Innovation from Graham Medical protects EMS teams and their patients
When every minute counts, dependable emergency medical service products can make the difference in getting patients the treatment they need.
Transporting patients out of dangerous situations or accident scenes is when EMTs count on their products to perform. Performance, reliability and convenience top the list of product attributes and recent product introductions by Graham Medical are answering the need.
Graham Medical is the leader in designing innovative, single-use medical products for use by emergency service providers, hospitals, physicians’ offices and other medical providers.
“Emergency personnel can’t waste time worrying if a patient transporter will work,” said John Zacek, market development manager for Graham Medical. “Providing durable, trusted materials in an emergency situation is what sets us apart.”
Leaders at Little Rapids Corporation, the parent company of Graham Medical, realized there was a need in the marketplace their products could fill. “Providing products for the emergency medical services market is right in line with our core strategy of providing professionals with tools they can use to care for patients safely, efficiently and cost-effectively,” said Kirk Ryan, CEO of Little Rapids Corporation. “Our products are distinguished by high levels of quality and consistency to protect the professional as well as their patients.”
Zacek says the company’s experience in providing single-use products for medical markets encouraged expansion into the EMS field. “Trends in the EMS market showed that more and more emergency providers were ending long-standing linen exchange relationships with hospitals,” Zacek said. As a result, EMS units needed sources for bedding, drapes, pillows and cases, and other materials. By purchasing single-use products, EMS units decrease their laundry, materials storage and purchase costs.
EMS units nationwide are using new products from Graham Medical. The Mega Mover™ Plus is a transport unit that goes where stretchers can’t. It allows up to six emergency professionals to assist in a patient’s transport or transfer by featuring 12 side handles reinforced with heavy-duty stitching.
The design measures a generous 40” x 80” and holds up to 1,500 pounds. Its durability has been improved to stand up to the most rigorous conditions and ensure safe handling of patients in challenging environments.
“Competitors often feature similar products constructed of various materials, but the MegaMover™ Plus is limited use and at a price point that, if it is contaminated with body fluids, you simply dispose of it,” Zacek said. Additionally, the 40” x 80” unit folds down to a compact size weighing only one pound.
Another issue EMTs face is finding functional bedding that keeps the emergency patient comfortable and protects stretchers. Graham Medical answered that need with the SnugFit™ EMS Barrier Sheet, a nonwoven sheet with elastic corners that prevent slippage. The fitted design keeps sheets taught on variable-sized stretcher mattresses. The sheet features a linen-soft texture for patient comfort and a poly backing that prevents fluids from contaminating stretcher mattresses.
“Most of our competitors feature stretcher sheets with pockets instead of elastic, but our product provides a more secure fit for a larger variety of mattresses,” Zacek said.
Graham also features blankets designed to repel wind and rain as well as fluids. EMS units get maximum performance out of the Visiblanket™ that is backed with a bright yellow poly layer on one side and a soft, comfortable absorbent material on the other. The product is ideal when emergency workers need to quickly identify patients at an accident or emergency scene. The Space Blanket uses the patient’s own body heat to keep them warm. Its unique, ultra-light Mylar material acts as a wind and moisture barrier while retaining patients’ body heat, making it ideal for emergency settings in inclement weather. Both blankets are generously sized for full coverage.
Graham Medical has also introduced nonwoven gowns to be used in the decontamination process. The gowns are offered to two colors, navy and gray, to quickly identify pre- and post-decontamination persons. The gowns feature generous size to allow for disrobing while the gown is being worn. The nonwoven material is rugged and opaque, providing strength and privacy.
Graham Medical is a subsidiary of Little Rapids Corporation of Green Bay, Wis., and is a leading marketer and manufacturer of single-use products for emergency services, physician offices, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, chiropractic offices, and hospitals. Product categories include examination capes and gowns, specialty garments, exam table papers, drape and stretcher sheets, professional towels and washcloths, latex-free tourniquets, sterile drapes, staff apparel and other related products. For more information, visit Graham Medical on the Web at www.grahammedical.com.
For more information call Lisa Cruz 920-731-2771 or lcruz@weidert.com