By: Kate Jackman-Atkinson

myWestman.ca

After a recent presentation from local EMS personnel, Home Assistance Neepawa & District (HAND) is fundraising to purchase at least one stair chair. The stair chair is used to assist EMS staff move patients up and down stairs more easily and safely.

Genie Barnaby, seniors resource coordinator with HAND, explained they are hoping to purchase at least one Stryker Stair-Pro Chair. This chair's design has been proven to reduce the risk of injury and provide a greater ease of handling patients in stairways and other places where stretchers don't fit or manoeuvre easily. It includes tracks which provide a smooth ride on stairs for patients as well as a breaking system should one of the EMS personnel slip.

While Manitoba Health is responsible for stocking ambulances, Barnaby explains that a stair chair is considered to be non-essential and therefore must be obtained through donation money. The chairs cost between $2,500 and $3,000. There are two ambulances in the community that could accommodate a stair chair and Barnaby explains their aim is to purchase on chair “but two would be even better”.

To date, the Neepawa Drop-In Centre has donated $1,000 toward the purchase of a chair.  Service groups in the community have been approached and individuals can also donate. Barnaby explains that tax receipts are available for any donation over $10.