Forrest General participates in Paraslyde Training

Members of Forrest General Staff receive hands on training with the Paraslyde device that will be implemented in transporting patients during emergency evacuations.

Forrest General Hospital recently received training on the new Paraslyde device by Paramed Systems Inc. This device will enable Forrest General to move patients more efficiently and more effectively to safer areas in case of an emergency evacuation.

Lieutenant Charlie Sims, Lieutenant-Operations/Public Safety, said,”FGH was well prepared for horizontal evacuation, but vertical evacuation would have been slow and cumbersome. With the Paraslyde system both vertical and horizontal evacuation can be performed quickly and efficiently.”

The Paraslyde device is similar to the sled commonly seen by mountain search and rescue rangers when transporting individuals across rough terrain or heavy snow. The Paraslyde process is quite simple. The patient is carefully placed on the flattened Paraslyde device. Once the patient is secured on the device, the Paraslyde is constructed to take the shape and form of a sled. The patient is then mobilized to the nearest emergency exit.

The Paraslyde device is able to transport patients quickly throughout all areas of the hospital. Its shape and form allows for patients to be mobilized up or down stairs in case of emergency.

“Approximately 100 train-the trainers went through the course and are responsible for instructing the rest of the employees in the hospital. Additionally, all new employees receive training on the Paraslyde in new employee orientation, and all employees will receive refresher training annually to ensure employees remain proficient in the use of the Paraslyde,” said Sims.