Jun 14, 2007 12:02 pm US/Central
New Ambulances Accommodate Obese Patients
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBS) ―
As America's waste line expands, so do the health care needs of obese patients. But, there is heavy weight help coming to local hospitals for overweight people.
"You wonder why we haven't seen it before," said Jason Sorrick, American Medical Response.
In addition to its regular ambulances, American Medical Response has had added ambulances designed to carry patients weighing up to 1,000 pounds.
Since the company added its vehicle, it's been going out on calls every week.
"Prior to this unit, the only type you had to transport somebody of obese size was a tarp as well as six to ten people having to lift them," said Sorrick.
In a traditional ambulance, patients would have to ride on the floor. Now, an over-sized gurney on the specialized ambulance can hold up to 10,00 pounds.
"The unit has made it incredibly easier, better and safer," said Martin Chavez, paramedic.
Chavez says patients he sees are incredibly grateful.
"Nobody wants to be on a tarp. Just that alone would make people not want to go," said Chavez.
"It gives them an opportunity to get from their home, which could be a prison for them, to get the care they need and be a more healthy individual," said Sorrick.
This company says the cost of transport runs about the same as a normal ambulance but Medical doesn't give back as much of the cost as a standard ambulance.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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