Boston's Heavy Load Ambulance Debuts

[MA-Caver]

Specialized Ambulances created for the obese patients.

– Tue Jan 11, 4:56 pm ET BOSTON (Reuters Life!) – Boston emergency services debuted a specialized ambulance designed to carry obese patients on Tuesday, and the retrofitted vehicle was promptly needed on two calls, authorities said.
The ambulance is equipped with a special stretcher that can hold 850 pounds and a hydraulic lift with a 1,000 pound capacity, said Captain Jose Archila of Boston's Emergency Medical Services fleet.
The ambulance is likely to be needed two to four times a week, he said.
"We have seen a huge increase in the last six months," said Archila about the number of calls by obese patients.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110111/lf_nm_life/us_ambulance_obese

It's nice that they spent extra (tax) dollars to create a vehicle that will more easily transport heavier patients. This is of course providing the paramedics/firemen can get the patient to the stretcher and out the door... some cases some obese folks can't even get out of their own beds much less walk or even FIT through a standard size house/apartment doorway.
Likely to be needed 2-4 times a week. Sheesh.... hats off to the EMS having to deal with that and that often.


... and yes, I'm biting my tongue... hard!

 

[Carol]

You ain't kidding. On top of that...Mass. and New Hampshire have some of the lowest obesity rates in the nation. Can't imagine what its like down south where obesity rates are much higher.

 

[MA-Caver]

You ain't kidding. On top of that...Mass. and New Hampshire have some of the lowest obesity rates in the nation. Can't imagine what its like down south where obesity rates are much higher.

All that fried food and barb-b-que... mmm yeah.

 

[granfire]

Praise the Lord I had put my Iced Tea down and my Fired chicken....

:lfao: