Max Favor, a firefighter and emergency medical technician with Bloomington Fire, showed council members how a new power stair chair could make patient transport safer and easier for first responders. The device features motorized tracks that do much of the heavy lifting work, rather than requiring firefighters and paramedics to manually carry patients down stairs and other difficult terrain.

The demonstration comes at a time when emergency medical services dominate the department's call volume. According to Favor, between 70 and 80 percent of Bloomington Fire's emergency calls are medical in nature, not fires. This high volume of patient transport puts significant physical strain on first responders, who often must navigate narrow staircases, steep driveways, and other challenging environments while moving patients safely.

The power stair chair addresses this occupational hazard by using motorized assistance to lower and raise patients, reducing the risk of back injuries and other strains that can sideline experienced emergency personnel. By easing the physical demands on firefighters and paramedics, the equipment could help the department retain experienced staff and improve response quality.

The council's consideration of this equipment reflects a broader shift in how fire departments across the country view their role. While firefighting remains part of the job, most modern fire departments spend the majority of their time responding to medical emergencies, from heart attacks to falls to overdoses. Investing in equipment that makes these calls safer for responders is increasingly seen as essential to maintaining an effective emergency services workforce.