NEMT Stretcher and Cot Securement Audit

Pre-transport inspection for non-emergency medical transportation to verify stretcher fasteners, cot function, occupant restraints, and required crew configuration before movement.

Inspection Details

• Vehicle and trip identifiers recorded
  Document the vehicle unit number, route or trip ID, and date/time of inspection.
• Inspector name and role recorded
  Record the inspector's name and job role or certification level.
• Inspection completed before patient loading
  Confirm the audit was completed before the stretcher or cot was loaded for transport.
• Two-person crew requirement verified
  Confirm a two-person crew is present where required by company policy, patient condition, or loading procedure.

Stretcher Fasteners and Mounting

• Fasteners are present and properly engaged
  Verify all stretcher fasteners, latches, and locking points are installed and fully engaged.
• Fasteners show no visible damage, looseness, or non-conformance
  Inspect for cracks, bent hardware, missing pins, stripped threads, or other visible deficiencies.
• Securement hardware is rated to manufacturer or applicable standard
  Confirm the stretcher fasteners and mounting hardware are rated and approved for the intended load and use per manufacturer specifications and applicable standards.
• Stretcher locks into vehicle mount without excessive force
  Verify the stretcher/cot locks into the mount smoothly and does not require abnormal force, repositioning, or repeated attempts.

Cot Function and Stability

• Cot frame and wheels roll, fold, and lock properly
  Check that the cot rolls freely, folds and unfolds correctly, and all wheel and frame locks function as intended.
• Height adjustment and loading mechanism operate normally
  Verify height adjustment, release handles, and loading mechanisms operate without sticking, binding, or failure to latch.
• Cot surface is clean, dry, and free of sharp edges or tears
  Inspect the patient surface, straps, and padding for cleanliness, moisture, tears, exposed metal, or other hazards.
• No abnormal movement or instability during push/pull test
  Perform a brief stability check to confirm the cot remains stable under normal handling and does not wobble, drift, or shift unexpectedly.

Occupant Restraints and Patient Securement

• Primary occupant restraint is present and functional
  Verify the main restraint system is available, properly routed, and functions as intended.
• Restraint buckles, webbing, and anchors show no damage
  Inspect restraint webbing, buckles, stitching, and anchor points for fraying, cuts, deformation, or missing components.
• Patient restraint can be tightened and released smoothly
  Confirm the restraint can be adjusted to secure the occupant and released without binding or malfunction.
• Additional straps or head support are available when required
  Verify any required supplemental securement devices are present and ready for use based on patient condition and transport protocol.

Closeout and Corrective Actions

• Deficiencies documented and equipment removed from service when required
  Record any deficiencies, non-conformances, or critical items that failed inspection and confirm affected equipment is tagged or removed from service as required.
• Corrective action assigned or escalated to maintenance/supervisor
  Confirm the issue was assigned for repair, replacement, or supervisory review before the next transport use.
• Inspector signature captured
  Inspector signs to confirm the audit is complete and accurate.