Compared to other US occupations, paramedics and EMTs have an injury rate that the NCBI states is three times above the national average. Even under normal circumstances, emergency personnel are under a great deal of stress, both physically and mentally. 

But the times we find ourselves in are anything but normal. 

An extraordinary event like the COVID-19 pandemic places additional stress on EMTs, while stretching budgets and safety protocols thin. Due to this pressure, it’s more important than ever to ensure that emergency teams have access to transport solutions that can maintain — and exceed — the current safety measures under extreme circumstances.

Scenarios to be aware of

Emergency first responders can’t predict where and when an accident will occur. This means they have to be ready and equipped for a variety of terrains and locations, from the side of a multi-lane highway to the epicenter of a natural disaster such as a hurricane. 

Rough terrain: After a natural disaster such as a hurricane or an earthquake, the terrain can be uneven, strewn with debris and potentially dangerous to traverse. As speed and portability are of the essence to secure a patient to safety, evacuation equipment such as wheeled gurneys or wheelchairs are just not practical. Effective disaster response requires patient transport units that are quick to deploy, easy to carry or drag and strong enough to support multiple trips of getting patients to safety.

Stairways: Emergencies like bathroom injuries in multi-level homes or fires in high rise buildings with unusable elevators makes the stairways the only means of evacuating patients to safety. Often, these spaces can be narrow and difficult to navigate, which require deft skills on the first responder’s part and equipment that’s built to be maneuverable in tight spaces and strong enough to secure a patient in place for the descent (or ascent).

Active shooter incident: Mass shooting events with high casualties can stretch EMS teams to the breaking point. Response needs to be quick and decisive, with the primary goal of evacuating as many people as possible while putting as few emergency staff and civilians at risk. It’s a time of high anxiety that requires a flexible, portable carrier with low visibility to mitigate risks, able to be utilized by minimal personnel and has a robust construction for multiple evacuations.

MegaMover® Portable Transport Units

All of the MegaMover® portable transport units are created with the safety and wellbeing of both patient and first responder in mind. These compact transport units can help eliminate sprains and strains to EMTs and can be used to transport, transfer or rescue patients from areas that are inaccessible to stretchers. The nonwoven, latex-free construction is now available in several different models, some with PowerGrip® handles for added comfort and durability. These are:

MegaMover® Transport Unit: The original MegaMover® is constructed of nonwoven, latex-free material and can support up to 1,000 lbs. It features 14 handles, with the option of PowerGrips® for additional comfort and durability.

MegaMover® Transport Chair: Easy to store, transport and deploy, this single-use transport chair weighs just 10 oz and is ideal for use in limited space and when patients need to be in a seated position. It can transport up to 350 lbs, features 8 handles and can be rolled up to the size of a water bottle.

MegaMover® Tactical: Ideal for use in Tactical Active Shooter events, this lightweight transport unit can be worn on the responder’s back and weighs just 1.3 lbs to facilitate quick transport that’s easier on the first responder’s body. Manned by one or two emergency personnel, the MegaMover® Tactical can transport up to 500 lbs, with the gray color providing low visibility in dangerous situations where security is vital. Patients can be loaded from either direction and strapped with a buckle to secure them in place. Additional straps allow first responders to drag the transport unit from either end and can even be attached to the responder’s utility belt for hands-free extrication from hot or warm zones.

MegaMover® Disaster Response: This portable, lightweight transport unit has 10 handles and was developed specifically for disaster evacuation events and for teams of 2 to 8 first responders. It can transport up to 500 lbs, features an under-arm strap with a buckle for patient security and comes printed with “head” and “foot” placement guides to facilitate use by non-professional personnel under pressure.

Maximize efficiency with the cost-effective MegaMover® line

Developed to meet the specific needs of first responders, we are positive that you will find the MegaMover® product that will suit whichever emergency situation your team finds itself in. When time is of the essence and decisive action is called for, an emergency first responder team needs the equipment to back-up their resolve. You may find that you need at least one of each on all of your rigs.

To maximize your team’s efficiency, choose Graham Medical’s cost-effective MegaMover® line. You can experience the next generation in safe patient transport by requesting a MegaMover® sample here.