WIVB
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Obesity is a major problem both in Western New York and in the United States.
In New York State, 24.5 percent of adults are overweight or obese. The numbers are worse in WNY, where 37.5 percent of adults are considered overweight, and 24.7 percent are considered obese. Being overweight can effect not only personal health, but the safety of others. First responders are making changes to better protect themselves when coming to the aid of patients who are overweight or obese.
Rural-Metro just added a specially-equipped bariatric ambulance to its fleet, about two months ago. The machinery itself does most of the moving and lifting - and that means both patients and paramedics are at less of a risk for being injured.
Full story: Special ambulance for obese patients