American Medical Response Installs New Powered Stretchers in Ambulances

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American Medical Response (AMR), which began a company-wide implementation of the Stryker Power PRO XT cots in November 2010, will significantly accelerate delivery across all operations. The rollout, initially planned for a 2-3 year timeframe, will be completed by the end of 2011—two years ahead of schedule. To date, AMR has delivered approximately one-third of its power stretcher upgrades, and preliminary data has shown better-than-expected reduction of cot-related lifting injuries and improved patient and caregiver satisfaction. In fact, AMR's decision to move more quickly was based upon its confidence that patient and caregiver safety will continue to improve with the Power PRO, and will ultimately lower lifting injury rates and operating costs.

According to Ron Thackery, SVP of Professional Services, "the powered stretcher dramatically reduces strenuous lifting and the associated risk of back injury to our EMTs and paramedics. The stretcher features a battery powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers the patient with the touch of a button. We worked closely with Stryker to develop the powered lifting system to assure improved patient safety." Thackery added, "Manual lifting and lowering may cause anxiety for some patients. Lifting and lowering a powered stretcher provides a smooth and consistent hydraulic movement, which reduces patient stress while increasing safety."

Mark Bruning, AMR President, said, "By dramatically accelerating our rollout schedule for this state-of-the-art equipment in all of our new and current systems, we are not only making an important investment for our caregivers and patients, but we are reaffirming our company's ongoing commitment to our communities to use the very best equipment and technology available in order to deliver outstanding patient care in a safe and clinically sound manner."

AMR is also introducing the Stryker Stair-PRO for safer patient movement through tight quarters or up and down stairs, primarily in its 9-1-1 contracts. The Stair-PRO glides down stairs without requiring lifting by a crew. Patients are tilted back into a safe seating position while the tracking feature of the chair safely controls the patient's movement.

American Medical Response Inc. (www.amr.net), America's leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 18,500 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals, with a fleet of 4,100 vehicles, transport more than three million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR, a subsidiary of Emergency Medical Services Corporation, is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo.



Author:American Medical Response (AMR) Press Release