So, you’ve managed to narrow it down to two options, that’s awesome, but now you’re thinking, how do I choose?
These stretchers have been designed as the backbone or starting point to a tailor-made patient movement experience and are now going to battle it out in the ring but remembering that neither one can be victorious until it’s deemed the perfect fit for you!
LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!
Both the Contour Classic and Contour Portare essentially do the same thing, they reliably transport patients throughout demanding healthcare environments, while providing a specialist platform for procedure and recovery. There are a range of accessories and unique customisations that can morph them into just about anything that the current healthcare environment needs to help drive efficiency and throughput. However, there are some differences between them that could potentially change the outcomes.
Let’s look at some of their diversities and what it could mean for you.
Castors
The Classic has large 200mm diameter castors which offer the least resistance and easiest wheeling over any ground or floor type. If it's a lot of people moving over long distances, then this should be considered. The Portare has 150mm diameter twin wheel castors which may demand a little more physical effort, but they are lower in overall height which allows the base to be a little lower overall. This helps to command a better low working height of the stretcher.
Base Covers
The Classic base cover is larger and more generous with ample storage space incorporated for patients belongings, IV Pole and base Oxygen storage. The Portare only has two smaller spaces, one at each end.
Lifting
The Classic uses two vertically mounted multi-stage columns, which allows a range of choices in working heights. This can be particularly useful in various departmental requirements, where some areas may need lower heights for the safest handling of many patient egresses, or a higher working height for transfer patients and emergency procedures. This twin column design also allows the choice of fully hydraulic operation. The Portare has a more traditional, lower cost ‘ward bed’ style lifting arm system, which allows the lowest platform height of any product, however is available as electrically powered in one height range only.
Frame Designs
The Classic has the most customisable spectrum of design choices. The patient surface can be made narrower, wider, longer and shorter! With the ability to also slide the top, there is little that cannot be achieved. There are a vast range of options and accessories that can be added (we only list some of the popular) to develop this stretcher into exactly what you require for best organizational outcomes, with one of the key differences being the unique Contour Orbit-Drive power drive system. The Portare has less ability to change with just one wider width option and certain accessories that will not work on this model.
Cost
The Classic can cost a couple of thousand dollars more than the Portare, due to its more costly operating design and range of bespoke customisations it has to offer.
Now that we’ve gone through the differences of the two options and you’ve got some basis to make your decision, the choice is yours!
Both stretchers will give you the same many years of trouble free performance and exceptional after sales service and care while providing the level of support you need from reliable healthcare equipment!
