BCFD gets new Bariatric Rescue Unit

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The Bernalillo County Fire Department is now the first department in Albuquerque to get a special rescue unit to help with bigger patients.
    
The new Bariatric Rescue Unit was unveiled Thursday at Station 33 on Barcelona in southwest Albuquerque.

It can hold up to 1,600 pounds and is equipped with a heavy duty gurney that is twice as wide as a regular one and has heavy duty ramps and a winch to help load patients on-board.

“It allows less personnel to accommodate a patient, therefore it gives a little more dignity,” Deputy Chief Frank Barka said.

Firefighters gave a demonstration of how the equipment works, using one of their one as an example.
    
Deputy Chief Barka also said the special ambulance will be made available for calls around the county.
    
Stations in the north valley and the East Mountains will be getting bariatric units in the next two years.
    
Barka says the cost of each unit is about $254,000 and is about $8,000 more than a regular unit.
    
AFD does not have a bariatric unit and as of right now, they say they have no plans to get one.