Step Up and Climb with Ease: Stair Climbers to Have on Hoof in Your NEMT Vehicles
Navigating staircases can be tricky, especially for those with severe mobility issues or older adults. The struggle becomes even more of a threat when dealing with steep, narrow or poorly maintained staircases. Fortunately, stair climbers were invented to help such folks ascend and descend those sometimes scary steps with ease and safety.
Most people don’t have the capability or space for a stair climber in their own vehicles for if and when they’re asked to take a loved one to and from their medical appointments. Ideally the family member in need of getting up and down stairs already has a means of doing so — be it a chair lift, elevator or helping hand — but this isn’t always the case.
This is why having non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) vehicles with a stair climber already in tow comes in hand (or hoof). Because you never know when someone might need the extra support up and down a flight of stairs (be it inside or an outdoor porch) or elevated terrain in their hard or sidewalk.
Here’s why, as a NEMT broker or business owner, having stair climbers on hoof in your NEMT fleet is absolutely a Bambi must:
Prioritized safety
Stair climbers provide a stable and secure method for transporting patient riders up and down stairs, significantly reducing the likelihood of falls and injuries. This prioritizes the safety of both your riders and drivers, ensuring a safe journey every time. They are also designed to be secure and comfortable during transit, enhancing the riders overall comfort and well-being — giving them the dignity they deserve.
Increased efficiency and readiness
Equipping your NEMT fleet with stair climbers allows you to accommodate a wider range of medical needs and emergencies upon arrival and departure. They can be swiftly deployed when needed, ensuring readiness for those unexpected circumstances. Also, with stair climbers, your drivers can move riders as quick and nimble as Bambi frolicking through the forest. This not only speeds up the transportation process to/from your riders’ appointments, but also allows for better time management and scheduling within your NEMT services.
Versatility
Stair climbers — with their adjustable parts and rugged wheels — are adaptable to a variety of terrains and stair types, making them a versatile addition to any NEMT vehicle. Whether dealing with narrow, winding stairs or steep inclines, the right stair climber can hoof it up and down with Bambi gentleness.
Reliability and regulatory compliance
Including stair climbers in your NEMT vehicles ensures compliance with regulations and standards governing medical transportation. It demonstrates not only your commitment to meeting and exceeding industry requirements for patient transport but also your dedication to delivering high-quality, comprehensive care.
Side note, (and also note: this is not a promoted post), but in our research we’ve found that when it comes to easy-to-store stair climbers, we recommend the XSTO stair-climbing wheelchair TR140C. This innovative stair climber was specifically designed to help users navigate stairs and elevated platforms with ease. And you can see how easily it folds down to be able to store in those varying sizes of NEMT vehicles of yours.
All in all, stair climbers are a Bambi essential, making it a smart addition to any NEMT fleet, ensuring that your drivers can support your riders in navigating stairs safely during pick up and drop off. At Bambi, we understand the importance of reliable transportation solutions — our software is designed to help you manage your fleet effectively, ensuring that your patients receive the best possible care — which is why we highly recommend investing in equipping your NEMT vehicles with stair climbers. This will make beyond a Bambi difference from not only a safety standpoint, but an empathetic one, too. And we’re all about that at Bambi and know you are, too — you're caring folks that work in caregiving after all!
