TITLE
title
APPROVE PURCHASE OF STRYKER TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT
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SPONSOR
sponsor
Jim Albright/Fran Cameron
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BACKGROUND
background
On an annual basis, Emergency Services includes replacement of durable medical equipment on the capital replacement plan included in the annual budget process. This year the priority is for: Sixteen (16) stair chairs, ten (10) power pro 2 stretchers, thirteen (13) power load stretcher mounts, and accessories, and one (1) powered stair chair for use at special events. Emergency Services does maintain a robust preventative maintenance program on all Stryker equipment, which has allowed all equipment to exceed its anticipated lifespan with its frequent use in an exceptionally busy urban EMS system.
Emergency Services has an entire fleet of Stryker stretchers for use on ambulances. The federal standards require that ambulance cots and their fastening systems meet specific standards, and are not interchangeable between manufacturers (Society of Automotive Engineers SAE standards J3027). Emergency Services uses the Stryker Performance Plus and Power Load mount in all units, and the purchased stretchers are compatible with those devices. Stryker has provided their sole source documentation and Emergency Services has vetted this with the Purchasing Department. The anticipated useful life of these devices is approximately seven (7) years per the manufacturer, and documentation is attached.
As part of the annual purchase, the department is requesting to purchase thirteen (13) Power Load stretcher mounts ($31,290.16 each). These mounts assist with loading the stretchers in the ambulances and are quickly becoming the standard for the industry. Due to the costs of conversion, the department is implementing a multi-year conversion of mounts, with three (3) purchased in FY24 and bringing the county to a total of 16 with this purchase. Also included is the annual purchase of ten (10) PowerPro2 stretchers at a price of $35,433.64 each. Adding SEM (Smart Equipment Management) which allows the cots to be connected to the LIFENET care portal with other critical equipment like monitors and Lucas devices. It allows online access to stretcher location, reports any issues to ProCare, and shows a number of performance metrics, including battery life, number of lifts, hours of use, etc.
The Stair Pros are used on most responses to move patients safely through call locations and to the stretcher. The name implies they are only used on stairs, but they are a secure way to move patients in a residence or business, as well as providing an ergonomic and safe method to traverse stairs. They are also used extensively at special events. This year we are also adding one (1) powered stair chair for use at special events, where staffing is often limited and stairs can be exceptionally steep. This is a trial for future device purchases and should reduce the risks of injury to patients and providers.
Equipment compatibility is essential for these critical pieces of equipment. As such, Stryker is the sole source supplier of this critical equipment, and has been vetted by Guilford County Purchasing. Stryker only provides direct sales and does not utilize resellers or distributors.
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BUDGET IMPACT
budget impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY FUNDS REQUIRED
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve purchase of emergency transport equipment from the Sourcewell group purchasing as authorized by the cooperative purchasing exemption of G.S. 143-129(e)(3) from Stryker Sales LLC through Sourcewell contract #041823-STY for a total amount of $876,248.
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