Super-size equipment helps D.C. area EMTs move the obese
By Mary Pat Flaherty, Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, February 8, 2010
Local paramedics and firefighters don't need to follow television shows about a half-ton teen or biggest losers to track the obesity trend.
They carry that knowledge with them.
Calls for patients weighing 350 pounds come daily in the District. A patient between 400 pounds and 600 pounds is part of every workweek for many crews throughout the region. Patients topping 600 pounds are transported by emergency teams every few months.
Girth is a separate challenge.
"I think everyone has struggled with this issue, and technology is just now coming to grips with it," said Fairfax Deputy Fire Chief Christine Louder.
Across the Washington region and the country, departments have been adapting steadily to plus-size patients. They have added specialty equipment and training to reduce their back injuries and avoid the spectacle of moving a person on planks, tarps or the floor of an ambulance.
Full text: http://tinyurl.com/bigambustuff
By Mary Pat Flaherty, Washington Post Staff Writer Monday, February 8, 2010
Local paramedics and firefighters don't need to follow television shows about a half-ton teen or biggest losers to track the obesity trend.
They carry that knowledge with them.
Calls for patients weighing 350 pounds come daily in the District. A patient between 400 pounds and 600 pounds is part of every workweek for many crews throughout the region. Patients topping 600 pounds are transported by emergency teams every few months.
Girth is a separate challenge.
"I think everyone has struggled with this issue, and technology is just now coming to grips with it," said Fairfax Deputy Fire Chief Christine Louder.
Across the Washington region and the country, departments have been adapting steadily to plus-size patients. They have added specialty equipment and training to reduce their back injuries and avoid the spectacle of moving a person on planks, tarps or the floor of an ambulance.
Full text: http://tinyurl.com/bigambustuff
