Bariatric ambulance

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Queensland Ambulance Service bariatric ambulance QAS Bariatric Ambulance.jpg
Queensland Ambulance Service bariatric ambulance

A bariatric ambulance is an ambulance vehicle modified to carry the severely obese. They have extra-wide interiors and carry "bariatric stretchers" and specialized lifting gear that is capable of carrying very large patients. [1] They are required as a result of the increasing prevalence of obesity in the general population. [2] [3] Currently, there is no standardized weight capacity for bariatric ambulances, and requirements may vary in populations according to epidemiological demand. However, they are typically designed to carry weights between 350 kg (770 lb) and up to at least 450 kg (990 lb). [4] [5]

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References

  1. Nick Triggle (3 February 2011). "Fat patients 'prompts ambulance fleet revamp'". BBC News. Retrieved 2024-05-21.
  2. "Ambulances adapted to cope with increasing number of obese patients". Daily Telegraph. 3 Feb 2011. Archived from the original on 6 February 2011. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
  3. Lauren Cox (July 1, 2009). "Who Should Pay for Obese Health Care?". ABC News. Retrieved 2012-08-06.
  4. "The Developing Science Of Bariatrics". sidhil.com. 17 July 2015. Archived from the original on 2018-01-26. Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  5. "Bariatric services". St John Ambulance. St John Ambulance. Retrieved 2014-10-25.[ dead link ]