City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date:  June 20, 2006

Item No.:        

Recommendation:  That the Common Council approve the purchase of two power stretchers from Stryker EMS Equipment for $17,604.00.

Background:  In the 2006 CIP, the department received approval for the purchase of two ambulances.  The ambulances replaced two existing ambulances in the fire department’s fleet.  With the purchase of the new ambulances, it was anticipated that two stretchers would have to be purchased to replace older equipment used on the previous ambulances.

The new stretchers are identical in specification and operation to the stretcher on Med-12.  The stretchers include a battery powered motorized lift which provides a safe controlled lift and descent for patients.  It also will reduce the possibility of lifting injuries to our staff and the resulting worker’s compensation and overtime costs.

We have been working with Cities and Villages Mutual Insurance Company (CVMIC) to identify the benefit of utilizing power-assisted lifting equipment to minimize employee injury potential.  One of CVMIC’s loss prevention representatives has inspected the power cot and has identified that the power cot is designed to prevent lifting injuries.

Med-12’s power cot has been in service for more than seven months.  In 2006, there have been no lifting injuries associated with its operation.  Prior to the power cot, six injuries were identified as lifting injuries on emergency medical service incidents.  With this purchase, power cots would be available on three out of four Oak Creek front-line ambulances.

The purchase of these units as a group reduces their price by $2,000.00.

Fiscal Impact:  The funds for this purchase are contained in the 2005 Ambulance CIP 05-010 and the 2006 Ambulance CIP 06025.

Prepared by: Joseph Pulvermacher Captain	Respectfully submitted, Patrick DeGrave City Administrator
Approved by: Brian M. Satula Fire Chief	Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk