PRESS RELEASE

STRATFORD EMS UTV DEPLOYED

Contact: Michael A. Loiz

Phone: 203-385-4060

Monday, July 25, 2016

STRATFORD, CT –STRATFORD EMS UTV DEPLOYED – Stratford EMS’ new Polaris UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) was officially deployed in June of 2016.  Capable of moving patients from hard to reach areas to ambulances located at a forward operating area, the vehicle can accommodate a stretcher or “stokes” patient rescue/carrying basket.  It is equipped with a winch and has limited towing capabilities.  It can accommodate 2 front operators, as well as a caregiver and patient in the rear. The vehicle is part of SEMS Special Operations Division (SOD).

The unit was purchased for $14,000 through the Enterprise Fund (no taxpayer funds). When in use, the unit will typically be more than adequately staffed by two volunteers and can handle both basic and advanced life support(BLS/ALS).  The unit was purchased to address the varying environments that Stratford EMS operates in and in just the past month has already seen plenty of action.

During the Stratford Festival, it was used to move a patient through a crowded Main Street to the Ambulance area.  During the 2016 Stratford Fireworks, it moved a patient from the crowded beach area to the ambulance staging area.  During Blues on the Beach, it is being used in a similar manner.  SEMS typically covers 20-30 community events each year where the unit will be deployed.  The unit can also be deployed in an emergency upon request by public safety.

This device allows SEMS to get into tight, crowded or difficult terrain areas that would normally require an ambulance be parked some distance away from the patient.  The crew would then need to walk that distance with their gear creating potential delays to patient care. Carrying the patient and the gear back to the ambulance creates safety hazards for the crew and patient.

SEMS is now able to quickly get the crew and their gear close to the patient and then quickly move the patient to the ambulance with increased safety, limited delays due to the crowds and limited disruption to crowds at events.

“This vehicle provides increase capability and functionality to our fleet and is a wonderful enhancement to our abilities to provide high quality care to the residents of Stratford” said Mike Loiz, Director of EMS.

SEMS will be using the vehicle at most large Town events, for search and rescue on the beach and forest and during severe weather events.

About Stratford EMS

The Stratford Emergency Medical Service is the basic and advanced life support ambulance / EMS provider for the Town of Stratford.  Established in 1977, our mission is provide quality patient care and safe emergency transportation to the sick and injured.  SEMS operates with both paid and volunteer members, EMR through Paramedic level care and offers a fleet of six ambulances and three paramedic intercept vehicles. For more information, visit www.stratfordems.org

##