Health Minister Theresa Oswald announces new power lift stretchers to assist Manitoba paramedics lift increasingly heavier patients while on the job in this October 2012 file photo. (WINNIPEG PARAMEDICS / TWITTER)
Nearly six months after the province announced paramedics would begin testing new power stretchers, a system trial will be rolled out in Winnipeg ambulances.
The new automated stretchers will reduce injuries experienced by paramedics while on the job using the manual stretchers, such as repetitive actions like lifting, lowering, carrying and bending.
“We rely on paramedics to provide critical care to people when they need it most and it is a profession that can be very physically challenging,” said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. “We’re pleased to continue with our power stretcher pilot in partnership with the City of Winnipeg, to find better ways to keep paramedics safe and healthy on the job.”
Two city ambulances will be retrofitted with the new power-loading stretchers during the trial as funded by the province.
— Staff
