Bariatric Transport Service
Medical Services has a fleet of High Dependency Ambulances that have been specially converted and adapted to safely cater for heavier or bariatric patients.
In the past the Fire and Statutory Ambulance Services were used to transfer heavier patients which often meant a stressful and embarrassing experience for them. With Britain facing a growing obesity problem the transfer of heavier patients is becoming normalised and Medical Services has invested in vehicles, equipment and staff training to provide transport for larger patients up to 47 stone (300kg).
From the outside our vehicles look the same as any normal High Dependency Ambulance and our IHCS technicians are trained to convey patients with dignity, and in a safe, comfortable manner. The vehicles have special stretchers with mechanical lifts capable of safely lifting patients with reduced risk to the patient and crew.
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Ferno Megasus Stretcher
The Ferno Megasus Stretcher has additional wide inserts that allow for larger patients to be safely accommodated. The maximum safe handling weight of the stretcher is 47 stone (300 kg). The raising and lowering of the stretcher are all carried out hydraulically by a foot pump operation by the crew.
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Renault Master Low Floor O & H conversion
All of Medical Services’ Bariatric Ambulances are based upon the reliable Renault Master long wheelbase platform. As well as the CEN compliant design and stretcher securing locks, the vehicles are fitted with electric winches to pull wheelchairs and stretchers on board the vehicle with minimal risk to the crews.
The stretcher solidly locks into the vehicle using the CEN compliant fixings. The back rest of the stretcher can be adjusted to ensure that the patient is comfortable.
Extra wide bariatric wheelchair
The on-board purpose-built bariatric wheelchair is approximately one metre wide and has a safe operating load of up to 50 stone (318 kg). The floor area has Unwin tracking throughout to allow the safe securing of a patient to the chair and the chair to the vehicle during transit.
Pre journey risk assessment
On request Medical Services can initiate a home access risk assessment, normally before the patient’s first journey with us. This is particularly important when patients are being admitted or discharged to or from home premises where access may cause a risk to the patient or staff. Additional resources to allow safe handling of the patient can be utilised, in some cases deploying a four person crew to ensure the safe transfer of a patient.
