Narberth Ambulance Gets New High-Tech Stretchers

EMT responders carry a lot of weight on their shoulders. They are the men and women who make sure we are safe before doctors and nurses take over to continue care. So endless to day, EMTs need the best tools and resources possible.

Narberth Ambulance just made carrying that weight a bit easier for themselves.

The emergency medical services provide just received seven brand new battery-powered stretchers that will make caring for patients much easier.

"We had non the powered stretchers for about 10 years," Narberth Ambulance Deputy Chief and acting Executive Direct Albert Davey said. "The powered stretchers came out about 5 years ago and are quite expensive; about $15,000 a piece."

With the ambulance service sporting seven ambulances, buying seven stretchers at about $15,000 each is no easy task due to much of the service's funding coming from fund drives and donations.

Luckily, Davey said after submitting applications for two years, the 501(c)(3) non profit company received an Assistant to Firefighters Grant which helped them finally buy the stretchers.

"For us it's a long time coming," he said. Davey said getting the new devices is a testament to the company's Board of Directors and Executive Director Patrick Doyle.

"They are everything you want a stretcher to do," he said of the Stryker brand power stretchers, which are powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery packs.

Davey went on to say one of the most common injuries they see in members of the company are back in juries, which can be caused by lifting heavy patients.

"Sometimes you're dead lifting a heavy patient," Davey said, which can cause injuries in EMTs. "These stretchers can lift 700 lbs."

He said the stretchers are controlled by a single operator who can lower or raise the stretcher to desired heights with the push of a button.

"They're a durable product, too," Davey said. He went on to say the manual stretchers lasted the company about 10 years and is hoping the power stretchers can outlive their predecessors.

The company will also be expanding its service area come November, he said.

As of Nov. 1, Haverford will be included in the company's service area. Davey said Haverford's two ambulances are already equipped with powered stretchers.

Visit Narberth Ambulance's website for more information on the company, including how to volunteer and donate.

Image via Narberth Ambulance Facebook