EAST OF ENGLAND — Demand for ambulances for obese patients has risen dramatically in the past decade, especially among younger people, the BBC reports.
The total has gone from about 24 trips a year in 2004, to more than 1,000, according to St. John Ambulance, which supplies the vehicles. They are specially-adapted with larger wheelchairs and stretchers.
NHS East of England Ambulance Service currently hires St. John to transport obese patients, but is looking to have its own vehicles in the future.