Supersize Patients Starting to Outweigh Ambulance Service Provision

As obesity in the UK reaches epic proportions Ferno (UK) is leading the way with its range of bariatric products that cater for the needs of both the patient and medical staff. Front line staff have been experiencing and dealing with the effects of bariatrics for years but the issue was thrust into the spotlight recently with a BBC report on how ambulances were having to be adapted with wider ramps, new equipment and strengthened floors to accommodate the rise in obese patients (those with a BMI of 30 or over). National statistics reveal that there are: - 15 million obese people in UK today - The UK is the fattest nation in Europe - The number of weight loss operations has gone up 9 fold in the last 5yrs - £½ billion per annum is spent on obesity by the NHS - If the problem is ignored any longer it will break the NHS by 2040 Ferno (UK), one of the world's leading emergency equipment suppliers, spotted the rising obesity trend some years ago and adopted a partnership approach to the issue by setting up a working party with ambulance trusts and vehicle builders to drive the industry forward. By working hand in hand with ambulance builders, Ferno already shares best practice and opinions and has produced the next generation of fully integrated equipment. Ferno’s ambitious plans to develop the concept of how ambulance services administer bariatric transportation has already produced a full portfolio of bariatric products specifically designed for the ambulance service. Ferno has invested thousands of man hours over the years to develop and deliver its bariatric portfolio to market. The Harrier has been successfully used by West Midlands Ambulance Service since its inception and the Megasus, which can accommodate patients weighing up to 400kgs, was recently showcased in the Channel 4 documentary on the UK’s heaviest man, Paul Mason. Jon Ellis, MD of Ferno said: “Regardless of the media interest, our priority is always to establish a safe and successful bariatric care programme that can be rolled out across the NHS. We are confident we’re going to deliver this and strengthen our position as the UK’s No 1 bariatric product provider.”