As repetitive patient lifting remains a frequent cause of injury for paramedics, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is planning to implement new equipment this summer to make patient handling easier and reduce the number of injuries for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) workers.
In an announcement on the provincial government’s website on July 13, the health ministry stated that more than 350 of its ground ambulances will be equipped with mechanical lifts consisting of power stretchers and load systems. Each stretcher can lift up to 317 kilograms via a battery-powered hydraulic system, without any physical strain.
“Repetitive lifting is one of the leading causes of injuries to EMS practitioners,” said Darren Sandbeck, the EMS chief paramedic for AHS, in a press statement. “The new power stretchers and lift system will reduce the frequency of frontline crews having to physically lift patients in and out of ambulances, reducing the risk of injuries.”
The equipment, which will become standard for Alberta ground ambulances, is costing the government $20 million, AHS added. The price tag is reportedly a one-time investment coming out of the province’s existing budget.
AHS president and CEO Dr. Verna Yiu said in a statement that health and safety is one the ministry’s top priorities. “Every employee deserves to work in the safest environment possible, and it is our job to ensure that happens,” he added.
“Alberta paramedics dedicate their work every day to saving lives,” said Associate Health Minister Brandy Payne. “We want to make sure they can perform their jobs without risk of injury. Installing this new lift technology will mean a safer workplace for paramedics, by helping protect them from work-related physical strain.”
The government expects to finish installing the equipment by next spring.
AHS tested the power lifts in a 2015 pilot project, in which the equipment was installed in eight inter-facility transfer vehicles. Over the next 18 months, there were no lift-related injuries reported by employees assigned to the equipment. By contrast, there were 84 patient-handling injuries reported by staff using all other vehicles during the same period.
Health Sciences Association of Alberta president Mike Parker applauded the government’s move, calling it “a great start” in a statement.
“Our members work hard to help and heal patients,” said Parker. “Far too often, they become patients because of unnecessary injuries they suffer at work.”
Alberta paramedics typically perform about 30 patient lifts per workday, according to local media reports.