February 3, 2025 | Terry Smith

Felgains MultiFlow vs Acime Skiff Ultra Low Stretchers; How do they compare?

The purpose of this article is to compare two of the lowest X-Ray-compatible stretchers on the market; the Acime Skiff Ultra Low and the Felgains MultiFlow Ultra Low stretcher.  We will cover the key features, positives, and drawbacks of each, to make your decision-making process easier and to enable you to make the best decision for your hospital. 

Key features comparison table

 

Felgains MultiFlow

 Acime Skiff
Safe Working Load 270kg 240kg
Lowest Height (mm) 420 410
Highest Height (mm) 820 880
Warranty 2 years Not specified
Fifth wheel? Yes Yes
X-Ray tunnel? Yes Yes
ISO 60601-2-52 Compliant Side Rails? Yes Yes

 

What is the Acime Skiff Ultra Low X-Ray Stretcher?

The Skiff Ultra Low X-Ray stretcher from Acime is the lowest variable height X-Ray stretcher currently on the market, and is designed to provide a safe platform for patient mobility and emergency care. 

Key Features and Specifications

  • Electric variable height, with battery backup
  • 410mm low height and 880mm high height
  • 240kg Safe Working Load
  • Central locking brakes with 5th-wheel steering
  • Gas assisted backrest
  • Full-length X-Ray platform
  • Folding push handles

Positives

  • 5th wheel steering – The 5th wheel under the centre of the Acime stretcher ensures maximum manoeuvrability and easy guidance; especially useful in busy and crowded emergency environments. 
  • Very low mattress platform height – The Skiff stretcher has a very low minimum height of 410mm, which reduces the risk of falls and helps to enable easier mobilisation in hospitals. 
  • Fully X-ray compatible – Radiolucent mattress platform and a full-length X-ray tunnel for unrestricted imaging.
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Drawbacks

  • Lower safe working load – The safe working load of 240kg may restrict which patients can use the Acime stretcher.
  • No confirmed compliance with ISO 60601-2-52 – This could lead to compliance issues when implementing the stretcher in your Trust, due to recent updated guidance on stretcher side rails.

 

What is the Felgains 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 Acime Stretcher – This could lead to taller staff members struggling to comfortably use the stretcher.

Click here to learn more about the MultiFlow 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 Acime and 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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Got a question or want to send us a message? Let’s talk.

 

Author

Terry Smith

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