A REAL EPIDEMIC – CURRENT SITUATION AND PROSPECTS
Completely overshadowed by COVID on all media, obesity hasn’t been at the centre of discussion for some time now. Nonetheless, it is of primary concern to emergency operators as it stays dramatically relevant, as shown by recent data by ISS. Deaths linked to obesity in Europe are estimated at 1,2 million per year. Obesity is directly or indirectly connected to a number of pathologies and is counted among the risk factors. The element of concern is that obesity is associated to modern lifestyle and constitutes an ever-growing phenomenon.
Obese/overweight adults
Death linked to obesity
Percentage of the total
THE GREATEST RISK? BEING UNEQUIPPED
Obese patients evidently represent a risk for the rescue team. High bodyweight implicates physical strain for carers, potential injury, and therefore requires appropriate equipment endurance and proper restraint. Given the rapid increase of obese individuals in wealthy communities (e.g. North America), it is of fundamental importance to be equipped and properly tend bariatric patients.
Characteristics of the medical devices
High load capacity from 250 to 350 kg
Correct sizing
Some devices are simply too small for patients with high body mass. You could have under-sized cuffs for a sphygmomanometer, a soft stretcher might be too small, and obviously the ambulance cot mattress surface might not be big enough.
Versatility
It is crucial to always have specific devices at hand on the ambulance, so that you can rely on them if needed. Especially when it comes to emergency, it is hard to predict whether you will have to tend a bariatric patient or not, and that’s the reason why you should carefully select versatile products that can suit any scenario.
