Now what

[ffemt8978]

Then they should be fired for failing to do a proper check of the ambulance. If the service does not provide a stair chair they need to find a new service.

Hmm, we didn't get our stair chairs until two years ago, and the private IFT I worked for did not have them at all. Last time I checked, they were not a requirement for an ambulance in WA state. I'm not even sure they're required on an ambulance in ANY state, but I don't know for sure.

 

[medic417]

Hmm, we didn't get our stair chairs until two years ago, and the private IFT I worked for did not have them at all. Last time I checked, they were not a requirement for an ambulance in WA state. I'm not even sure they're required on an ambulance in ANY state, but I don't know for sure.

Required or not they are a vital part of equipment and any 911 service w/o is lacking. IFT 's may have no need but 911 should as they can be used to move patients from places you could never get a cot, backboard, or scoop stretcher. Much safer than carrying patient. Not just for stairs but hallways with turns.

 

[AJ Hidell]

It seems like a few years ago there was a report of a sevice in another country basically doing away with backboards. They would use scoop stretcher to lift them onto the cot and then just secure them to the cot because they felt that if more comfortable they would move less thus creating less injury.

That's how it's done here

As it should be. Besides vehicle extrication, there are just few scenarios where I find a legitimate need for the backboard anymore. In fact, that has been my practice for around fifteen years.

About twenty years ago, I unfortunately got stuck with an "experienced" EMT-B partner for a shift. I sent him out to the ambulance specifically for a scoop stretcher. He came back with a backboard. I calmly reminded him that I asked for a scoop stretcher, not a backboard. His response was to loudly declare, "BACK INJURIES GO ON A BACKBOARD!" He was relieved of duty at the hospital and sent to the unemployment line.