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Wisconsin Hospitals Respond to Natural Disasters With Med Sled
APPLETON WI--With more and more healthcare facilities evaluating their disaster preparedness procedures, there is a growing demand for a cost-effective way to transport patients out of danger quickly, safely and easily.
During June and July of 2008, heavy storms caused rapid flooding and tornadoes throughout several Midwestern states, including Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota. The flooding claimed 13 lives and caused over 6 billion dollars in damages.
14 hospitals throughout the state of Wisconsin have implemented a new evacuation product called the 'Med Sled' as part of their disaster preparedness plans. The device requires minimal training by staff members and is significantly more efficient than sheet carry evacuation techniques.
For example, during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, one hospital needed 15 staff members and nearly two hours to evacuate an obese patient. The inadequacies and evacuation problems during Katrina have shed new light on the lack of preparation many hospitals have for these emergencies.
Whether it's a natural disaster such as a flood, a power failure causing the elevators to shut down, or even a terrorist attack, hospitals nationwide are conducting emergency response training drills and exercises to prepare for these types of scenarios.
According to Clifford Adkins, President of ARC Products, "Traditional methods of evacuating patients down an emergency stairwell like using bed sheets or simply trying to carry someone are both time consuming and dangerous. These methods can require a great deal of time, especially with obese patients. Because of its design and method, the Med Sled requires only two staff members and can safely evacuate a patient in 60 seconds per floor."
Similar evacuation products can cost hospitals and nursing homes upwards of $2,000 each and the Med Sled is cost-effective for many hospitals at $270.00 per unit. Appleton Medical Center, a 160-bed facility purchased 41 of the Med Sleds.
Since the Med Sled uses a 'roll and drag' method for moving patients, it requires no heavy lifting by hospital staff. For example, a 250-pound patient can be evacuated by a 120-pound person.
Founded in 2004, ARC Products is an innovative company that develops cost-effective products in support of disaster preparedness planning. The Med Sled offers a viable evacuation solution for hospitals, nursing homes, college campuses, government and corporate entities, military installations and any other facility or institution requiring emergency evacuation plans for non-ambulatory individuals. For more information about the Med Sled product, call 314-965-SLED (7533) or 866-207-5993 (toll-free); you can access complete product and order information on-line at www.medsled.com.
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