipment inspections.Respond appropriately during emergencies and assist with evacuation procedures when necessary.Maintain punctuality and readiness for scheduled shifts and trips.Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or GED.Valid driver’s license or reliable transportation to reporting location.Ability to lift, push, and maneuver patients and equipment safely.Strong communication and interpersonal skills.Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays if needed.Professional appearance and demeanor.No criminal record.Preferred
Prior experience in NEMT, EMS, healthcare, patient transport, nursing assistance, or medical transportation.CPR / First Aid certification.Defensive driving training.Familiarity with stretcher operations and patient securement procedures.Experience working with elderly, disabled, or medically fragile individuals.Physical Requirements
Ability to frequently lift and maneuver up to 100 pounds with assistance.Ability to push stretchers and wheelchairs over various surfaces and inclines.Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing.Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.Work Environment
Transportation vehicles and healthcare facilities.Exposure to patients with medical conditions and mobility limitations.Moderate physical activity throughout shift.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of safe patient handling techniques.Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations.Strong attention to safety and detail.Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.Team-oriented with strong reliability and attendance.Compliance Requirements
Employees must comply with all applicable:
HIPAA regulationsCompany safety and infection control policiesState and federal transportation regulationsDrug-free workplace requirementsBackground check and motor vehicle record requirements Read LessThe Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Stretcher Driver is responsible for providing safe, timely, and compassionate transportation services for patients requiring stretcher transportation to and from medical appointments, healthcare facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, dialysis centers, and private residences. This position requires excellent customer service skills, physical ability to transfer patients and bariatric patients onto stretchers/gurneys, attention to patient safety, and strict adherence to company policies, HIPAA requirements, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
The Stretcher Driver serves as the primary representative of the company and is expected to maintain professionalism, courtesy, and respect toward patients, family members, healthcare professionals, and coworkers at all times.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Safely operate company stretcher transport vehicles in accordance with all traffic laws and company policies.Transport patients using stretchers, stair chairs, wheelchairs, and other approved patient movement equipment.Properly secure patients and equipment using approved restraint systems.Assist patients into and out of residences and healthcare facilities while maintaining patient dignity and comfort.Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and complete required documentation.Ensure vehicles remain clean, fueled, stocked, and ready for service.Communicate effectively with dispatch regarding trip status, delays, cancellations, and emergencies.Utilize dispatch software (preferably RoutingBox or similar software) to receive, manage, and complete assigned trips.Complete electronic trip documentation accurately and in a timely manner.Maintain confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.Follow infection control procedures, including cleaning and disinfecting equipment after each transport.Safely operate vehicle lifts, ramps, stretchers, and patient securement systems.Report accidents, incidents, vehicle damage, safety concerns, and patient concerns immediately.Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and excellent customer service during every patient interaction.Participate in required safety meetings and continuing education.Perform other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED.Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.Minimum age of 21 years (preferred for insurance purposes).Ability to pass criminal background check.Ability to pass drug screening and participate in random drug testing.Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).Ability to safely operate stretcher transport equipment.Basic computer and smartphone proficiency.Excellent communication and customer service skills.Preferred Qualifications
Previous NEMT, EMS, healthcare, or patient transportation experience.Experience using RoutingBox or similar dispatch software.Defensive driving certification.First Aid certification.Knowledge of South Carolina NEMT regulations.
Physical Requirements
The employee must be able to:
Lift and move up to 125 pounds independently and more than 250 pounds with assistance and approved equipment.Push and pull occupied stretchers over varying terrain.Frequently bend, kneel, squat, twist, and reach.Stand and walk for extended periods.Safely assist patients with varying mobility limitations.Work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
Work Environment
Healthcare facilitiesHospitalsDialysis centersNursing homesPrivate residencesOutdoor environments in varying weather conditions. Work may include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong commitment to patient safety.Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.Ability to remain calm under pressure.Strong time management and organizational skills.Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.Professional appearance and demeanor.Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Compliance Requirements
Employees must comply with all company policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including:
HIPAA Privacy and Security RulesOSHA Bloodborne Pathogen StandardsDrug-Free Workplace PolicyVehicle safety policiesInfection prevention and control proceduresPatient handling and lifting proceduresAttendance and punctuality standards
Performance Expectations
Successful employees consistently:
Arrive to work on time and prepared.Complete trips safely and on schedule.Maintain positive patient satisfaction.Demonstrate professionalism and compassion.Maintain clean vehicles and equipment.Complete documentation accurately.Maintain excellent attendance and reliability.
Benefits
Competitive hourly payPaid trainingCompany uniformsEmployee referral bonusOpportunities for advancement Read LessThe Stretcher Assistant supports the safe transportation of patients requiring stretcher or mobility assistance during non-emergency medical transportation services. This position works alongside a fully certified stretcher driver to ensure patient safety, comfort, dignity, and timely transportation to and from medical appointments, healthcare facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and residences. The ideal candidate is physically fit and capable of handling the transfer of patients from bed to stretcher, dependable, professional, and experienced in patient handling and customer service.
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