New Glarus Area Emergency Medical Services spent this year's Thanksgiving week giving thanks to the community for donations that allowed it to buy new technology to keep their emergency medical personnel safer. 

NGAEMS used just over $22,000 in contributions to purchase a new "power lift" system that loads patients automatically into the ambulance, saving strain on the lower backs of emergency personnel who, until now, lifted hundreds of patients each year.  This technology, made by Stryker, helps reduce the prevalence of back injuries and pain which are too common in the emergency medical services (EMS) field. 

Across the U.S., more than half (62%) of all EMS back injuries result from lifting patients.  Sixty-five percent of all workers compensation claims for EMS are from back injuries.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, 27,000 EMS workers experience on the job injuries, with more than one in five of them a result of injuries to the lower back.  Each year, back injuries cost the U.S. economy nearly $50 billion in direct medical bills and lost revenue. 

New Glarus Area EMS thanks you for keeping our team healthier and safer to better help YOU in a time of emergency.  New Glarus Area EMS will be kicking off its annual holiday fundraiser in the coming days, so please keep an eye on the mail for your opportunity to help!