David Caimotto, a 40-year-old Sherriff’s Deputy, was badly injured in motorcycle accident, which caused him to become a T-2 paraplegic. Despite his serious injuries, he returned to work at the Sheriff’s Department in a desk job, which involved working on files and in-person discussions with clients and attorneys. The deputy used a K0005 Ultra lightweight manual wheelchair, and although he also received a standing frame, the office layout prevented its consistent use. As a result, co-workers had to pull files for him, and at one point the Sherriff’s office hired an assistant for him. This arrangement continued for 16 years. … Continue reading Case Study: The Deputy and His Standing Chair
Photos provided by Permobil Advances in complex rehab technology continue to redefine accessibility and independence for injured workers. And manufacturers continue to refine their offerings. ATF Medical stays up to date on the latest, always monitoring new products, features and benefits so we can recommend the best fit for an injured worker. Our Manager of Complex Rehab David Bedard, ATP, C.H.A.M.P. recently checked out Permobil’s new M Corpus VS Power Chair and shared some thoughts. This remarkable chair combines the maneuverability of mid-wheel drive with an anterior tilt feature, delivering new accessibility and functionality for injured workers. “A lot of … Continue reading New Standing Chair Expands Access and Functionality
Photo Credit: Permobil Unless you sit in a wheelchair 14 hours a day or care for someone who does, you probably don’t realize the impacts that prolonged sitting has on the body. Health risks for workers’ compensation patients who use wheelchairs run the gamut from serious renal, circulatory and digestive issues to painful pressure injuries. The multiple clinical and psychological benefits of adding standing features to wheelchairs will be covered during ATF Medical’s “Benefits of Standing for Wheelchair Users” webinar. For workers’ comp case managers, adjusters, and other claims representatives, the free, hour-long session starts at 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. … Continue reading ATF Medical’s Sept. 13 on the Benefits of Standing for Wheelchair Users
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the US Senate’s resolution designating September as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. In the spirit of increasing awareness, here are some facts from the United Spinal Association About Spinal Cord Injuries After a spinal cord injury (SCI), the nerves above the level of the injury continue working as they always did. Below the level of injury, though, messages from the brain to the body may become fully or partially blocked. The higher the level of the SCI, the greater the impairment. People with thoracic injuries and lower may retain full use of … Continue reading Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries During SCI Awareness Month
ATF Medical’s Guide to Acronyms and Credentials in Workers’ Comp Rehab ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act The ADA is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities and requires public buildings to make reasonable accommodations to enable access. It also requires employers to provide accommodations, such as modified job duties and work schedules, and equipment. And the ADA prohibits employers from denying benefits or terminating employment due to a work-related injury/illness. AT - Assistive Technology The Assistive Technology Industry Association defines this as “any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to …
Continue reading Acronyms and Credentials 
The American Board of Wound Management (ABWM) designated June as Wound Healing Awareness Month (WHAM!) and June 12-16 as Certified Wound Care Specialists Week. The organization wants to raise awareness of wounds (aka pressure injuries), including challenges patients and practitioners face, and to promote certification for these healthcare providers. A Few Not Fun Facts: More than 7 million Americans live with chronic pressure injuries. There are no stats on how many of these are injured workers, but you can bet there are a lot. Pressure injuries are dangerous. Without prompt and proper treatment, there’s a high chance of infection, hospitalization, … Continue reading ATF Medical Recognizes Wound Healing Awareness Month
Losing the ability to stand is one of the hardest adjustments a severely injured worker ever makes. Humans are designed to stand and take the pressure of our weight on our feet. If sitting is the new smoking and bad for sedentary workers, imagine how bad it is for someone confined to a wheelchair. Sitting for 12-14 hours a day causes hamstrings to tighten and muscles to contract. And limited activity can lead to weight gain and obesity. Standing is good for bone density, circulation, digestion, bladder, and bowels among other things. It’s one of the best pressure release techniques … Continue reading Getting Injured Workers Back on Their Feet
Newnan, Georgia (January 16, 2024) — ATF Medical, a national provider of complex equipment and adaptive housing programs in the workers’ compensation industry, has launched its “Making Complex Simple” educational series for case managers. Each of the three free courses in Quarter 1 offers a one-hour continuing education credit for Certified Case Managers and State Nursing licenses. Designed for professionals who manage complex and catastrophic workers’ compensation claims, the courses dive into different aspects of complex rehab technology and home modifications. “We believe it’s critical to provide credible education on these complex products and services to our partners,” said Brendan Swift, Vice President, Payer … Continue reading ATF Medical Launches Continuing Education Series for Case Managers
Zorybel Bernabe is the latest member of the ATF Medical family. She recently joined as Rehab Coordinator 1, Rehab Technology Zorybel works closely with Jaymi Saunders on ATF Medical’s mobility team to ensure workers’ comp patients receive appropriate wheelchairs and other equipment along with equipment repairs. She enjoys communicating with claims representatives of third-party administrators and carriers and is passionate about building relationships with our patients. “I’m so glad to be in a position where I can work directly with them,” she said. “It’s so rewarding when someone regains mobility after a wheelchair repair. You know you have really helped … Continue reading Zorybel Bernabe Joins ATF Medical as Rehab Coordinator
Photo courtesy of Permobil August 15-19 is National CRT Awareness Week, a good time to talk about CRT and CRTS. CRT is a popular term that stands for all kinds of things, including cognitive rehabilitation therapy, critical race theory, and Certified Respiratory Therapist. But in our space, CRT refers to complex rehabilitation technology, which is medical equipment that is configured for a specific injured worker. The need for customization distinguishes CRT from out-of-the-box durable medical equipment like walkers. CRT equipment and devices are adapted and configured to meet the functional, medical, social and physical needs of a specific person. Many … Continue reading What Do CRT and CRTS Mean?
