Some Manitoba paramedics will soon be using new power-assisted stretchers aimed at reducing injuries.
This morning, Health Minister Theresa Oswald, along with MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky and Southern Regional Health Authority CEO Kathy McPhail, unveiled a new pilot project in Winnipeg and the Southern RHA to test eight of the new stretchers.
“This pilot project will determine how the new power lift stretchers can help avoid paramedic injuries in the field, ensuring they can focus on delivering the exemplary life-saving care Manitoba families have come to expect,” Oswald said.
MGEU President, Michelle Gawronsky, says the day-in, day-out lifting of patients can take a toll on workers' backs and welcomes the move by the Province. “This pilot project sends a strong message to our paramedics that this government is aware of the issue involved and that concrete steps are being taken to ensure we’re doing the due diligence necessary, through projects like this, to address this serious workplace issue,” says Gawronsky.
A basic manual stretcher costs about $4,000 while a power assisted stretcher costs several thousand more, but if the project is successful, the stretchers may be used province-wide.
“It is important to ensure paramedics have equipment that allows them to provide the maximum care to patients and reduce personal injury,” said Kathy McPhail, CEO, Southern Regional Health Authority. “The impact of these enhancements will be felt on the front line leading to better health-care delivery and safer working conditions.”
Earlier this year, Manitoba Health announced a review of EMS delivery in Manitoba, which solicited ideas and feedback from those on the frontlines. As the union representing the majority of paramedics in Manitoba, the MGEU had been pushing for the review for two years.
This summer, the union conducted meetings in communities across the province where the MGEU represents paramedics in order to form the presentation for the EMS Review committee in September. One of the key elements of that presentation was a call to implement better technology to assist paramedics in the field.