Connecticut Now Requiring Power Stetchers?

[N1Medic 69]

I heard a rumor that the State Of CT is now requiring power stretchers for all ambulances, not sure if electric up/down or powerload, or both. Anybody know?

[antiquefirelt 994]

8 minutes ago, N1Medic said:

I heard a rumor that the State Of CT is now requiring power stretchers for all ambulances, not sure if electric up/down or powerload, or both. Anybody know?

We recently took delivery of two buses and when we were speaking to ambulance dealers last fall they noted these would likely be the last ones that won't be required to have powerload systems. It appears that all the new regulatory entities (mandatory some places, not in others?) now require the load system? As I recall it's KKK, NFPA and maybe one other?

[sueg 77]

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have been working to develop new testing standards for ambulances and installed components based on actual and dynamic crash testing [they get to crash things and get paid for it ].  The results of these tests are intended to translate into the testing requirements established for restraints, seating, cot mounts and equipment.

 

These test results and criteria are housed with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).  This was determined to be the best location for these test practices so they could be externally referenced by various standards such as KKK-1822, NFPA 1917 etc.

 

Federal Specification KKK-1822-A Rev F change notice 8 was adopted July 1, 2015 after a open comment period from May 2014 to May 21, 2014 the GSA held that allowed interested parties to comment on draft vehicle standards that also allowed users to view standards' supporting documents.  You can see those at www.gsa.gov/vehiclestandards, and select the relevant year and Vehicle type (ambulances) and Get Document to view.  They had approved the K3 specification extension request to remain in effect until September 2015 to allow States and others time to implement the requirement.

 

GSA had submitted notice of annual revision to its Ambulance Design Standard (KKK 1822 F) which included a requirement for compliance with SAE J3027 for KKK compliant vehicles contracted for after July 1, 2014.  SAE J3027 (Ambulance Litter Integrity, Retention, and Patient Restraint) includes testing requirements for cot fastening systems based upon dynamic tests demonstrating crash forces of up to 23g.  J3027 is the result of scientific testing performed by NIOSH over the past 3-4 years.

 

3.11.6 Litter Fasteners and Anchorages, which is now in effect, states "A litter fastener assembly with quick release latch shall be furnished.  The installed littler fastener device(s) for wheeled cots shall meet the performance requirements of SAE J3027.  The litter fastener shall be installed according to the litter fastener manufacturer's directions.  ALL COTS AND INFANT TRANSPORTERS SHOULD ONLY BE USED WITH THE REQUIRED FASTENER ASSEMBLY AS PRESCRIBED BY THE COT/TRANSPORTER MANUFACTURER."

 

Ferno and Stryker have participated in testing with NIOSH and the Stryker Power Load and Ferno Stat Trac are (or were) the only cot mount systems currently available that will meet J3027.  Antler cot mounts will not meet the test requirements.  Older versions of the Stat Trac will also not meet the requirements to be transferred into the new ambulance.

 

This requirement will add significant increased cost to new ambulances in states that are strictly governed by KKK.  The cost for these cot/mount combined systems is $ 9,000-$ 40,000 per vehicle.

 

The Dealer Bulletin K3 Change Notice #6 (during the comment period) stated "The safety of EMS caregivers, their patients and the communities they serve is important to all of us.  All AMD Members and Manufacturers believe that science supports this change in the future and we support  this requirement.  However, it is important that all agencies across the country have time to plan for the implementation and fiscal impact for such a change.

 

Most states (30+) reference KKK as the ambulance design standard with some states (CT is one) requiring strict adherence."

 

Luckily for our service, our old Stryker manual lift stretcher finally broke last November and while we borrowed an extra Patterson one (Thank You, Patterson!!!!) our ACEMS did a lot of legwork, research, knocking on some resource doors, and we were able to get both the power stretchers and the power load systems for both ambulances by January/February 2016, and can transfer them into new ambulances down the line.  There was a noticeable cascade affect in the surrounding towns, and almost all of the surrounding towns now have some version of either the power stretcher or the power lift system by now.  Kinda afraid to leave our Stryker in the ER, there are so many similar ones in there at any one time it can get confusing.

 

Sorry about the wordiness and the delay in answering - had to do some research and old paperwork searches first.  Hope this helps.

 

PS:  It took me so long to write this at first, I timed out.  Hope it does not come over twice