Winnipeg’s ambulances will soon be outfitted with power stretcher systems.
The change follows a trial period in two ambulances, helping to reduce the risk of injury to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service members.
“These power stretcher systems represent a significant financial investment and it is our hope that this equipment will result in measurable improvement in the injury rates associated with the lifting and handling of patients in the pre-hospital setting,” said John Lane, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service chief.
Lane says paramedics experience frequent injuries due to repetitive actions such as lifting, lowering, carrying and bending. The power stretcher system will alleviate some of that injury risk associated with the manual stretchers.
The cost to outfit the city’s ambulance fleet with the new equipment is $318,975.
Announced this morning: power stretchers reduce risk of injury to #Winnipeg paramedics. More: http://t.co/L4KOXkvHQf pic.twitter.com/pDyBGYsdFN
— City of Winnipeg (@cityofwinnipeg) May 25, 2015
