Sir Goldsworthy Gurney invented the gurney in 1883, it was used as a different type of stretcher. It was used to reduce weight, which is fitted with wheels and can be moved by a single person. Stretchers are more portable and tend to be used in emergency situations, especially on battlefields and in wilderness search and rescue operations. The gurney is around 24” by 84”.

Sir Goldsworthy Gurney was born on February 14, 1793 in Treater which is in the United Kingdom. He died on February 28, 1875 in Cornwall, which is also in the United Kingdom. Gurney was an English surgeon, chemist, lecturer, consultant, architect, and builder. Gurney was a clever inventor, besides the gurney, he also invented the limelight. A limelight is a type of stage lighting once used in theaters and music halls.

The gurney has changed dramatically, many more types of gurneys have been invented from the 1900’s to now. There’s only a couple of things I would like to change about the gurney. One of those is that I would make it fold able, that would make it easier to transport places. Another change is that I would make it powered, by that I mean the patient or whoever is using it, can steer it any direction, kind of like one of those electric wheelchairs.