EMSA is the first emergency medical service in the state to offer the HoverMatt® air transfer system to provide a seamless lateral transfer or repositioning of patients to minimize further injury of patients and stress on medics.
The HoverMatt® uses air to float the mattress, and the patient, from virtually any position so caregivers can safely transfer patients without lifting or straining. It meets legislative guidelines for safe patient handling and reduces skin shearing and bruising for the patient’s comfort and safety.
“We are very excited to have this new technology at our disposal,” said EMSA President, Stephen Williamson. “Patient safety is always our No. 1 concern and the HoverMatt® will greatly improve our ability to handle difficult patient positioning and weight with the greatest care.”
In addition to helping with the safe transfer process, the HoverMatt® allows medics to glide patients up or down stairs, through doorways and across uneven surfaces by shooting air from the bottom of the matt that helps support the weight of the matt and patient. The matt will be located on the bariatric unit.
“We are still in the preliminary stages of exploring the uses for this type of technology, but so far we are very pleased with the versatility and hope to be able to outfit the rest of the units with this or something similar,” said Williamson. “Our goal is always to stay at the forefront of new medical technology that allows EMSA to provide the greatest care for patients in our coverage area without sacrificing our fiduciary responsibility to those in our care.