Bariatric or obese patients can prove challenging for EMS providers.
Obesity rates have doubled since 1976, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are feeling the strain. While there are no national policies in place about transporting bariatric patients, most EMS companies have put some measures into effect.
Bariatric Equipment
Bariatric equipment is equipment that is specifically designed to transfer and lift people with morbid obesity. An example is the Stryker MX-PRO Bariatric Transport Cot, which has a 29-inch width and can support weights of up to 1,600 lbs.
Bariatric Ambulances
Most EMS providers own, or contract with companies that provide, bariatric ambulances. Bariatric ambulances are designed with wider bases, winch and pulley systems, specialized ramps and stronger suspension and air shocks. According to Best Practices in Emergency Services, a bariatric ambulance costs about $250,000.
Patient Dignity
Morbid obesity is a disease, and EMS companies are quick to remind providers to treat bariatric patients with the same respect they would treat any other type of patient.
