Just as the space shuttle revolutionized and simplified complex space travel and payload delivery to the International Space Station, the new Ferno iN∫X Integrated Patient Transport and Loading System, introduced to the EMS market this month, stands to revolutionize the way EMS crews secure, transfer and load patients in the field.
The Ferno iN∫X is much more than a normal ambulance stretcher. It’s a highly functional state-of-the-art patient transport platform that serves critical functions for the patient and the crews using it.
Developed by Ferno with significant feedback from EMS providers and industry leaders, the iN∫X resembles a sleek, high-performance vehicle that adjusts to the users’ many needs, lifting patients to the level of any ambulance patient compartment with minimal effort on the part of the EMS crew.
One key design element of the iN∫X is its complete transfer of weight to and from the stretcher’s unique frame to the ground or ambulance patient compartment floor, without placing stress or strain on the crew member’s body. This not only offers the patient smoother transit and enhanced comfort, but also significantly reduces the chance of provider back, shoulder, or extremity strain and/or injury.
The integrated loading system has no need for an extra mechanical system in the ambulance, so it won’t affect gross vehicle weight and allows for interoperability–it can easily be transferred to another ambulance when its primary ambulance is out of service.
Plus, the ability to independently raise and lower the front and rear legs of the iN∫X X-frame allows EMS personnel to reduce lifting over stairs, curbs and other obstacles. It also provides a chair mode for easy patient transfer whenever necessary.
Ferno President Joseph Bourgraf is quick to point out “the iN∫X was designed as a system, not a cot, to reduce the risk of injury, increase crew performance, and enhance the delivery of care to the myriad patients crews are being confronted with in the field.”
The iN∫X reflects a significant voice of the EMS community. Ferno took into account key issues and needs of EMTs, paramedics and EMS system administrators captured through numerous focus groups and observational studies. The company also relied on feedback from medical directors, ergonomists, industrial designers, educators, safety risk managers, operations managers and field crews.
EMS systems that beta tested the iN∫X are excited not only about the stretcher’s many advanced features, but also its ability to reduce EMS worker injuries and consequently save their agencies lost employee time and expertise, reducing unnecessary medical insurance and workers’ compensation claims.
Bourgraf says “the iN∫X represents Ferno’s commitment to the development of a “˜no-lift’ solution to the EMS industry and significantly reduce or eliminate injuries from lifting, lowering, loading and unloading patients.”
An integrated lighting system also provides EMS crews with better visibility in dark places, on highways and in other high-hazard areas. The white, side-surround lights illuminate the area on the side of the iN∫X and can be changed to flash between red and white.
Drive lights located on the actuators illuminate the area around the transport wheels.
The device is continuously charged in the cot fastener and eliminates the need for battery management. It does it for you.
The iN∫X has been designed to withstand dynamic crash events that are consistent with aggressive new standards being set in many countries.
For more information and a demonstration of the iN∫X, visit www.fernoems.com/inx, or register for a special JEMS webcast in May on www.jems.com. – A.J. Heightman, MPA, EMT-P
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Physio-Control & Sansio Join Forces
Industry leader Physio-Control and developer of cloud-based ePCR software Sansio entered into a merger agreement in January and announced plans to merge their product offerings and develop the next generation of integrated data tools for EMS and home healthcare customers.
In a press release, Physio-Control CEO Brian Webster said, “We envision a future with tighter integration between data systems and medical devices, the seamless movement of data between EMS, hospitals and the home, and system level analytics.”
