CNBNews

GTEMS Bariatric 80 will be utilizing a system that allows us to convert an ambulance into a Bariatric Unit in 3 to 5 minutes. Currently, two of our ambulances are equipped with the mounts to accommodate the bariatric equipment, but we plan in the future as time and funding allows to outfit all 7 of our modular/box ambulances with these mounts. The Bariatric System we are utilizing is from a company called RX Fabrications that includes a set of ramps and a winch to help load the cot with a patient with no lifting. The ramps and winch are rated for a load capacity of 1400 LBS. We are utilizing a Ferno PowerFlexx Cot that has an electric /hydraulic operated motor capable of lifting 700 LBS. This same cot can transport a patient in the down positing weighing 1000 LBs. The bariatric cot is retrofitted with a Large Body Surface Area or LBS to accommodate a patient width of 34” plus.  

Additionally, we have obtained a Bariatric SKED, Bariatric Reeves and a Bariatric Mega mover to assist with moving patients out of homes and down stairs when the ambulance stretcher cannot access the patient. This additional bariatric patient moving equipment is designed to slide vs. lift a bariatric patient. We will be working with our township fire departments to develop processes to best move bariatric patients with this equipment downstairs utilizing ropes and mechanical advantages rather than lifting. Most residential staircases cannot safely handle the weight capacity of a bariatric patient plus the additional weight of six to eight people carrying them. So we will need to work together and drill together to determine the safest way to move bariatric patients down residential staircases with this new equipment. 

This bariatric transport equipment will allow us to safely, comfortably, and efficiently transport bariatric patients weighing between 300 and 1000 LBS with dignity to area hospitals.

Bariatric patients are becoming increasingly common. 1 in 80 men weigh more than 300 lbs., which is a 50% jump between 1996 and 2000. Not only are men affected, but one in every 200 women weighs more than 300 lbs.; a 67% increase. With this increase in the bariatric population, it is important that EMT's, bariatric patients, and relatives of the bariatric patient understand proper moving techniques. If a person improperly moves a bariatric patient, they put themselves at an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. Also, the bariatric patient may be uncomfortable, both emotionally and physically, with improper moving techniques.

The wider waistlines that weigh down the average American translate to increased costs and challenges for caregivers that treat severely overweight patients. Many facilities find standard equipment ill-suited to address the transportation needs of bariatric patients, and increasingly, caregivers are being injured on the job when moving obese patients. Nearly 40 million American adults -- a full 22.3 percent of the population -- can be classified as obese, according the National Institute of Health. Of those, 16.8 million are men, and 23 percent are women. The prevalence of obesity has increased 61 percent between 1991 and 2000.

Gloucester Township Emergency Medical Services is a 501c3 non-profit EMS Agency that supplies basic life support ambulance service to Gloucester Township. The department is composed of 47 EMTs that respond from the Glendora Rescue Squad Building and The Lambs Terrace Fire Station. The GTEMS Administration Offices are located at 109 N. Black Horse Pike, Suite 5D, Blackwood. Gloucester Township EMS fleet consists of eight ambulances, and two first responder/command vehicles. Two ambulances and an EMS Duty Chief/First Responder Vehicle are staffed 24/7 and an additional Power Shift ambulance is staffed daily 10am to 10pm to serve the township. Gloucester Township Emergency Medical Services is the third busiest basic life support ambulance agency in Camden County responding to over 7600 incidents transporting over 4800 patients to area hospitals annually.

source press release