Understanding the Difference Between Wheelchair and Gurney Transport

December 2, 2025

When it comes to non-emergency medical transportation, choosing the right type of service is essential for safety, comfort, and efficiency. Two of the most common options—wheelchair transport and gurney transport—serve very different needs. For families, caregivers, and healthcare providers in West Georgia, knowing the difference ensures that every patient receives the appropriate level of support during their trip.

At West Georgia Non-Emergency Medical Transport, we prioritize your safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand which transport option is best for your situation.


What Is Wheelchair Transport?

Wheelchair transport is designed for individuals who can sit upright but require mobility assistance. This service is commonly used for:

  • Doctor’s appointments

  • Outpatient treatments

  • Dialysis or physical therapy visits

  • Routine checkups

  • Discharge from medical facilities

Wheelchair vans are equipped with:

  • Secure wheelchair restraints

  • Hydraulic lifts or accessible ramps

  • Comfortable seating and safety belts

  • Trained drivers who know how to assist passengers with mobility challenges

Who should choose wheelchair transport?
Patients who use a manual or electric wheelchair and can safely remain seated throughout their trip.


What Is Gurney Transport?

Gurney transport—also known as stretcher transport—is designed for individuals who cannot sit upright or require transportation while lying down. This service is essential for patients who:

  • Have limited mobility due to injury, surgery, or chronic illness

  • Are bedridden or require horizontal positioning

  • Have serious conditions that make sitting unsafe or uncomfortable

  • Need additional support during transport, such as oxygen or specialized equipment

Gurney transport vehicles are equipped with:

  • A secure medical-grade stretcher

  • Safety straps and proper stabilization

  • Additional space for attendants

  • Trained medical personnel or NEMT staff who assist with lifting, monitoring, and safe transfers

Who should choose gurney transport?
Patients who cannot sit for extended periods or need to remain lying down due to medical conditions.


Key Differences Between Wheelchair and Gurney Transport

Feature

Wheelchair Transport

Gurney Transport

Passenger Position

Sitting

Lying down

Level of Mobility Required

Low to moderate

Very limited or none

Staff Assistance

Lifting support not always required

Requires specialized lifting and monitoring

Vehicle Setup

Wheelchair-accessible van

Larger vehicle with stretcher area

Best For

Routine and outpatient visits

Bedridden or medically fragile individuals

Understanding these differences helps ensure that each patient receives the safest, most appropriate mode of transport.


Which Option Is Right for Your Loved One?

Choosing between wheelchair and gurney transport depends on a person’s mobility, medical condition, and comfort. If a patient can sit and transfer into a wheelchair, wheelchair transport is usually appropriate. If they require full support, are unable to sit upright, or need medical stability, gurney transport is the safer option.

If you’re unsure, our team at West Georgia Non-Emergency Medical Transport will help you determine the best solution based on your specific needs.


Why Choose West Georgia Non-Emergency Medical Transport?

With a commitment to safety, dignity, and reliable service, we provide:

  • Skilled and compassionate staff

  • Dependable on-time schedules

  • Clean, well-maintained vehicles

  • Friendly assistance from pickup to drop-off

  • Custom solutions for wheelchair, gurney, and specialty transport

Our goal is simple: to ensure every passenger travels comfortably and safely from start to finish.


Schedule Your Ride Today

Whether you need wheelchair transport, gurney transport, or help determining the best option, West Georgia Non-Emergency Medical Transport is here to support your healthcare journey.

Contact us today to schedule reliable, professional, and stress-free non-emergency medical transport.


We serve Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Bowdon, Bremen, Buchanan, Canton, Carrollton, Cartersville, Cedartown, Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, Dallas, Douglasville, East Cobb, East Point, Fayetteville, Hiram, Holly Springs, Kennesaw, Lithia Springs, Marietta, Mableton, Mt. Zion, Newnan, Palmetto, Powder Springs, Rockmart, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, South Fulton, Tallapoosa, Temple, Union City, Villa Rica, Vinings, Whitesburg, and Woodstock Ga


West Georgia Non-Emergency Medical Transport

770-293-7940

https://www.wgnemedtransport.com

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Our goal is to make your disabled transport, medical transport, wheelchair transport, non-emergency medical transport, and senior transport as easy as possible.   Be sure to contact us today.