New ER Exam Tables are the goal of
Partners for Progress Year End Appeal

When you think of high tech medical equipment, the emergency room exam table isn’t likely the first thing that comes to mind, but ER tables have evolved from padded metal cots on wheels into very sophisticated tools to facilitate the comfort, safety, and care of the emergency patient. With this in mind, the Bridges Partners for Progress have made the acquisition of two top quality ER exam tables the goal of the 2009 Year End Appeal.

Bridges current ER tables are showing their age and lack several important features. The new ER exam tables will be Stryker M-series units. Stryker is one of the leading manufacturers of hospital and prehospital patient moving equipment and have long been innovators in the areas of patient and staff comfort and safety. The new tables will be wider and more comfortable than the current ones and will be able to safely bear up to 700 pounds. The Stryker units also have a wider range of table heights from 35 inches to as low as 21 inches. This will allow patients who are of short stature or who are in wheelchairs to transfer to the table without having to step up or be lifted. There are numerous positioning options at both the head and foot ends of the table to provide patient comfort and optimal positioning to meet medical needs or to accommodate medical procedures. Side rails that fold away without the risk of pinching the patient and a built-in transfer board for moving patients from an ambulance cot are other features that enhance patient comfort and safety.

To protect hospital staff from injury related to moving patients, the Stryker tables are equipped with a “Big Wheel” that reduces the force required to get the table rolling by 50% and steering effort by 60%.  There are also adjustable handles to prevent staff from having to bend over when moving the table in a low position. When a stationary position is desired, four steel rings lock the wheels into position.  For everybody’s safety, the tables are designed to be power washable and easily cleaned and disinfected. Options available include an integrated scale, defibrillator and equipment holders, and an adjustable serving tray.

“Through the 2008 Year End Appeal, we were able to purchase two hi-low clinic exam tables,” said Bridges Foundation Development Coordinator Shayla Henneberg. “Those tables are benefitting many and we hope these will do the same for the 1,000 or so ER patients Bridges sees every year.”

The Bridges Partners for Progress Year End Appeal will continue over the next few months. Anyone wishing to make a contribution can do so by contacting any committee member or by contacting Shayla Henneberg at Bridges Medical Center, 201 9th Street West, Ada, MN 56510. For more information call (218) 784-5256.