EAST ROCKAWAY, NY — August 30: In an effort to increase patient and emergency medical professional safety, the East Rockaway Fire Department upgraded Ambulance 4081 with a new Stryker Power Load system and Power Pro 2 cot.

The cot's weight is supported by the Power Load system when it is being loaded and unloaded. The government claims that operators may push a button to pull the cot into or out of the ambulance using the motorized mechanism.

Utilizing powered hydraulics to raise and lower the cot to the appropriate height during patient care procedures, the new Power Pro 2 cot is made to operate with the Power Load system. The new Power Pro 2 cot is designed to work with the Power Load system and uses powered hydraulics to raise and lower the cot to the desired height during patient-care operations.

The equipment replaces the department's previous manual stretchers and is expected to reduce the physical demands associated with loading and unloading patients.

East Rockaway Fire Department Rescue Squad members spent a morning training on the new equipment and familiarizing themselves with its operation.

The department said the new system is expected to enter service soon.