AMBULANCE crew who risk injuring their back when they take the strain of heavyweight patients have a new ally - a super cushion.
Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service Trust has bought £30,000 worth of special airflow compressors and lifting cushions to enable crew members to lift weights of up to 70 stones without injury.
Sue Green, health and safety co-ordinator for the Ambulance Trust, said back injuries were a major cause of ill health among crews.
"These cushions will help reduce the rate of injury and enable us to continue to operate an efficient service. Also, our staff will no longer have to wait for support to lift fallen patients."
A total of 31 cushions have been purchased to ensure one is fitted to each of the ambulances in the two counties.
Other care organisations, particularly those caring for older people who are prone to falls, are likely to have to purchase similar devices in the near future to meet Department of Health standards, she added.
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