As the size of Americans has grown, medical personnel have needed to adapt. Larger patients coming in more frequently can increase the risk of even more injury, if facilities aren’t equipped to handle them.
To that end, Janesville’s fire department is making ambulance upgrades to accommodate larger patients. Deputy Chief Gerry Luiting says it’s an effort to better manage patient care, and to also prevent injuries to EMS personnel from having to lift more weight when they move someone.
The bariatric ambulance initiative includes new equipment designed to make it easier to load and transport heavier patients. Luiting says it allows them to move large patients in a safer way.
The upgrades are expected to cost the city about $200,000.
The new equipment is scheduled to be installed within the next six months.