STRYKER Stretchers Placed In Service...

Anderson County Emergency Medical Services recently purchased eleven new Stryker Power-Pro cots. These are not your traditional ambulance stretchers! What sets these cots out from the others is "an innovative hydraulic system that raises and lowers the patient with the touch of a button." The system is powered by a 24 volt industrial grade DeWalt battery system and is rated to lift up to 700 lbs. In the event of a power failure, the cot also features a traditional manual release feature allowing it to operate as a "normal" stretcher. The stretchers were delivered with a full variety of additional features that include: IV poles, retractable head section with "catch all", a backrest storage pouch, equipment hook for EKG monitors, and rapid chargers with spare batteries for all stations. Not only will these stretchers deliver increased safety for our patients, they will also reduce the number of on the job back injuries associated with heavy lifting.

Additionally, new Stryker Stair-Pro stair chairs were purchased for all EMS units. A stair chair is a device that allows EMS crews to rapidly and safely remove patients from multi-level facilities such as office buildings or apartment complexes. These are typically used when a building or residence is simply too narrow to bring the stretcher inside or there are a large number of stairs to move the patient down. Stryker stair chairs are slightly different in that they feature a "tread" system that allows the operator to manuever the device down the stairs without needing to lift. Again, this significantly improves the safety of our patients while at the same time preventing on the job back injuries. More information on stryker products can be found by visiting their website linked here.