"Antiques Roadshow," a PBS program produced by WGBH in Boston, has contracted with Boothbay Region Ambulance Service to provide 27 hours of paramedic coverage during their June 17 and 18 filming at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. During the BRAS directors' May 19 meeting, Chief Dan Gardner reported the deal includes one ambulance stationed on-site during the 27 hours of filming. BRAS will receive $10,152 or $376 per hour, according to Gardner.

In other action, the ambulance service is using a Maine EMS grant to purchase a stretcher for one of the new ambulances. The stretcher is a high-tech model with advanced safety features. The cost is $46,299.95. A Maine EMS grant pays $24,913.09 leaving the ambulance service paying $21,386.

After the meeting, Gardner explained why the stretcher is so expensive and important to their work. "The design is based on feedback from EMS agencies all over the country. It provided insight into ease of use, ergonomics, safety issues, and employee and patient injuries that occured while using the equipment. That feedback, along with manufacturer engineering ideas, are compiled to design the new stretchers that we see today," he said. 

Gardner also compared older and newer models. Newly designed stretchers are battery-powered which eliminates all lifting. There is an override feature for when the battery fails. A spare battery is carried in the ambulances. "The stretcher can lift up to 700 pounds with the push of a button. It also works in conjunction with a Power Load system that is fixed into the back of the ambulance," he said.

Gardner further explained the stretcher is positioned in the ambulance's rear and, again, with the push of a button, the stretcher is moved into the back on tracks, and locks in. Gardner's explanation included how the new technology benefits EMS staff. "Previously, EMS staff would have to bend down in many situations to navigate the stretcher in a home. This has now been eliminated utilizing extending handles," he said.

A light illuminates areas which helps reduce staff trips and falls in a home's dark areas. Other important design changes allow the  stretcher to function more safely while treating patients. "For instance, elevating a patient's lower extremities to treat for shock is now more comfortable for the patient without compromising essential medical treatments," Gardner said.

Conversely, older stretchers are not powered, requiring users to operate it manually. Lifting a stretcher and patient into the ambulance created stress on the user's knees and legs.

Gardner added, every Lincoln County EMS agency uses the new stretchers. He also provided an overall cost breakdown: stretcher, $36,619.70; battery, $709.30; chargers, $1,131.20; charger power cord, $25.90; annual service plan, $7,197; and shipping, $535.65. 

Directors entered into executive session to discuss legal rights or duties of the organization. Prior to the executive session, the Boothbay Register asked if directors would take action regarding the town of Boothbay Harbor reducing its annual payment by $20,000 at the May 3 town meeting. "We are still reviewing our options internally. We have had no conversation with the town," Board President Rob Ham said.