A medical stretcher, also commonly referred to as a gurney or litter, is a portable device used to transport patients who are injured, ill, or require medical care. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the safe and comfortable movement of an individual, often from an incident location to an ambulance or within a medical facility like a hospital.

Modern stretchers are designed with functionality and patient safety in mind. They typically consist of a long, flat frame with a fabric or molded surface for the patient to lie on. Key features often include adjustable backrests, side rails to prevent falls, and wheels with locking mechanisms for stability during loading or transfers. Many are also height-adjustable, allowing caregivers to move a patient without heavy lifting, which reduces strain.

For emergency medical services (EMS), specialized stretchers like the collapsible "ambulance stretcher" are common, designed to fit securely into an ambulance. For in-hospital use, a "stair chair" might be used in tight spaces, while a simple flat "transfer stretcher" is used for moving patients between departments. Regardless of the type, the stretcher is a fundamental piece of medical equipment, enabling efficient and careful patient handling in a variety of situations.