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Today the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg announced a power stretcher system trial in city ambulances at Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station 40 on McPhillips St. at Pacific Ave. (Right) Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Douglas Reid spoke about the significance of the new stretchers, especially given the the rising rate of obesity across North America. (Left to right) Scott Fielding, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services, and Health Minister Theresa Oswald were also present. The new power stretchers will eliminate the need for patients to be manually lifted in and out of ambulances, significantly reducing the risk of injury to Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service members. Friday, April 5, 2013. (JESSICA BURTNICK/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)