HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 - 05BA-068 - Replacement Ambulance CotsCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item No. 16
June 14, 2005
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Fire Department
Tim Riley, 644 -3101, triley @city.newport- beach.ca.us
SUBJECT: Purchase of Replacement Ambulance Cots for Use by Fire
Department Paramedics
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council approve the purchase of five Stryker Power -ProTm battery powered
ambulance cots for our paramedic units at an amount not to exceed $50,000.
Authorize budget amendment to transfer $25,000 from the General Fund Paramedic
Reserve to account 2340 -9300 to fund the balance of the purchase.
DISCUSSION:
We currently have six Stryker EZ -ProTm ambulance cots that were purchased in the FY
2001 budget. Within the last year, our manufacturer has made innovative improvements
to their newest line of ambulance cots. The Stryker Power -Pro TM features battery
powered hydraulic technology which reduces the amount of manual lifting expected of
our firefighters when transporting patients.
There is a significant increase in costs with the newer model. The Power -Pro TM will cost
approximately $9,116 per unit, whereas the cost of the EZ -Pro TM purchased in 2001
was approximately $2,920 per unit. It is our belief that the difference in cost is justified
and essential to help minimize the risk of firefighter back injuries. The Power -Pro TM
allows our personnel to raise and lower patients with the touch of a button.
According to the City's Risk Manager, in five of the last seven years we have had back
injury claims in the double digits. Though not specifically listed as ambulance cot
incidents, most of the back injury claims were related to patient lifting. For this seven
Purchase of Replacement Ambulance Cots
for Use by Fire Department Paramedics
June 14, 2005
Page 2
year period, the Fire Department compiled a total of 87 claims with an average claim of
$21,919. If approximately 85 — 90% of patient lifting on the job involves the use of an
ambulance cot, then the cost of five ambulance cots with the newer technology will have
paid for itself in far less than a year's time or the time it takes for three back injury
claims to be submitted.
Fifteen of our personnel were able to demo an actual Power -ProTm ambulance cot. All
fifteen reported positive feedback after repeated trials of loading and unloading the fully
weighted ambulance cot onto one of the department's paramedic vans. The new cots
will be utilized on the three first line and two reserve paramedic vans. The plan is to
purchase another ambulance cot to be available as a spare in the next fiscal year.
There is currently no other ambulance cot available on the market with the same
technology. In addition, since the manufacturer is the same as for our current
ambulance cots, the tracking mechanism that secures the cots during transport, will
already be compatible with the newer model. Also, Stryker will provide us with trade -in
credit for the older model cots.
Environmental Review:
This Staff Report has no requirement for Environmental Review.
Funding Availability:
It will cost approximately $50,000 with tax and shipping costs to purchase five units. We
currently have $25,000 in account 2340 -9300. The Administrative Services Director
recommends we fund the $25,000 balance from the General Fund Paramedic Reserve.
Alternatives:
Gradually replace the older ambulance cots with the newer model over time as the
budget permits and continue to risk back injuries until all older ambulance cots are
eventually replaced.
Prepared by:
&;t pL
Catherine Ord, EMS Manager
Submitted by:
4im Riley, ire hief
City of Newport Beach NO. BA- 068
BUDGET AMENDMENT
2004 -05 AMOUNT: 32s,000.00
EFFECT ON BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE:
Increase Revenue Estimates Increase in Budgetary Fund Balance
Iq Increase Expenditure Appropriations AND Decrease in Budgetary Fund Balance
Transfer Budget Appropriations X No effect on Budgetary Fund Balance
SOURCE:
from existing budget appropriations
from additional estimated revenues
PX from unappropriated fund balance
EXPLANATION:
This budget amendment is requested to provide for the following:
To increase expenditure appropriations from the Paramedic Program Reserve to purchase ambulance cots.
ACCOUNTING ENTRY:
BUDGETARY FUND BALANCE Amount
Fund Account Description Debit Credit
010 3732 General Fund - Paramedic Reserve $25,000.00
REVENUE ESTIMATES (3601)
Fund /Division Account
EXPENDITURE APPROPRIATIONS (3603)
Description
Signed: i
Financial Approval: Ad
Signed: ., ' x .
Signed:
City Manager
$25,000.00
Automak
Director Date
to
City Council Approval: City Clerk Date
Description
Division
Number
2340 Fire - EMS
Account
Number
9300 Equipment, NOC
Division
Number
Account
Number
Division
Number
Account
Number
Division
Number
Account
Number
Signed: i
Financial Approval: Ad
Signed: ., ' x .
Signed:
City Manager
$25,000.00
Automak
Director Date
to
City Council Approval: City Clerk Date