Ellsworth County EMS technician Shawn Shipley lays on the department’s new Stryker Power Load cot system Wednesday during training on the new system at the EMS headquarters. Shown with Shipley are from left, EMS technician Caitlin Schlesener, EMS director Jeremiah Brown, and EMS technician Alex Winters. Brown said the new $24,000 electronicallycontrolled cot will aid technicians with the loading and unloading of patients into the ambulance. It will also help with crew and patient safety and reduce back injuries among technicians. The system was purchased with a $33,000 grant from the Dane Hansen Foundation. The purchase includes a seven year warranty and installation. The system is designed to hold the cot and a patient weighing up to 700 pounds. Brown said he is considering purchasing additional Stryker Power Load systems as an additional feature on future ambulance purchases.