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“We’re very pleased that front-line paramedics were consulted in this redesign and even happier to see their recommendations result in improved designs and features." — Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President
Winnipeg (03 Sept. 2015) — On September 1, the Manitoba Government announced improvements to patient and paramedic safety by adding 52 replacement ambulances to the provincial fleet.
Manitoba improves safety in ambulances through redesign
The new ambulances have been redesigned to include
- safer seating for paramedics
- improved access to patient treatment equipment
- access to patient treatment equipment compartments from the exterior curbside of the ambulance to keep paramedics out of the line of traffic
- safer ways to secure onboard patient treatment equipment
- a liquid spring suspension that improves the vehicle’s ride and can lower the patient loading height.
MGEU/NUPGE members input reflected in redesign of ambulances
As a result of requests made by the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE), the province consulted paramedics and EMS experts in the redesign process to ensure that those who use the equipment on a daily basis have input into how to make their workplaces safer.
The result is a safer and easier-to-use ambulance, Michelle Gawronsky, MGEU President said, at the press conference.
“We’re very pleased that front-line paramedics were consulted in this redesign and even happier to see their recommendations result in improved designs and features,” says Gawronsky.
“They’re the experts. Paramedics use these vehicles day in, day out, so it only makes sense to get their feedback on how to improve them," she said.
The new ambulances will be delivered to EMS stations across the province, starting in August and estimated to be complete by January 2016. They will be located in all health regions of Manitoba:
- four in the northern region
- nine in southern Health – Santé Sud
- nine in Winnipeg
- 12 in Prairie Mountain Health
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 360,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE