The following list of ambulance transport organizations across the U.S. have recently shown their dedication to preventing EMS workers’ back injuries and to patient safety and convenience by purchasing and implementing the Transafe ramp and winch system during bariatric transports of the morbidly obese.
• Lone Star Emergency Vehicle, Midlothian, TX
• Georgetown Scott County EMS, Georgetown KY
• Suburban Emergency Med Services in Palmer, PA
• Southeast Ohio EMS District, Gallipolis, OH
• Choctaw Health Center EMS, Choctaw, MS
• Tucson Fire Department, Tucson, AZ
The Transafe Ramp and Winch System is the only medically certified lifting unit that has compatibility with a variety of ambulances and patient cots. This tool has enabled EMS transport providers to combat the detrimental risks of bariatric transports as well as during transports of neo-natal incubators and/or balloon pump apparatus, etc.
Such efforts arose in response to statements made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the prevalence of obesity amongst adults in the U.S. As stated by the Center, more than one third of U.S. adults—more than 72 million people—and 16% of U.S. children are obese. Since 1980, obesity rates for adults have doubled and rates for children have tripled.
With such high obesity rates, emergency care providers must be prepared for the care and transport of overweight patients, whose transport in emergency situations often requires special precautions. The dignity of overweight patients must be preserved in situations where medics’ strength alone is not enough. Moreover, safety issues for both the patient and medics must be considered. As reported by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, almost one in two workers (47%) have sustained a back injury while performing EMS duties,” (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, 2005).
Transafe Systems, owned by Medpro US, works with EMS providers to secure safe bariatric transport through proper equipment and employee training. Rich Carlin of Transafe Systems says, “These companies are prime examples of top shelf EMS organizations that go the extra mile for their employees and all their patients. Matching our tools and technology with these companies’ commitments for safety will help build awareness of precautionary measures that result in a safer work environment for both medics and patients nationwide.”
For more information about Transafe Systems visit: www.transafesystems.com.