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Res 36-07RESOLUTION N0.3G-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING FUNDS FROM THE PALM BEACH COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES GRANT AWARD PROGRAM FOR FY 2007/2008. WHEREAS, the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department represents the emergency medical services interests of the City of Delray Beach; and WHEREAS, the Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department is requesting funding for FY 2007/2008 through the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services Grant Award program for the purchase of five (5) additional Stryker power assisted pneumatic patient stretchers. WHEREAS, the City of Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department is eligible to receive funds collected by the Office of Emergency Medical Services pursuant to Chapter 401.113, Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, the equipment to be purchased with these funds will enhance the City's overall emergency medical services operation and improve the delivery and level of emergency medical care provided to the citizens of and visitors to the City of Delray Beach and the entire Fire-Rescue service area; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Commission of the City of Delray Beach is supportive of this initiative to secure grant funds for this service enhancement; and Section 2. That the Mayor of the City of Dekay Beach is hereby authorized to execute all documents which are necessary to complete the request for funds from the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services Grant Award program. PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on this 19`~ day of June, 2007. .~ ~ . Q~ MAYOR ATTEST: ~ . ~~..,~ Ciry Clerk MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor and City Commissioners FROM: Kerry B. Koen, Fire Chief THROUGH: City Manager DATE: June 6, 2007 SUBJECT: Requested Resolution -Non-Matching Grant ITEM BEFORE COMMISSION Resolution of the City Commission indicating support of an application for an Annual Non-Matching Grant from Palm Beach County, Department of Emergency Medical Services. BACKGROUND The Fire-Rescue Department is submitting an application for an Annual Non-Matching Grant from Palm Beach County, Department of Emergency Medical Services to purchase five (5) Stryker Model 6500 Power-Pro Ambulance Patient Stretchers. Each unit costs $9,150.00 and they are to be purchased through Stryker EMS Equipment, the sole source vendor for this item. The total cost of these stretchers is estimated to be $46,340.00. The total price reflects the cost of the stretchers and accessories, and the trade-in of the older stretchers. FUNDING SOURCE N/A RECOMMENDATION Approve a resolution indicating the City's support of this application. [li4 OF DELRp4 BEp[H FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT sERViNG DEL~AV BEACH • ~~~. ;~ ~~ ~;; ~EAr~n HIGHLAND BEACH DELRAY BEACH All-America City ~1~-0 1993 zaol MEMORANDUM TO: David T. Harden, City Manager THRU: Kerry . Ko~ir`e Chief FROM: Danie~Con~~ivi~ n~- EMS DATE: June 6, 2007 SUBJECT: Requested Resolution -Non-Matching Grant Delray Beach Fire-Rescue will be applying for an annual, non-matching grant from Palm Beach County, Department of Emergency Medical Services for five (5) Stryker Model 6500 Power-PRO Ambulance Cots. This will allow Paramedics to improve both patient and personnel safety. Each unit will cost $9,150.00. They are sole source items provided by Stryker. In order to proceed with the grant application process, a Resolution of the City Commission is required indicating their support of the application. A similar Resolution will be sought from the Town of Gulf Stream and the Town of Highland Beach as our application will be made in the name and interest of all three communities. A draft Resolution is attached. DC/cls Attachments: 1 FIRE-RESCUE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS • 501 WEST ATLANTIC AVENUE •DELRAY BEACH. FLORIDA 33444-2555 (561) 243-7400 • FAX (561) 243-7461 Printed on Recycled Paper RESOLUTION N0.36-07 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING FUNDS FROM THE PALM BEACH COUNTY EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES GRANT AWARD PROGRAM FOR FY 2007/2008. WHEREAS, the Dekay Beach Fire-Rescue Department represents the emergency medical services interests of the City of Delray Beach; and WHEREAS, the Dekay Beach Fire-Rescue Department is requesting funding for FY 2007/2008 through the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services Grant Award program for the purchase of five (5) additional Stryker power assisted pneumatic patient stretchers. WHEREAS, the City of Dekay Beach Fire-Rescue Department is eligible to receive funds collected by the Office of Emergenry Medical Services pursuant to Chapter 401.113, Florida Statutes; and WHEREAS, the equipment to be purchased with these funds will enhance the City's overall emergency medical services operation and improve the delivery and level of emergency medical care provided to the citizens of and visitors to the City of Delray Beach and the entire Fire-Rescue service area; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Commission of the City of Dekay Beach is supportive of this initiative to secure grant funds for this service enhancement; and ec 'on 2. That the Mayor of the City of Delray Beach is hereby authorized to execute all documents which are necessary to complete the request for funds from the Palm Beach County Emergency Medical Services Grant Award program. PASSED AND ADOPTED in regular session on this 19`'' day of June, 2007. MAYOR ATTEST: City Clerk DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PALM BEACH COUNTY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION PRIMARY GRANT REQUEST Note: The total for all your primary requests must not be more than $50,000.00. 1. Organization: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department Authorized Official: Kerry B. Koen Title: Fire Chief Alternate Official: Danielle Connor Title: Division Chief Mailing Address: 501 W. Atlantic Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 Telephone: (561) 243-7410 FAX: (561) 243-7461 2. Authorized Contact Person: Danielle Connor Title: Division Chief of Emergency Medical Services Mailing Address: 501 W. Atlantic Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33444 Telephone: (561) 243-7440 FAX: (561) 243-7461 3. Agency's Legal Status: City/Municipality 4. First Responders: Please attach a copy of your Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a licensed provider. If you do not have a MOU, attach documentation that you made reasonable efforts to get one, that you cooperate with the provider, or that you requested but did not receive a response from the providers in your area. 5. Your Federal Tax ID Number: VF 59-6000308 6. Identify the EMS county plan goals this project will accomplish in whole or in part. A copy of the goals is attached to this application. 2D: Identify and EMS system to imp ~t new technology and procedures into the patient outcome. 7. Communications Projects: All grant applications which involve communications equipment and/or services, in total or in part, will be reviewed by the State of Florida Division of Information Technology. FINAL APPROVAL MUST BE OBTAINED PRIOR TO ANY PURCHASE COMMITMENT. Copy of approval from the State must be submitted to the County EMS Office with request for reimbursement. 1 PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department 8. Background: Describe your agency, its operations, and how it relates to other EMS agencies in your area. Also, .provide a description of your major resources including the number of employees, vehicles, and equipment. The Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department responds to all calls for assistance within the City of Delray Beach and contracted areas of the Town of Gulfstream and the Town of Highland Beach. These services include fire suppression, special operations, fire prevention and safety, CPR/AED training to the public, injury prevention, disaster response, and emergency medical services including ALS and BLS transportation. The Department began EMS service in the 1950's providing basic first aid, evolving into the paramedic level of service in 1979. Currently, we provide first response medical assessment and treatment at the advanced life support level and transportation to local hospitals including Stroke and Trauma Centers. Additionally, the Department employs mutual aid agreements with all neighboring agencies. The annual budget for Delray Beach Fire-Rescue is $21.273 million. DBFR has 154 full time employees. The Department operates six (6) paramedic rescue vehicles with three (3) in reserves for back-up and maintenance, all with cellular phone capabilities. Our remaining fleet consists of seven (7) Engines, three (3) Aerial Trucks, one (1) Brush Truck, one (1) Special Operations Truck, one (1} Tanker, two (2) Command Vehicles, two (2) Special Events Response Vehicles (BERN), one (1) Public Education Unit, twelve (12) staff cars for a total of thirty nine (39) units. Other resources are provided under an existing countywide mutual aid agreement. The suburban coverage area is 18 square miles for first due response. The jurisdiction is comprised of 58~ residential, 18~ commercial/industrial and 24~ wild land, undeveloped. The permanent resident population is 68,781. PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department 9. Grant History: Briefly describe your current and previous grant awards for the past three years. Explain how this application does not conflict or duplicate them. In the past three (3) years, Delray Beach Fire-Rescue has received grant awards that enhanced our medical equipment and response including Cardiac Enzyme Detectors, Capnography upgrade for our Zoll M Series Defibrillator/Monitors, and a new SERV unit with ALS package. This grant request does not conflict with these awards or any other prior requests. If necessary you may attach additional pages to complete sections 8 and PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department 10. Project Need Statement: Write a clear, concise statement describing the need(s) addressed by this project. This must include: 1) numeric data; 2; time frame for the data; 3) source of the data, and; 4) the involved target population and geographic area. DBFR has a duty to provide a safe and secure means to routinely or rapidly evacuate, relocate, or remove occupants, patients, or victims from a variety of locations and circumstances while reducing the potential for injury to the patient or personnel. This task should be accomplished with minimal personnel and effort whenever possible. Neck and back injuries occurring in EMS services are the leading cause of loss of the workers services, creating costly overtime hiring to fill injury vacancies, and the high cost of medical compensation claims and rehabilitative treatment. Most all of these injuries occur while removing, evacuating, relocating or transporting occupants and patients. Injuries to personnel are synonymous with the poor ergonomic equipment designs of the current equipment used in the field today. As a result of the difficulties encountered in maneuvering and negotiating obstructions, personnel are forced to utilize undesirable positions and methods for completing the task, which resulted in neck and back injuries. Exercise and lifting techniques are limited solutions to avoiding back injury because the medic must always be 100 perfect in lifting and lowering a patient in order to avoid strains, pains and injury. A Back Injury Prevention Guide, Feletto, M. Editors, Cal/OSHA, Apr. 2001, p 5. "Securing management commitment will be essential. Persuade the decision-makers in your organization by presenting the direct and indirect costs of the problem. Point out the injury reduction and cost-saving benefits. Keep in mind that the benefits of improved employee morale, patient comfort and better employee relations are not easily measured." The manufacturers of the devices used for patient relocation and removal are aware of this problem and have been developing equipment specifically designed to reduce or alleviate the potential for back and. neck injuries. New technology developed from extensive studies is now being made available that requires less personnel to operate and reduces the stresses and strains that contribute to injuries while removing, evacuating, relocating PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department or transporting occupants and patients rapidly, safely, securely and effectively. Fire-Rescue Services are currently faced with several problems with their existing removal and relocation equipment and injuries of their personnel and patients. Including: • Equipment is difficult to use due to the lack of ergonomic design considerations. • Personnel injuries resulting from improper operation and excessive efforts. • As workers age they gain valuable experience but their bodies become more susceptible to injuries. Ergonomics and Back Pain in Workplace, 1999-2003 Spine-health.com http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/ergo/ergo0l.html • Delayed transport times when a patient and/or personnel injury occurs. • Weight limitations. People are getting heavier. Up to 20$ heavier over the last 10 years . Obese adults in the U . S . use to make up only 11~ of the total population but today make up 27~ (Doubled by 2000). Centers for Disease Control, Body Mass Index, By State. Internet Website, http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/index.htm In 2005, DBFR units responded to 9632 EMS calls and transported 5,568 patients to medical facilities. This data provided by DBFR Dispatch CAD and EMS Patient Care Reports. During this timeframe, DBFR used a standard stretcher in five of its six rescue units. There are six ALS Licensed transport units within the DBFR fleet, and three reserve units. Data collected by DBFR training and EMS staff reflects that the average calls will cause a crew to raise and lower the stretcher 7 times. This in conjunction with the number of patients transported in F/Y 05 results in 38,976 times that the stretcher was raised and lowered during a call. Each one of these times is a risk for either the crew or the patient in being injured. Between 2002 and 2006, DBFR personnel incurred a total of 23 Workers Compensation claims to the neck, upper back, and/or lower back. The total of these claims was $58,205.24. Our goal is to reduce the number of times a crew member or patient is injured from stretcher operations. Our need is to engineer the PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department hazard out of the job by reducing the things lifted. Source, Occupational Health Management, 7: 9, pp. 101-104. 11. Project Outcome Statement: Write a concise quantifiable statement describing the degree to which the need(s) will be changed by the project. This must contain the same four characteristics as the need statement and indicate the evaluation methods used to measure the efficiency and/or effectiveness of the project's outcome. Our proposed solution is to replace the inventory of standard pneumatic stretchers on the licensed units with power assisted .pneumatic stretchers. Implementation of this equipment, will improve the ergonomic environment to the crew in raising and lowering the stretcher. This will reduce the likelihood of an injury to the patient or the employee. This will also reduce the amount of personnel needed to operate the device and subsequently speed up the transport process. Power assisted pneumatic stretchers provide a safer working environment for the crews on a transport unit. Due to the strenuous working environment that is placed on these workers, a safe ergonomic environment can not be provided at all times. With this equipment the crew can concentrate on the actual lifting and lowering the stretcher and maintaining balance while the power assist mechanism does the actual lowering and raising of the stretcher carriage. Because of a possible assist failure it will be the intention of DBFR to continue to provide training to all staff on the manual operation of this stretcher. With this program in place, review of the employee incident reports in regards to the injury, and realizing that we frequently operate in an uncontrollable atmosphere we believe the reduction in injuries will be at 90$. In addition to the improvement in both employee and patient safety the purchase of these new stretchers will provide a higher patient weight limit. At the present time the stretchers we have in use have a patient weight limit between 500 to 600 lbs. The new, power assisted pneumatic stretchers have a weight limit of 700 lbs. With the purchase of power assisted pneumatic stretchers, in- service training and implementation, DBFR feels confident that the number of employee and patient injuries will be reduced by 90~ over PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department a calendar year period. The effectiveness will be measured by a direct commitment from Risk Management on identifying those injuries that are a result of moving and handling a patient with a stretcher. This team approach will focus our efforts on recognizing the positive reduction in injuries. Accident reports, clinic admissions, and employee injury reports will assist in the documentation of the reduction. If the outcome results are what are expected, the data may be used to support further grant projects aimed at the reduction of injuries to other agencies expanding to a larger geographic area. 12. Major Activities and Time Frames: / If grant is awarded, you must follow your schedule. If, for some reason, the schedule cannot be followed, please advise the EMS Office of the activity change. Please indicate time frame as lst quarter, 2nd quarter, 3rd quarter, 4th quarter and fill in the year. First Quarter =October 1 through December 31 Second Quarter = January 1 through March 31 Third Quarter =April 1 through June 30 Fourth Quarter = July 1 through September 30 Activit Order power assisted pneumatic stretchers. Conduct in-service training and education on use, maintenance, and proper lifting and moving techniques. Implement new equipment into inventory and begin use Conduct field audits in conjunction with Risk Management to evaluate the reduction of patient and employee injuries. Time Frames First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION: Delray Beach Fire-Rescue Department 13. Budget: The applicant must submit a written price quote for each line item. For equipment include, the cost per item, quantity, and cite vendor information. For each type of position, include the pay per hour, number of hours, and cost of each benefit. For expenses, include unit costs (if rental, give the cost per square foot). Items/Quantities and Positions/FTEs Cost Per Unit Total (See Attachment A) Items/Quantities and Positions/FTEs Cast Per Unit Total (5) Mode16500 Power-Pro Ambulance Cot(s) 9,150.00 45,750.00 (5) 3 Stage IV Pole Patient Right 220.00 1,100.00 (5) Equipment Hook 36.00 180.00 (5) Backrest Storage Pouch 168.00 840.00 (5) Head End Flat Storage Pouch 78.00 390.00 (5) Foot End Oxygen Bottle Holder 116.00 580.00 (5) MX Pro Trade-in (500.00) (2,500.00) Total requested $46,340.00 PRIMARY EMS GRANT AWARD APPLICATION ORGANIZATION :DELRAY BEACH FIRE RESCUE 14. Medical Director's Approvals: These are required for all projects which involve professional education, medical equipment, or both. (1) Professional Education: All continuing education described in this application will be developed and conducted with my input and approval. Medical Director: Printed Name: Signature Date (2) Medical Equipment: I hereby affirm my authority and responsibility for the use of all medical equipment in this project. Medical Director: ~/~~,~~.~Fic~~~,_..-, Signature Printed Name: Randall L. Wolff M.D. Date 15. Resolution: A resolution from the Governing Board(s),i.e. City Commission, Town Council, Board of Directors, etc. is required once the Grant is awarded and before the purchase of any items. This resolution will certify that monies from the EMS County Grant Award will. (1) Improve and expand prehospital services in that coverage area. (2) Will not be used to supplant existing provider's budget allocation. (3) Meets the goals and objectives of the EMS County Grant Pian. 16. Certification: I, the undersigned official of the previously named entity, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, all information contained in this application and its attachments are true and correct. I understand my signature acknowledges that I will comply fully with the State Bureau of Emergency Medical Services' and Palm Beach County's Rules and Regulations governing the administration of the State of Florida Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for Counties. Authorized Official: 7, ----~ ture ,~~, ja Date Printed Name Kerry B. Koen Title Fire Chief Sales Proposal ~~~ Quotation Date: 04/21/07 Quote Number: QDB042307 SHIP TO ADDRESS: Delray Beach Fire Rescue 501 W Atlantic Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444 EMS Equipment Jeff Pounds Territory Manager 3800 E Centre Ave Portage, MI 49002 (800)669-4968 Ext 8940 Voicemai (fax) 407-264-8123 jell. poundsCcDstryker. com t: (561) 243-7440 f: (561) 243-7461 email: Connor@ci.delray-beach.fl.us 5 ea Model 6500 Power-Pro Ambulance Cot(s) List Price Unit Price Ext Sell $ 11,607.00 $ 9,150.00 $ 45,750.00 Standard Features Include: Singie adjustable wheel lock 700-Ib weight capacity Stryker's dual-speed power-lift system Integrated power and usage meter Integrated foot-end pull handle Positive action manual back-up system Single-hand capable, telescoping head section Backrest-mounted monitor hook User-adjustable load height presets X-frame guards Oversized wheels with sealed caster wheel bearings High visibility powder-coated frame Safety Hook Bolster Mattress Patient restraint package and in-service video 110V or 12V DeWalt Charger and tea 24V industrial-grade battery packs 2-year parts/labodtravel warranty on entire cot (1 year on all soft goods -mattress, restraints, pouches, and batteries) 3 years parts/labor/travel warranty on X-frame and limited powertrain components; all welds are warranted for 7 years Selected Options and Accessories 5 6500-215-000 3 Stage IV Pole Patient Right $ 273.00 $ 220.00 $ 1,100.00 5 6500-147-000 Equipment Hook $ 45.00 $ 36.00 $ 180.00 5 6500-130-000 Backrest Storage Pouch $ 205.00 $ 168.00 $ 840.00 5 6500-128-000 Head End Storage Flat $ 110.00 $ 78.00 $ 390.00 5 6500-140-000 Foot End Oxygen Bottle Holder (aftermarket) $ 146.00 $ 116.00 $ 580.00 5 Trade-in MX Pro's $ (500.00) $ (500.00) $ (2,500.00) $ 11,886.00 $ 9,268.00 $ 46,340.00 Proposal Total (Including Freight): $ 46,340.00 Pricing is valid through 09/30/07 TO PLACE AN ORDER. PLEASE FAX YOUR PURCHASE ORDER TO: Stryker -EMS Equipment, Attn: Jeff Pounds Office: 943 Elm Harbor Ct., Lake Mary, FL. 32746 Phone: 407-574-5503; Fax:407-264-8123 Include your billing/shipping addresses, desired delivery dates, signature and terms (net 30). THANK YOU! Order subject to approval by Stryker Corporation. Taxes will be invoiced as a separate item when applicable. Credk cannot ba allowed on returns of special or modified items. All approved retums will be accepted ONLY in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Proposals are effective 30 days from submirial. Receivin Contact Name: Receivin Phone Number: I.oadin Dock: YES NO Boxed Unboxed (Circle One) Dockhrs: Sates Re Po#: Comments: Jeff Pounds Territory Manager 3800 E. Centre Ave Portage, MI 49002 t: 407-574-5503 f. 407-264-8123 vm: 800-669-4968 ext. 8940 j ef£pounds@stryker.com MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD RE: Sole Source Information for Stryker Model 6500 Power-PRO Ambulance Cot EMS Equipment Stryker is the sole manufacturer of all Stryker products. This correspondence is to inform you of the unique characteristics found only in Stryker's Model 6500 Power-PRO Ambulance Cot. These characteristics can be broken down into three primary categories: Safety, Maintenance, and Ease of Use. Safe 1) The Stryker Model 6500 Power-Pro is the only powered ambulance cot that meets the following independent certifications: Underwriters Laboratories -This certifies that the product is safe to those who use it and the surroundings in which it exists. A powered medical device must have this certification in order to operate in a hospital environment. The Stryker Model 6500 Power-Pro is the only powered ambulance cot that is UL listed. IPX6 -This certifies that the cot's electrical, hydraulic, and other systems are rated to withstand high pressure water jets. IEC-60601 -This certification is a multi-stage certification process which states that the Power-Pro conforms to industry standards for electromagnetic medical equipment. Included in this process are Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). EMC allows the Power-Pro to enter hospitals without disturbing other electromagnetic devices such as heart monitors. EMI prevents our cot from being activated by external electromagnetic devices. 2) The Power-Pro is the only power-lift cot with a retractable head section. This feature allows the cot to be lowered to the ground in the shortened position without the risk of the head section injuring an operator or being damaged. 3) When unloading with the manual release handle, the cot utilizes hydraulic dampening. Thus, the cot will not abruptly jar the operator or the patient. 4) The cot has no litter-frame pinch points and thus facilitates atwo-person "shared load." This reduces risk of injury and eases cot loading. 5) The cot features the lightest 700-Ib capacity frame in the industry. Maintenance 1) The cot features afoot-end-mounted hourly usage meter. This is an easy tool to determine the timing of preventative maintenance checks. 2) The cot features powder-coating on the entire aluminum frame (including the patient handling surfaces), thus eliminating aluminum oxidation throughout the cot. Additionally, the powder-coated surface facilitates easier decontamination and prevents the carbon build-up that otherwise would rub onto the caregiver's uniform. 3) All caster bearings are sealed, eliminating timely and costly lubrication. 4) The cot is power washable and meets IPX6 pressure jet certification (see above). 5) The cot's battery source is a standard, non-custom battery (24V DeWalt) which can be purchased either through Stryker or numerous other sources. Ease of Use 1) The battery is placed at the foot end of the stretcher and is easily accessible in any situation. 2) The cot legs power-retract in 2.4 seconds, the fastest of any powered cot. This speeds load times and reduces operator fatigue. 3) The cot provides the highest potential load height cf any cot on the market at 36" and is operator- adjustable to match the deck height of individual rescues or ambulances. 4) The cot features the industry's only forward-folding, single-hand release, side rails, thus giving caregivers more space inside the transport vehicle. 5) The foot end of the cot provides lifting bars and operator controls at two different heights, thus providing optimum ergonomics to most operator heights. 6) The foot end of the cot contains a large battery indicator light which displays red or green depending on battery level. A warning is given by a flashing red light, allowing the operator time to change the battery. 7) The Model 6500 has 6" x 2" sealed bearing casters -the largest in the industry. This facilitates rolling over any surface with ease and reduces caregiver strain. 8) The Power-Pro features an integrated bumper system which reduces damage to walls and other obstacles when impacted. Please forward any further questions to the undersigned, Stryker's direct sales representative, at 904-287-0824. Sincerely, Jeffery Pounds Territory Manager, Stryker -EMS Equipment