2010 EMS World Innovation Awards
Our top 20 product picks and innovations from the 2010 EMS World Expo
The Chameleon by EMSled
It is increasingly apparent that we, like the rest of the world, will be dealing with the issue of terrorism well into the foreseeable future. However, with that bad news comes the good news that we have increasing opportunities to work with our counterparts in the military, who, without question, drive most advances in trauma care. We can clearly benefit from their knowledge and technology advances, as will our patients if a combined military/civilian response is required for a large-scale casualty event.
An excellent example of a device with both military and civilian application is the Chameleon patient care movement system from EMSled. The Chameleon is a lightweight, collapsible mission adaptable rescue system (MARS) that allows multiple options for remote or rugged terrain use, as well as use on a paved street or sidewalk. This is due to its modular, configurable design features, providing a multi-role platform that allows a single rescuer to move a patient with limited fatigue.
The base unit weighs only 16 lbs. due to its construction from TIG welded, high-quality aluminum. It folds to a neat 26" x 18" x 5" for easy storage and transportability. All configurations utilize and attach to this basic unit. Add wheels, a foot stop, a front fold-away stand and a rapid extrication handle, and you have rapid extraction capabilities in a device that is easily maneuvered over snow, ice, sand... pretty much whatever. With a quick part change, you can connect it to a bicycle, greatly expanding the capabilities of bike medic teams when deployed to large public events. Another conversion allows you to add two wheels and use the Chameleon for transporting medical or rescue gear, or any cargo you might need to pack in or out from a scene.
If that's not enough, the Chameleon allows for spinal immobilization and is hoistable in either vertical or horizontal configurations. Bottom line, the Chameleon is an incredible combination of brilliant engineering and top-of-the-line craftsmanship. In my opinion, it is the most versatile piece of rescue equipment of its type I've ever seen.
Visit www.emsled.com; call 714/743-9262.
Mobility 1 Tracking System from EVS Ltd.
EVS is clearly on a mission to do its part in making work in the back of an ambulance safer. Since 1993, EVS Ltd. has created more safety seating products than anyone else in the EMS industry. Their unswerving commitment to invest in research and development and dynamic testing of their seating products has led them to introduce a remarkable product: the Mobility 1 Tracking System.
The Mobility 1 Tracking System starts with a state-of-the-art EVS seat, which is mounted on either a 48" or 36" track made of stainless steel or with a nickel finish. Both are easily cleaned of mud, blood and beer. Depending on need, the seat can be locked in 4" increments at any point on the track. The seat also features a new 8-position swivel base. Coupled together, you have 4 feet of right-to-left motion and the option of any of 8 points of pivot, giving you excellent access to equipment and your patient while remaining secured in a seated position. Even with the incredible versatility that the seat provides, there are some limitations for movement, most of which can be addressed by adding the optional EVS High-Mobility Restraint (HMR) System.
With the addition of the HMR System, you can stand and move around while wearing the safety harness, as it allows the straps to feed out. When the task has been completed, you can sit down and resecure in a matter of seconds.
As the EMS industry makes strides to create a safer work environment in the back of an ambulance, EVS is leading the way with its pioneering work as manifested in the Mobility 1 Tracking System. It is impressive, to say the least.
Visit www.evsltd.com; call 800/364-3218.
