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Hart County EMS approved purchase of power-lift stretcher for new ambulance to reduce crew injuries
Summary
The Hart County Board of Commissioners approved the EMS director's request to purchase a powered stretcher/lift unit (approx. $31,000) to help crews lift patients into a new ambulance; commissioners discussed cost, retrofitting and worker-safety benefits and approved the purchase by unanimous vote.
The Hart County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve the EMS director's request to purchase a powered stretcher (power-lift stretcher) for a recently approved new ambulance.
EMS leadership told commissioners the unit helps lift patients into the back of the ambulance and reduces the risk of back injuries for crew members. The director said the device being requested "is running about 30 little shout 31,000" on the meeting record; commissioners discussed the cost and whether to buy additional units now or retrofit existing ambulances later.
Commissioners expressed concern that back injuries and workers'comp costs argue for more powered lifts on the fleet, but staff said retrofits are possible though pricey and a new ambulance already ordered includes space for the lift. By motion, the board approved the EMS purchase; the vote was 5-0.
The board did not commit to purchasing additional lifts at the meeting but discussed future replacements and retrofits as the fleet is modernized. Staff said they would finalize procurement and report back as the purchase is executed.
