American Medical Response Implementing New Powered Stretchers

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In an effort to further improve patient care and reduce lifting injuries, American Medical Response (AMR) has started a nationwide initiative to replace its manual stretchers with state-of-the-art Stryker-PRO XT powered stretchers in every community it serves. Providing caregivers with this latest technology allows AMR to assure the highest quality of care coupled with improved patient and employee safety. The new stretchers have already been introduced in a number of AMR systems this year, including Las Vegas, Nev.; Seattle, Wash.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; San Joaquin County and Santa Clara County, Calif.; Arlington, Texas; and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. with an additional 284 stretchers to be deployed in 13 locations by year end or early in 2011. Current plans call for completion of implementation at all AMR operations within three years or sooner. "We are confident that patient and caregiver safety will be enhanced as a result of this implementation," said Ron Thackery, Senior Vice President of Professional Services for AMR.

The Stryker Power-PRO XT powered stretcher dramatically reduces strenuous lifting and the associated risk of back injury to EMTs and paramedics. The stretcher features a battery powered hydraulic system that raises and lowers the patient with the touch of a button. AMR worked closely with Stryker to develop the powered lifting system to assure improved patient safety. Manual lifting and lowering may create anxiety for some patients as the movement can be quick and create an uneasy feeling. Lifting and lowering a powered stretcher provides a smooth and consistent hydraulic movement, which reduces patient stress while increasing safety.

In addition, AMR is introducing the Stryker Stair-PRO for safer patient movement through tight quarters or up and down stairs. 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.

Mark Bruning, AMR's President, noted, "By moving to the use of this state-of-the-art equipment in all of our new and current systems, it is not only an important investment for our caregivers and patients, but clearly signals our company's on-going commitment to continue to use the very best equipment and technology available to deliver outstanding patient care in a safe and clinically sound manner."



Author:American Medical Response (AMR) Press Release