Critical Advancements Made in Patient Transportation
A recent article by Shawna Whooley was released titled, “More than just a litter: Advances in patient transport.” As our world continues to advance technologically, so does the equipment for patient transportation, working hard to make ambulance transport smoother and more comfortable for patients.
Gurneys and Lifting Assistance
Gurneys and ambulance lift systems are used often when it comes to transporting patients. The cot that was previously used in ambulances as now been replaced by a more advanced system called iN∫X™. This gurney makes it easier for first responders, as it has various power operated movement options as well as 360 degree lighting which comes in handy at night. Lifts in the ambulance help when it comes to loading patients. Ambulances are now typically equipped with The Mac Ambulance Lift™ which can hold up to 1,000 pounds.
Ambulance Safety
Part of the advancement in patient transportation is creating an ambulance environment that is safer for everyone onboard. One advancement is the restraint systems for patients and emergency medical providers, some ambulances even contain mobile restraint harnesses allowing EMS technicians to stand up during transport.
Ambulance Frame
One thing that helps when it comes to transport is the ambulance suspension – decreasing the roughness and bumps during transportation makes for an easier transport. There are two types of suspension systems, MOR/ryde™ and The Hydraulic Liquid Spring™ which both make transport a smoother ride.
Telemedicine
Telemedicine is still new and not used in all ambulances, but it’s a great system designed for real-time communication, allowing emergency physicians to see and communicate with the patient before arriving at the hospital. “Telemedicine devices, such as the LifeBot ™, allow for in-ambulance video and audio communication, data transmission, patient data recording, and other integrated features. The addition of telemedicine applications to patient transport could potentially streamline decision making and expedite care for critical or atypical patients.”
Pediatric and Bariatric Patients
Since gurneys are created for adults, transporting pediatric can be quite difficult, but in the near future, standard ambulances will be better equipped to transport infants and children safely. Another challenge when it comes to transportation is patients who are obese. There have been advances in equipment for bariatric patients to make transport more comfortable such as the Bariatric Sked™ Stretcher which is similar to a plastic sled that slides easily across most surfaces, and allows patients to remain on the sled once lifted onto a bariatric gurney.
