February 2, 2017
Left to right: Tyson Kirkvold, EMS; Lions Club members Rufus Hurley and James Walker; Foundation members Bev Haag and Dianne Ball; and EMS Supervisor Ron Redelback.
Courtesy of the Oyen Echo
OYEN — Last fall when the Oyen Lion’s Club was preparing for its mailout campaign to solicit donations, Club officials approached the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation with an idea for an item they felt would be a good fit for the community.
The Lions suggested there may be a need for Oyen to have its own bariatric stretcher, because when a patient required one, it had to be sent for from either Brooks or Medicine Hat.
Two major manufacturers offered presentations in March, 2016 for Lions members, the Foundation board and EMS management. A decision was made to purchase a Stryker 6506 Power PRO XT Bariatric Stretcher, and the Lions were pleased to contribute $5,000 of the total $18,563 cost.
The stretcher - one of a kind for the South Zone – is capable of transporting a patient weighing up to 700 pounds. This versatile piece of equipment also works with the air ambulance program.
The O&DHCF is grateful to the Oyen Lions Club for this most generous donation. This is one example of how the O&DHCF welcomes the opportunity to partner with service groups and individuals enhancing health care in our communities.
