Stratford Times August 9, 2024 dz. Perth County council approves purchase of three power stretchers, completing paramedic-fleet- modernization project GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor A nearly four-year project aimed at modernizing the Perth County Paramedic Service fleet with power-load systems and power stretchers is almost complete after Perth County council approved the pur- chase of the final three power stretchers. Paramedic service deputy chief Tristan Barter presented a report on the purchase of three Stryker PowerPro stretchers to county councillors at their regular meet- ing Aug. 1. The purchase marks the end of a project that started in 2020 aimed at im- proving both patient outcomes and safety for front-line paramedics. “In 2020, paramedic services started a modernization of our fleet which includ- ed a power-load unit, which went into the back of the ambulance, and power-load stretchers to aid in the movement of pa- tients in transport,” Barter said. “ ... This investment modernizes our fleet and demonstrates our dedication to leveraging cutting-edge technology to improve emer- gency medical services in our communi- The Stryker PowerPRO stretcher, when integrated with the Stryker PowerLoad system, represents a significant advance- ment in patient-handling and ambu- lance-safety technology, Barter wrote in his report to council. The power stretcher is designed to enhance operational effi- ciency and patient-care delivery by using powered assistance for lifting and load- ing, thereby reducing the physical strain on paramedics during transfers. This technology ensures smoother and more controlled movements of patients, mini- mizing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries among health-care providers. The integration with the PowerLoad system further enhances these benefits by automating the ambulance loading and unloading process. This system uses a bat- tery powered lift to safely and effortlessly load stretchers into the ambulance, reduc- ing the potential for mishandling or drops during transfer. The PowerLoad system not only enhances patient safety but also reduces the time required for loading and unloading, enabling paramedics to focus more on patient care rather than manual handling tasks. While the purchase of the final three stretchers was budgeted for in the county’s 2024 capital budget at an estimated cost of $72,000, Barter told councillors that cost had increased by just over $8,000 to a lit- tle more than $80,000 — preferred pricing secured through a purchasing agreement between the manufacturer and Medavie Health Services, the organization that op- erates Perth-County’s paramedic service. Perth County Paramedic Service Chief the county’s capital medical equipment serve. 3 The Perth County Paramedic Service currently has 11 ambulances in its fleet, all of which are or will soon be equipped Mike Adair told councillors funds to cov- er the additional cost will be taken from STRATFORDIUS “1 know the paper is free, but can 1 get a subscription anyways?” Yes. We understand that some people might like the convenience of the Stratford Times arriving at their home (located near or far) through Canada Post, so we do have subscriptions available for this purpose. The price for a subscription is $52 plus gst = $54.60. with the power stretchers and power-load systems. To subscribe, please e-transfer granthavenmedia@gmail.com and include your full mailing address in the comments, or send a cheque with mailing address to Grant Haven Media, PO Box 2310, St. Marys, ON N4X 1A2. Tavistock RETIREMENT SALE NOW ON DOORS CLOSING SOON FURNITURE TAVISTOCK Furniture of “The Business Built With Satisfied Customers” ell known for pee TCRaeORE 519-655-2431 66 Woodstock St. North, Tavistock Monday — Friday 9 - 6 pm, Saturday 9-5 pm