Item:
Title
Approval of Contract with Stryker for the Purchase of eleven (11) Power-LOAD units in the amount of $ $364,334.85, forty-five (45) Stair chairs in the amount of $319,707.45, and seven (7) LUCAS devices in the amount of $181,231.27 for a total purchase price of $865,273.57
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: December 8, 2025.
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve a contract with Stryker for the purchase of eleven (11) Power-LOAD units in the amount of $ $364,334.85, forty-five (45) Stair chairs in the amount of $319,707.45, and seven (7) LUCAS devices in the amount of $181,231.27 for a total purchase price of $865,273.57. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) will utilize existing capital budget funds for EMS equipment replacement in the amount of $865,273.57 utilizing the SAVVIK Cooperative Agreement Consortium. G.S. 143-129(e) allows local governments to be exempted from the competitive bidding requirements and purchase furnishings/equipment through group purchasing programs.
In 2021, the Office of Emergency Services - Emergency Medical Services (OES-EMS) implemented a system-wide upgrade by acquiring and deploying Stryker stretchers and Power-LOAD systems across all EMS ambulances. These systems have significantly improved both patient safety and provider ergonomics by automating the loading and unloading process. As part of this standardization, all new ambulances are now required to be equipped with Power-LOAD units to ensure full compatibility with the Stryker stretchers. With the anticipated delivery of eleven (11) new ambulances in the spring of 2026, OES-EMS must procure an additional eleven (11) Power-LOAD systems to maintain operational consistency and readiness.
For the past ten (10) years, OES-EMS has relied on Ferno stair chairs to assist with patient transport in environments where stretcher access is limited, such as stairwells or narrow spaces. These stair chairs have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer considered reliable for safe and effective patient handling. To ensure continued safety for both patients and EMS personnel, OES-EMS conducted a thorough evaluation of available options and selected Stryker stair chairs as the preferred replacement. The new stair chairs offer enhanced safety features, improved maneuverability, and greater durability, aligning with the department’s commitment to high-quality patient care.
OES-EMS has also utilized LUCAS mechanical CPR devices for the past eight (8) years to deliver consistent, high-quality chest compressions during cardiac arrest incidents. These devices have been critical in improving outcomes during resuscitation efforts by reducing fatigue and ensuring uninterrupted compressions. However, seven (7) of the current devices have now reached the end of their service life and are no longer supported by the manufacturer. To maintain clinical effectiveness and ensure compliance with current resuscitation standards, OES-EMS must replace these aging units with updated models capable of meeting the demands of modern EMS operations.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Safe and Resilient Community.
Resource Persons: Mark Lockhart, OES Director and Marc Ferguson, OES Business Operations Officer.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the BOCC approve the contract with Stryker in the amount of $865,273.57 and authorize the County Manager to sign and execute all contract documents for the purchase of eleven (11) Power-LOAD units in the amount of $ $364,334.85, forty five (45) Stair chairs in the amount of $319,707.45, and seven (7) LUCAS devices in the amount of $181,231.27 for a total purchase price of $865,273.57
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________