Due to the growing number of morbidly obese patients that require transportation to area hospitals in Boston, ambulance services have been forced to modify one of its vehicles, MyFoxBoston.com reported.
Officials said the new vehicle for Boston Emergency Medical Services will include a hydraulic lift and a stretcher that can hold up to 800 pounds. The ambulance cost $12,000 to modify, and will be ready by the end of January.
The ambulance service reported it transports two to four patients to hospitals every week weighing more than 450 pounds, and in some cases patients weighing up to 700 pounds.
The company hopes the modified ambulance will help decrease the risk of injury for paramedics.
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