PATIENTS in Worcester and Hereford are to benefit from new technology that helps paramedics to easily lift injured people ensuring they arrive at hospital as quickly as possible.

New state-of-the-art cushions will enable ambulance crews to lift weights of up to 70 stone from the floor, which will also see a reduction in the number of paramedics who suffer back injuries as a result of lifting heavy patients, say health officials.

Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service NHS Trust has just taken delivery of 31 Mangar Airflo Compressors and Elk Lifting Cushions - costing a total £30,000.

Sue Green, the service's health and safety co-ordinator, welcomed the news.

"Back injuries in ambulance personnel are a major cause of occupational ill health," she said.

"These cushions will help reduce the rate of injury and enable us to continue to operate an efficient service.

"The amount we have purchased means that every emergency vehicle will have one fitted.

"Staff will no longer have to wait for support in lifting fallen patients, thus resulting in patients being lifted and taken to hospital much quicker."

It is hoped more of the cushions would become accessible to a greater number of care and health organisations in the near future under a Department of Health initiative, she added.

"They are easily transported into people's homes and require minimal assistance from carers," said Ms Green.

"The result of more agencies taking responsibility will free up highly trained paramedics from being called to assist uninjured people who are unable to get up from the floor independently."