Winnipeg, MB - New power stretcher systems will soon take away the need for patients to be manually lifted in and out of ambulances, significantly reducing the risk of injury to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service members.
Today the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg announced a power lift/power stretcher system trial in City ambulances, thanks to funding provided by the province.
“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.”
“The City remains committed to maintaining a safe workplace for both Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service personnel and patients,” said Scott Fielding, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services. “Beyond the equipment and infrastructure that supports the services provided by the WFPS, we recognize that investments such as this serve to protect our most valuable assets - the emergency personnel who respond to those in need every day in our community."
Paramedics experience frequent injuries due to repetitive actions such as lifting, lowering, carrying and bending. The power load stretcher system improves paramedic and patient safety by supporting the stretcher throughout the loading and unloading process.
"The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is extremely pleased to have received this funding which is being used to equip two ambulances with power-loading stretcher systems,” said Reid Douglas, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief. “These power-loading systems represent a significant financial investment and it is our hope that the trial of this equipment will result in measurable improvement in the injury rates associated with the lifting and handling of patients in the pre-hospital setting.”