CORNWALL – The City is calling a new motorized lift system for Cornwall-SDG Paramedic Services ambulances a “game changer” for EMS workers.
The service showed off its new loading system Friday morning, which can pick up a patient on a stretcher and all the equipment, up to 320 kilograms (700 pounds).
It’s hoped the loading and unloading system will cut down on back and other injuries to paramedics.
The equipment doesn’t come cheaply though at $27,000 per ambulance. But Chief Bill Lister says the service will see “significant” savings by stopping at least one workplace injury.
Two ambulances have been outfitted with the units and the other 12 vehicles will be done over four years. The power-load system lasts about nine years.
Another change you’ll see to the two ambulances – there is now blue emergency lighting due to changes in the Highway Traffic Act. That upgrade is $600 per vehicle. Again, two vehicles were done with the other 12 to be done over four years.