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Paramedics utilize new technology to make calls safer for first responders, patients

As Nashville continues to grow and attract new neighbors, our first responders are busier than ever.
NFD new ambulances
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — As Nashville continues to grow and attract new neighbors, our first responders are busier than ever.

Already this year, the Nashville's Fire Departments ambulances have made more than 25,000 transports. In the past year, nine new ambulances were added to the fleet with some new equipment on board to make the job easier for EMTs and paramedics - as well as safer for patients.

That equipment includes motorized stretchers, which take care of a lot of the heavy lifting. NewsChannel 5 Anchor Carrie Sharp spoke with NFD Paramedic Evan Cox about how this new technology will help make calls more efficient.

"If you think about having to lift somebody that weighs 200 pounds three or four times just on a single call and you multiply that by 10,11, 12 - that's a lot of wear and tear on the body. It's a lot of risk to the body, and it's not been uncommon for people to suffer back injuries related to moving patients."

The ambulances are also now equipped with an electric stair chair, which makes carrying patients down stairways a lot easier.

Do you have more information about this story? You can email us at newsroom@newschannel5.com.

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The skies were closed on 9/11. A Nashville phone call helped save a baby’s life

September 11, 2001 is a day most associate with terror and tragedy. Austin Pollack shares a story from that day about hope and persistence: the effort to save a little girl’s life – with an organ donation. The problem? The young patient was in Houston, and her life-saving liver here in Nashville. With the grounding of all civilian aircraft, how could it be done? “Nobody ever said this isn’t possible.”

- Rhori Johnston