The system is rated to lift a maximum of 700 pounds, this rating accounting for the weight of the cot, patient and all other portable medical equipment which is utilized during treatment. By supporting this weight the system is designed to improve patient as well as user safety. For patients, a potential “drop” is nearly eliminated. And for the users, a decrease on repeated spinal loading will drastically reduce the potential for a back injury. The department plans to outfit other ambulances in the fleet in the near future.
Each ambulance is also equipped with a folding “stair chair” for ease of moving patients up and down flights of stairs. This piece of equipment can also double as a second stretcher when needed.
Backboards
Patients involved in a fall or a motor vehicle accident are placed on a backboard, along with a neck brace and head immobilizer. This equipment is used to prevent further injuries to the neck or spine and is frequently used as a precaution until a patient can undergo an x-ray at the hospital to rule out a spinal injury.
Smaller backboards are carried to immobilize pediatric patients.
