By Jason Weir with Conner Patten
A difficult removal calls for a transfer device matched to the route, plus a cot rated above the decedent's weight. Stairs and narrow hallways favor a scoop stretcher, spine board, or slider board. Bariatric first calls need an oversized cot rated well above the case, and high vehicle decks need a high-loading cot.
Jason Weir, Vice President of Hilton Funeral Supply, is a Michigan-licensed funeral director and embalmer and a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP). He reviews the clinical and technical content of Hilton's guides. Conner Patten is Hilton's Customer Outreach and Product Specialist and Hilton's MOBI Medical contact.
Quick Answer: What Equipment Does a Difficult Removal Need?
A difficult removal needs two things: a way to move the decedent off the bed and down the route, and a cot that fits the case and the vehicle. For stairs and tight turns, Hilton Funeral Supply carries the MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher and MOBI 1A6C Spine Board, each rated at 350 lb. For bed-to-cot transfers, the EZ Glide Board is rated at 400 lb. For bariatric cases, the MOBI F1200 PRO cot is rated at 1,000 lb. For high vehicle decks, the MOBI F500-T reaches a 32-inch loading height.
Which Removal Equipment Fits Each Situation?
The table below pairs common difficult-removal scenarios with equipment Hilton carries.
| Removal scenario | Equipment type | MOBI or Hilton product | Rated capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narrow or turning staircase | Rigid board or scoop stretcher | MOBI 1A6C Spine Board; MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher | 350 lb each |
| Decedent on the floor or in a tight bathroom | Scoop stretcher | MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher | 350 lb |
| Bed-to-cot transfer | Slider or transfer board | EZ Glide Board; MOBI Pro White Slider Board | EZ Glide: 400 lb |
| Standard residential or facility removal | Multi-level mortuary cot | MOBI F650 PRO | 600 lb |
| Bariatric first call | Oversized mortuary cot | MOBI F1200 PRO | 1,000 lb |
| SUV, van, or other high-deck vehicle | High-loading cot | MOBI F500-T | 600 lb |
| Removal vehicle floor | Vehicle bed with ramp | MOBI Aluminum Alloy Bed & Ramp | 90 x 26.75 in bed |
What Is the Hilton Mortuary Cot Selection Standard?
The Hilton Mortuary Cot Selection Standard is Hilton Funeral Supply's internal framework for choosing removal cots and transfer equipment on four criteria: Weight Capacity, Vehicle Compatibility, Frame Durability, and Single-Person Operability.
The Hilton Mortuary Cot Selection Standard is Hilton's own framework. It is not an OSHA standard, a state rule, or a professional standard, and it carries no regulatory force.
- Weight Capacity: the rated load sits above the heaviest case the firm expects, not at it.
- Vehicle Compatibility: the cot's loading height matches the removal vehicle's deck height.
- Frame Durability: the frame material and wheels suit the routes the firm drives and walks.
- Single-Person Operability: the cot can be raised, lowered, and loaded by the staff actually sent on a call.
How Do You Remove a Decedent Down a Narrow Staircase?
A narrow staircase calls for a rigid, strapped device that keeps the decedent secure while the team carries it. The cot can wait at the base of the stairs or at the vehicle.
The MOBI 1A6C Spine Board measures 72.5 by 18 by 2 inches, weighs 19 lb, and is rated at 350 lb. It includes safety belts and securement straps. The MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher is rated at 350.5 lb and measures 67.5 by 18.5 by 3 inches. Its aluminum split frame has a hinged center and adjustable length.
Plan the route before anyone lifts. Measure the tightest turn, clear the path, and decide who carries the head end. Families often watch a removal closely, so a planned route protects the decedent's dignity as well as the staff.
What Works When the Decedent Is in a Tight Space?
A scoop stretcher works best when a decedent is on the floor, wedged beside a bed, or in a small bathroom. A scoop stretcher separates into halves that slide under the decedent from each side. That avoids rolling or dragging the decedent in a space too small for a cot. The MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher is designed for first call and removal use.
For bed-to-cot transfers, a slider board bridges the gap between surfaces. The EZ Glide Board measures 72 by 17 by 0.25 inches, carries 8 handles, and is rated at 400 lb. The MOBI Pro White Slider Board measures 72.25 by 18.25 inches with built-in handles. An oversized MOBI Pro slider board is also available.
What Equipment Does a Bariatric Removal Require?
A bariatric removal requires a cot rated well above the decedent's weight, a wider frame, and enough staff to load it safely. The MOBI F1200 PRO is rated at 1,000 lb on a 24-inch-wide frame. It weighs 97 lb, rides on 6-inch wheels, and adjusts through five height levels from 14 to 33.25 inches.
Every piece of equipment in a bariatric removal needs its own rating. The 350 lb ratings on the MOBI scoop stretcher and spine board fall below many bariatric cases. The transfer device, the cot, and the vehicle bed each need a rating above the case.
Oversized accessories match the wider frame. The MOBI Oversized Cot Cover measures 77.5 by 25.5 by 17 inches, and the MOBI Oversized Mortuary Cot Pouch with Zipper fits the same wider cots. The MOBI Oversized Aluminum Alloy Bed & Ramp measures 90 by 29.75 inches. Hilton's body lifts guide covers lifting equipment once the decedent reaches the preparation room.
Which Cot Loads Into an SUV or Van?
A high-loading cot is built for vehicles with a tall deck. The MOBI F500-T reaches a 32-inch vehicle loading height and a 31-inch deck height. It is rated at 600 lb, measures 76.75 by 22 inches, and has a net weight of 63.9 lb. The F500-T suits many full-size vehicles.
The right cot matches the vehicle's deck height. The MOBI F650 PRO loads at 24.5 inches, with a height range of 14 to 32 inches. The MOBI Aluminum Alloy Bed & Ramp is a removal vehicle bed, 90 by 26.75 inches. Its integrated 22.5-inch ramp helps protect the vehicle's bumper during loading.
How Does the MOBI F650 PRO Compare to the F1200 PRO and F500-T?
The MOBI F650 PRO is the standard multi-level cot, the F1200 PRO is the bariatric cot, and the F500-T is the high-loading cot. All three come with a mattress, buckle straps, a black cot cover, and a 1-year manufacturer's warranty.
| Specification | MOBI F650 PRO | MOBI F1200 PRO | MOBI F500-T |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated capacity | 600 lb | 1,000 lb | 600 lb |
| Length x width | 77 x 22 in | 77 x 24 in | 76.75 x 22 in |
| Loading height | 24.5 in | 25 in | 32 in |
| Height levels | Five | Five | Five |
| Cot weight | 75 lb | 97 lb | 63.9 lb net |
| Wheel diameter | 5 in | 6 in | 5 in |
| Buckle straps included | Two | Three | Two |
| Product page | View F650 PRO | View F1200 PRO | View F500-T |
The MOBI F650 PRO is designed for one-person operation. The F650 PRO frame combines aluminum alloy with stainless steel legs and wheel locks.
Why Use a Cot Cover or Cot Pouch on a Removal?
A cot cover presents the decedent with dignity as the family watches the removal, and a cot pouch adds containment. For many families, the removal is the first time they see the firm care for the person who died. That moment serves the family's need to accept the reality of the death.
- MOBI Standard Cot Cover: 77 by 23 inches, stain-resistant fabric, waterproofed interior, document pouch with magnetic clasp.
- MOBI Oversized Cot Cover: 77.5 by 25.5 by 17 inches, for oversized cots.
- MOBI Mortuary Cot Pouch with Zipper: waterproof interior, stain-resistant exterior, dual heavy-duty YKK zippers.
- MOBI 1" Universal Mortuary Cot Mattress Pad: 1-inch high-density foam, in standard 19.5 by 72 inch and oversized 22 by 72 inch sizes.
MOBI cot covers come in burgundy, navy blue, gray, black, and forest green.
What Safety Rules Apply to Removal Staff?
Removal staff are covered by OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard when contact with blood is reasonably anticipated. That standard requires gloves when staff handle or touch contaminated items or surfaces. OSHA's 1992 letter to NFDA adds that containment may be needed in decay or trauma cases. Hilton carries latex and nitrile gloves and the 20 mil vinyl Body Bag - Disaster Pouch.
OSHA has no funeral-specific lifting standard. In a 2005 letter on funeral home hazards, OSHA said it addresses ergonomic hazards through guidance and, when necessary, the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act. Rated equipment and enough staff on each call reduce lifting strain. State boards set their own rules for covering and transporting remains.
Which Hilton Removal Products Carry the Most Capacity?
The MOBI F1200 PRO carries the most capacity in Hilton's removal line, at 1,000 lb. The table below ranks every rated removal product Hilton carries. Hilton's full mortuary equipment category lists every MOBI product.
| Product | Rated capacity | Size |
|---|---|---|
| MOBI F1200 PRO | 1,000 lb | 77 x 24 in |
| MOBI F650 PRO | 600 lb | 77 x 22 in |
| MOBI F500-T | 600 lb | 76.75 x 22 in |
| EZ Glide Board | 400 lb | 72 x 17 x 0.25 in |
| MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher | 350.5 lb | 67.5 x 18.5 x 3 in |
| MOBI 1A6C Spine Board | 350 lb | 72.5 x 18 x 2 in |
MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher
Best for: Floor recoveries, tight bathrooms, and any space too small for a cot.
Why it works: The MOBI 4AB Aluminum Scoop Stretcher uses a high-strength aluminum alloy split frame with a hinged center and adjustable length. It is rated at 350.5 lb and measures 67.5 by 18.5 by 3 inches.
MOBI 1A6C Spine Board
Best for: Carrying a decedent down narrow or turning staircases.
Why it works: The MOBI 1A6C Spine Board weighs 19 lb and is rated at 350 lb. It includes safety belts and securement straps and is compatible with most strap systems.
EZ Glide Board
Best for: Bed-to-cot transfers in homes, hospitals, and care facilities.
Why it works: The EZ Glide Board is a quarter-inch thick, 72 inches long, and 17 inches wide. It is rated at 400 lb and has 8 handles.
MOBI F1200 PRO Oversized Mortuary Cot
Best for: Bariatric first calls.
Why it works: The MOBI F1200 PRO is rated at 1,000 lb on a 24-inch frame with 6-inch wheels. It ships with a 1-inch mattress, three buckle straps, and a black cot cover.
MOBI F500-T High Loading Mortuary Cot
Best for: SUVs, vans, and other vehicles with a high deck.
Why it works: The MOBI F500-T reaches a 32-inch vehicle loading height and lowers to 11.8 inches. Optional side rails are available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Difficult Removals
What is the difference between a scoop stretcher and a spine board for removals?
A scoop stretcher separates into halves that slide under the decedent, while a spine board is a single rigid board the decedent is placed on. A scoop stretcher suits floor recoveries and tight spaces where rolling the decedent is difficult. A spine board suits carrying a strapped decedent down stairs. Hilton carries the MOBI 4AB Scoop Stretcher and MOBI 1A6C Spine Board, both rated at about 350 lb.
How much weight can a mortuary cot hold?
Mortuary cot capacity depends on the model, from 600 lb to 1,000 lb in Hilton's MOBI line. The MOBI F650 PRO and MOBI F500-T are rated at 600 lb. The MOBI F1200 PRO is rated at 1,000 lb for bariatric cases. The right cot is rated above the heaviest case your firm expects, and so is every transfer device.
Can a slider board be used for a bariatric removal?
A slider board can help with a bariatric transfer only if its rated capacity exceeds the decedent's weight. The EZ Glide Board is rated at 400 lb. For heavier cases, plan the transfer around the 1,000 lb MOBI F1200 PRO and additional staff.
How do I know if a cot will fit my removal vehicle?
A cot fits a removal vehicle when its loading height matches the vehicle's deck height. The MOBI F650 PRO loads at 24.5 inches, while the MOBI F500-T reaches 32 inches for taller vehicles. The MOBI Aluminum Alloy Bed & Ramp is a removal vehicle bed with an integrated ramp.
Does OSHA set a weight limit for lifting a decedent?
No. OSHA has no funeral-specific lifting limit. OSHA's 2005 letter on funeral home hazards says it addresses ergonomic hazards through published guidance and, when necessary, the General Duty Clause. Employers remain responsible for a workplace free of recognized hazards. Rated transfer equipment and enough staff on each call reduce lifting strain.
What PPE should staff wear on a first call?
Removal staff should wear gloves whenever they may touch blood or contaminated items, under OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Add gowns and eye protection when leakage or splash is reasonably anticipated, as in decomposed or trauma cases. Universal precautions apply to every decedent, whatever the reported medical history. A cot pouch or body bag adds containment during transport.
