G.5.23 Stryker XT Power Pro Stretcher

PURPOSE

To outline standard and safe process for utilization of the Stryker Power XT Pro Stretcher
 

APPLICATION

• Paramedics
• Paramedic Superintendents

PROCEDURE 

Rationale for use

The Stryker Power Load XT Pro is a patient handling device designed for use by a minimum of (2) two trained operators in Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB ambulances. 

The Stryker Power Load XT Pro weights 125 lbs (67 Kg) is designed for an assisted Paramedic/ power lift and self-loading feature with a maximum weight capacity of 700 pounds (318 Kg). The maximum unassisted lift by the paramedics is of 500 lbs (227 Kg).  The maximum assisted Paramedic lift working load is 870 lbs (395 Kg) which includes the stretcher 125lbs (67 Kg) and equipment attached to the stretcher.

Description

Transporter feature includes the following:

Operating Guidelines

• Use the cot only as described in this manual.
• Read all labels and instructions on the cot before using the cot.
• Before first and every use, inspect the SMRT^_TM Pak housing and terminal area for cracks and/or damage. 
• Loading or unloading an occupied cot into the vehicle requires a minimum of two (2) trained operators. One of two operators can lift from the foot end of the cot. Stryker recommends that both operators are at the food end to reduce the load on each operator. If additional assistance is needed, see "using Additional Assistance" on page 51.
• Do not adjust, roll or load the cot into a vehicle without advising the patient. Stay with the patient and control the cot at all times.
• The cot can be transported in any position. Styrker recommends that the operators transport the patient in the lowest comfortable position to maneuver the cot.
• Only use the wheel locks engaged while transporting the cot. Failure to do so may cause wheel damage.
• Always use the restraint straps.
• Use properly trained helpers, when necessary, to control the cot.

WARNING

• Improper usage of the cot can cause injury to the patient or operator. Operate the cot only as described in this manual.
• Entanglement in powered cot mechanisms can cause serious injury. Operate the cot only when all persons are clear of the mechanisms.
• Inspect SMRT^_TM Pak for damage before every use.
• Practice changing height positions and loading the cot until operation of the product is fully understood. Improper use can cause injury.
• Do not allow untrained assistants to assist in the operation of the cot. Untrained technicians/assistants can cause injury to the patient or themselves.
• Ensure proper hand placement on hand grips.  Hands should be clear of red safety bar pivots while loading and unloading the cot or whenever changing height position of the cot with two or more operators.
• Do not ride on the base of the cot. Damage to the product could occur, resulting in injury to the patient or operator.
• Transporting the cot sideways can cause the cot to tip, resulting in possible damage to the product and/or injury to the paitent or operator.  Transporting the cot in a lowered position, head or food end first, minimizes the potential of a cot tip.  
• Grasping the cot improperly can casue injury.  Keep hands, fingers and feet away from moving parts. To avoid injury, use extreme caution when placing your hands and feet near the base tubes while raising and lowering the cot.
• Any emergency vehicle to be used with this cot must have the in-fastener shut-off system installed (if not using Power-LOAD) (see page 27).

CAUTION: Before operating the cot, clear any obstacles that may interfere and cause injury to the operator or patient.
 

Proper Lifting Techniques

When lifting the cot and patient, there are five basic guidelines to help you avoid injury:

• Keep your hands close to your body.
• Keep your back straight.
• Coordinate your movements with your partner and lift with your legs.
• Avoid twisting.
• Always operate the cot as described in this manual.
   

Procedure for Use

TRANSFERRING THE PATIENT TO THE COT

To transfer the patient to the cot:

1. Roll the cot to the patient.
2. Place the cot beside the patient and raise or lower the cot to the level of the patient.
3. Lower the siderails and open the restraint straps.
4. Transfer the patient to the cot using accepted EMS procedures.
5. Use all the restraint straps to secure the patiebnt to the cot (see page 60).
6. Adjust the backrest and foot rest as necessary.

Note: When transferring larger patients, use of the Transfer Flat (6005-001-001) is recommended.

WARNING

• Always use all restraint straps to secure the patient on the cot. An unrestrained patient may fall from the cot and be injured.
• Never leave a patient unattended on the cot or injury could result. Hold the cot securely while a patient is on the product.
• Never apply the optional wheel locks while a patient is on the cot. Tipping could occur if the cot i moved while the wheel lock is applied, resulting in injury to the patient or operator and/or damage to the cot.
• Siderails are not intended to serve as a patient restraint device. See page 60 for proper restraint strap usage. Failure to use the restraint straps properly could rsult in patient injury.
• Hydraulically raising or lowering the cot may temporarily affect electronic patient monitoring equipment. For best results, patient monitoring should be conducted when the cot is idle.

ROLLING THE COT

When rolling the cot:

• Make sure that all of the restraint straps are securely buckled around the patient (see page 60).
• Position an operator at the foot end and one at the head end of the cot at all times when rolling the cot with a patient on it.
• Approach door sills and/or other low obstacles squarely and lift eahc set of wheels over the obstacle separately.

WARNING

• High obstacles such as curbing, steps or rough terrain can cause the cot to tip, possibly causing injury to the patient or operator.
• If the cost is equipped with the optional kickstand, make sure the kickstand remains in the retracted position and does not engage during transport.
• Transporting the cot in lower positions reduces the potential of a cot tip. If possible, obtain additional assistance or take an alternate route.

For more detailed instructions, please refer to your user's manual located in the Cert'n system.

Cleaning

The stretcher is subject to scheduled preventative maintenance and cleaning following use. The stretcher should be cleaned in accordance with the Disinfection of Vehicle and Patient Care Equipment Policy and Procedure.
 

REFERENCE

Stryker Power Load XT- Pro Operations/Maintenance Manual

Ministry of Health - Provincial Equipment Standards Ver 3.6

Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB, Paramedic Services, Disinfecting of Vehicles and Patient Care Equipment Policy & Procedure.