For the past year the town of Stonewall and surrounding areas have been fundraising for two Stryker Powered Ambulance Cot’s for local EMS. In July the campaign came to an end raising $45,000 for the purchase of both cots! South West District Palliative Care Inc. (SWDPC) purchased one stretcher in full and the remainder of the funds were raised by the community and through grants. These stretchers improve the patient experience during transport and also allow paramedics to lift patients in a safer manner.

Cristy Wallace, RNBN Stonewall & District Hospital and campaign lead is excited to see a dream become reality.

“The stretcher project is finally a reality. Our community is so generous and without their support towards this project it would not have been possible. A big thank you to everyone who helped or supported in any way towards our goal. Our EMS as well as the community will benefit greatly from your donations.”

Blair Milling, EMS manager says one of the biggest dangers paramedics face in their career is personal injury in patient handling.

“The power-lift stretchers utilize hydraulics to assist the paramedics in lifting patients as heavy as 700Lbs.  These new stretchers give paramedics the ability to perform their vital role with more confidence that they will transfer the patient safely from the scene to the care facility while reducing the risk of personal injury.  We are very grateful to all those involved in this generous effort. The support has been overwhelming, and the addition of these units will have a lasting impact for patient and Paramedic safety in our community for years to come.”

Interlake Eastern Health Foundation executive director, Pamela McCallum was thrilled to see the community come together and support such a great cause.

“It was fantastic to see staff and the community come together for the betterment of health in Stonewall. Working together with SWDPC and the community allowed us to accomplish our goal and I couldn’t be happier about the addition of the stretchers for both patients and staff.”

Our mission is to raise funds that support health care in the Interlake Eastern health region. For more information visit www.iehf.ca or contact Pamela McCallum, executive director of the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation at (204) 785-7044.

Photo: SWDPC Inc. members along with Stonewall EMS.