By Suzanne Hoholik
The Columbus Dispatch
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Division of Fire has bought stretchers over the past few years that can move patients who weigh up to 650 pounds; now, the city is considering buying even-stronger equipment - for those weighing up to 1,000.
When paramedics have to move patients weighing more than 650 pounds, which generally happens twice a month, the current stretchers often aren’t strong enough. For the morbidly obese, paramedics use a tarp with eight to 10 handles.
“We’ll put the patient in ... the back of the truck on the floor, which presents a safety issue because they’re not fastened down,” said Capt. Scott Krummel, an emergency medical supervisor with the Fire Division.
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