Frontline Bariatric Response is a practical, experience-based resource focused on prehospital bariatric care, difficult extrication, and real-world moving and handling.
I’m a UK paramedic with 15 years of frontline experience in London. More recently, I’ve been involved in developing a specialist in-house bariatric ambulance response unit within the London Ambulance Service.
This site exists because prehospital bariatric response is often misunderstood. It’s not simply “normal ambulance work with more people”. It is a distinct operational challenge — shaped by environment, access, equipment, risk, dignity, time, and the reality of working in people’s homes.
There is still limited research and shared learning in this space, particularly from a prehospital perspective. My aim here is to document what works, what doesn’t, and what we’re learning as
specialist bariatric response continues to develop.
What you’ll find here
This site focuses on topics including:
- Prehospital bariatric response and operational planning.
- Difficult access and extrication in the community.
- Moving and handling risk in real-world environments.
- Crew safety, fatigue, and injury prevention.
- Patient dignity during prolonged extrications.
- Equipment considerations and practical limitations.
Confidentiality and professionalism
All content on this site is written with confidentiality in mind.
No patient identifiable information is ever included. Any scenarios discussed are anonymized or described in general terms to protect patients, families and responders.
This site is not affiliated with any ambulance service or organisation, and the views expressed are my own.
Disclaimer
This site is intended for discussion, reflection, and professional learning. It does not provide medical advice, clinical direction or operational instruction.
Always follow your local guidelines, policies and training along with professional judgement.