Some high-tech rescue equipment could help prevent injuries to Marietta firefighters and save money for the city, according to Councilman Steve Thomas, D-3rd Ward, who chairs council's police and fire committee.
Thomas said plans for the fire department to obtain three ambulance power cots and three "stair chairs" were discussed during Thursday's police and fire committee meeting.
"This is very important, both for the community and for the city's finances," he said.
Marietta Fire Chief C.W. Durham said the cots and chairs are designed to make lifting and transporting patients a lot easier on rescue personnel.
"This equipment will make moving patients safer for firefighters and rescue workers, resulting in fewer injuries and less worker's compensation claims for the city," he said.
Thomas added that any time a firefighter is injured on the job and has to take time off, another firefighter has to work and be paid overtime to replace the injured man.
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"And it normally requires two crews to lift a 300- to 400-pound patient onto a cot and transport him to the hospital," Thomas said. "Using this new equipment they'll be able to do the same job with just one crew. So it will save manpower and taxpayer money in the long run."
Finance committee chairman Tom Vukovic, D-4th Ward, said the stair chairs cost around $4,900 each, and Durham will pay for two chairs out of departmental funds. But a rebate program currently in effect will allow the department to also purchase a third chair.
Vukovic said $36,000 would be appropriated from the city's capital improvement fund to purchase the three power cots.
"We're foregoing the planned replacement of an ambulance unit this year so the power cots can be purchased," he said.
Legislation for the purchase will be introduced during next week's regular council meeting.
