DIN EN 1865-2 E 2008-04 PDF

Full title and description

STB DIN EN 1865-2 E 2008-04 — Patient handling equipment used in road ambulances — Part 2: Power assisted stretcher (German version / prEN 1865-2:2008). This document is the German-language draft (prEN) version issued in April 2008 that specifies design and performance requirements for electrically or mechanically power-assisted stretchers intended for use in road ambulances.

Abstract

This standard sets out minimum safety, design and performance requirements, plus test methods and marking, for power‑assisted stretchers used in road ambulances. Its objective is to ensure patient safety during handling and transport and to reduce the physical effort required from ambulance crews when lifting, loading/unloading and securing patients. (This prEN 2008 draft was later superseded by formal EN editions published from 2010 onwards.)

General information

• Status: prEN (draft) issued April 2008; later withdrawn as a draft and superseded by EN 1865-2:2010 and subsequent consolidated editions.
• Publication date: 14 April 2008 (prEN / German version E 2008-04).
• Publisher: DIN (German adoption of the CEN draft / prEN issued in the context of CEN technical work).
• ICS / categories: 11.160 — First aid / Patient handling equipment.
• Edition / version: prEN 1865-2:2008 (German version designation E 2008-04). Superseded by EN 1865-2:2010 (and later consolidated as EN 1865-2:2010+A1:2015 and revised in 2024).
• Number of pages: approximately 15 pages (published consolidated editions of EN 1865-2 and the A1 amendment are typically ~15 pages).

Scope

Applies to power‑assisted stretchers intended for use in road ambulances for treatment and transport of patients. The document specifies functional, dimensional and safety requirements, performance tests, electrical and mechanical safety aspects, markings and instructions, and requirements to reduce manual handling effort and risk to both patient and operator. It excludes devices intended solely for other environments (e.g., hospital fixed‑bed systems) unless explicitly referenced.

Key topics and requirements

• Design and structural requirements for stretcher and undercarriage (strength, deformation limits, resistance to torsion and wear).
• Performance limits: rated loads, lifting/lowering performance, stability and safe working loads.
• Dimensional and interface requirements to ensure compatibility with ambulance loading/retention systems and vehicle fixtures.
• Electrical and battery requirements for powered assistance (safety, charging, emergency lowering).
• Ergonomics and usability: controls, handholds, mattress/lying surface, patient restraint and caregiver working heights to reduce manual effort.
• Test methods and verification: static/dynamic tests, durability, marking, instructions for use and routine checks.
• Marking, labelling and information for safe operation, maintenance and conformity demonstration.

Typical use and users

Used by ambulance/stretcher manufacturers; vehicle upfitters; emergency medical services (EMS) operators and procurement teams; conformity assessment bodies; service and maintenance organisations; and regulators or standards committees responsible for ambulance equipment safety and medical device compatibility. Typical applications are loading/unloading, transferring and transporting patients in road ambulances where powered assistance reduces manual handling risk.

Related standards

Part of the EN 1865 series (EN 1865-1 general stretcher systems; EN 1865-3 heavy duty stretchers; EN 1865-4 foldable transfer chairs; EN 1865-5 stretcher supports; later parts under development). Also closely related to standards for road ambulances and vehicle equipment such as EN 1789 (medical vehicles and their equipment) and other medical device / safety standards referenced in the EN 1865 series.

Keywords

Power assisted stretcher; ambulance stretcher; patient handling equipment; prEN 1865-2; DIN EN 1865-2; ambulance loading system; patient transport; EMS equipment; first aid; medical vehicle equipment.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the German-language draft (prEN) edition identified as DIN EN 1865-2 E 2008-04 that covers power‑assisted stretchers for road ambulances — a part of the EN 1865 series.

Q: What does it cover?

A: Minimum safety, design and performance requirements, test methods, marking and user information for powered stretchers used in ambulances, intended to protect patients and reduce manual handling by crews.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Ambulance and stretcher manufacturers, EMS procurement and operations teams, conformity assessors and maintenance/service organisations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2008 prEN draft was superseded by the formal EN 1865-2 series edition published in 2010 (EN 1865-2:2010), later amended (A1:2015) and revised again (EN 1865-2:2024). Therefore the 2008 draft is not the current active edition for compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of EN 1865, a multi‑part standard covering patient handling equipment used in ambulances (Parts 1–5 published earlier; further parts and revisions published or under development).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Power assisted stretcher, ambulance stretcher, patient handling equipment, EN 1865, prEN, ambulance loading, EMS equipment.