For EMS teams, oxygen therapy is essential for patient care. However, traditional oxygen tank setups (D-tank located in a jump bag, with another D-tank strapped to the head-end of the stretcher) can create inefficiencies, increase paramedic fatigue, and cause unnecessary wear and tear on equipment.
In line with current oxygen therapy guidelines, a modern solution is integrating a cot-mounted oxygen carry unit. This innovation enhances EMS workflows by improving ergonomics, increasing cost savings, and enhancing efficiency. By allowing the D-tank to be easily mounted and unmounted directly on the stretcher, it ensures oxygen is always accessible when needed.
The Case for a Cot-Mounted Oxygen Carry System
Faster Response Times & Improved Patient Care
Traditional EMS bags require paramedics to search for and retrieve an oxygen tank before administration. A cot-mounted system ensures immediate access, allowing teams to instantly remove (detach) the Oxygen Carry system and initiate oxygen therapy without delay. Adding the system back onto the stretcher is just as simple—slide it right back into place.
- There is no need to search through a crowded jump bag.
- Quick, easily detachable, and ready for immediate oxygen deployment in critical moments.
- Streamlined pre-hospital transport with oxygen always in a readily accessible location.
Reducing Paramedic Fatigue & Injury Risk
Traditional EMS bags are heavy, often exceeding recommended weight limits. Studies show that carrying excessive weight contributes to musculoskeletal injuries among EMS personnel, leading to long-term spinal strain and fatigue.
By eliminating the oxygen tank’s weight from the paramedic bag combine the best of both worlds, by adding a readily accessible and versatile unit to the stretcher like Rowland Emergency's cot-mounted oxygen carry system—potentially eliminating the need for an additional bag—teams can then reduce their physical burden, promote safer lifting techniques, and minimize injury risks.
- Opportunity to redesign EMS bags and eliminate the need for an extra oxygen tank, thereby eliminating the spare bag.
Reducing Equipment Costs & Simplifying Inventory
One of the primary advantages of integrating a cot-mounted oxygen carry unit is cost efficiency. Traditional systems require EMS agencies to equip each paramedic bag with an oxygen cylinder and use an oxygen cylinder on the stretcher.
The oxygen cylinder on the stretcher can be limiting, whereas a readily accessible, removable unit helps reduce equipment purchases, maintenance, and replacement costs by eliminating the need for two D-tanks and instead utilizing a larger M-tank in the ambulance and a D-tank on the Rowland Emergency cot-mounted carry unit.
By securing oxygen directly onto the stretcher with a cot-mounted oxygen carry unit, organizations can eliminate the need for an extra tank, resulting in long-term cost savings while maintaining consistent patient care standards.
- Fewer oxygen tanks and regulators to maintain and replace.
- Simplified inventory management for EMS logistics teams.
- Standardized setup across the fleet, improving efficiency and consistency.
Certified for Safety & Compliance
Oxygen therapy devices must meet rigorous safety and regulatory standards. The certified cage which protects the regulator on the cot-mounted oxygen carry unit meets these requirements, ensuring reliability, safety, and compliance with healthcare guidelines.
Additionally, this system offers enhanced durability. The protective cage safeguards the regulator against accidental damage, making it paramedic-proof in high-intensity environments.
- Compliance with Ministry of Health safety regulations.
- More durable equipment, reducing failure rates.
- Fewer accidents related to mishandling or damaged oxygen tanks and regulators.
- Comparable to EN 1789 standards in Europe.
A Strategic Investment for EMS Leadership
While the cot-mounted oxygen carry unit requires an upfront investment, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. From reducing equipment expenses to enhancing compliance and efficiency, this solution helps EMS leaders future-proof their operations.
- Fewer equipment-related expenses over time.
- Reduced risk of workplace injuries, lowering liability.
- More simplified and efficient EMS workflows.
This innovation means a safer, more ergonomic way to operate for patients and paramedics. For EMS directors, it offers a cost-effective strategy to improve workflow, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Future-Proofing EMS Operations with Innovative Equipment
Adopting a cot-mounted oxygen carry unit represents a fundamental shift in how EMS organizations approach gear management, patient and paramedic health, and operational efficiency.
For EMS leadership, this solution offers a scalable, compliant, and workforce-friendly upgrade that enhances patient care while aligning with policy mandates. For paramedics, the ability to lighten their load, improve gear organization, and reduce injury risk makes this a practical and necessary innovation.