Central Mississippi now has two ambulances that can handle obese patients and hefty athletes.

Jim Pollard, spokesman for American Medical Response Central Mississippi Operations, says they include stretchers that can hold 1,600 pounds at ground level and 850 pounds elevated.

AMR says the heaviest patients it has carried weighed about 700 pounds.

Pollard said large patients have special needs. He says the new equipment will help preserve their dignity and minimize the risk of injuries to members of rescue crews.