Bariatric Ambulances

Bariatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. At present 43% of men and 29% of women in the U.K. are overweight. 'Overweight' is defined as a 'body mass index' or BMI of greater than 27. Obese people have a body mass index of 30 or more.

Our bariatric service is designed to provide a safe and dignified transport solution to those whose weight, or condition require specialist transport.

The ambulances mirror Accident & Emergency or Non-Emergency Patient Transport type layouts with additional equipment, including an extra wide ramp capable of lifting and conveying 600kg utilising trolleys up to 3ft 6inches wide. An electric winch assists in the loading and unloading of trolleys.

We use a Ferno Megasus bariatric stretcher which is expandable to 39 inches wide, which can carry patients up to 50 stones in weight.

The equipment carried assists staff in the safe moving and transportation of the patient; in addition we supply an electric stairclimber, extra large spinal boards, motility transfer board and heavy duty patient turner, slide sheets, moving aids and portable lighting.

Anita Human, Managing Director for Human Touch says "It is imperative that we in a position to offer ambulance services to the whole community, and size should not be a barrier to patient care. The Independent Ambulance Sector is in an ideal position to offer this service and we need to be in a position to provide this level of service."

All of the staff working with this group of patients are given additional training. This includes understanding bariatric needs, CPR training on a bariatric patients, specialist moving and handling of the bariatric patient, risk assessments, and training on all equipment used.