The Southfield Fire Department cuts Workers Compensation Costs

The Southfield Michigan Fire Department is reaping the rewards of investing in the ELK emergency lifting cushion to assist crews in the safe lifting of people who have fallen. Their workers compensation cost has been cut in half in the 3 years since they started using the ELK.

The Fire Department, which dealt with paramedic assessments before calling in a transport unit, reported 22 injuries resulting from lift assists carried out in 2002, and a subsequent compensation cost of $110,000.

In 2003 in an effort to reduce staff injuries and cut costs the Department invested $17,500 to deploy an emergency lifting cushion, The Elk, in all front line vehicles in 2003.

The Elk is standard equipment for both ambulance and first response teams throughout the UK. As a result, the numbers of lift-related injuries have been reduced dramatically. The Elk is a lightweight, portable, inflatable cushion that can be used anywhere, both indoors and outside, as it is operated by low air pressure using a battery powered compressor. It provides a stable, secure lift that can be operated by one person. It will also lift someone weighing up to 1,000 lbs - a key factor with the population getting heavier.

During 2005 the Southfield Fire Department became a patient transport service as well as undertaking medical assessments. As a result the number of lift assists by Department staff went up by 50%. Despite this, and largely due to the introduction of the Elk in 2003, Southfield Fire Department reported 18 injuries but a compensation cost of $55,000 for 2005. This figure is half that reported in 2002. A very sound return on investment!

Thanks to the Southfield Fire Department and Oak Pointe Medical Products, Troy, Michigan for their cooperation.

For further information on the Elk, email: info@mangarusa.com