Abstract: A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

Abstract: Patient support systems and methods for docking, transporting, sterilizing, and storing patient support decks. The patient support system comprises patient support decks that are configured to carry patients, such as in emergency situations or in a healthcare facility. The patient support decks are adapted to be engaged by docking stations and transport devices. Different configurations of docking stations and transport devices are contemplated. Sterilization apparatuses are provided to sterilize the patient support decks after use and storage facilities store the patient support decks for later use once they are sterilized.

Abstract: A modular patient support system for use in ambulating a patient across a floor, comprising a primary module and a secondary module. The primary module has a primary base and a primary deck arranged for movement relative to the primary base, and the primary deck defines a first patient support area. The secondary module has a secondary base adapted for movement along the floor relative to the primary base and a secondary deck arranged for movement relative to the secondary base. The modular patient support system is operable between a docked configuration where the secondary deck cooperates with the primary deck to define a second patient support area larger than the first patient support area, and an undocked configuration where the secondary module is spaced apart from the primary module to facilitate ambulation concurrent with the secondary module across the floor away from the primary module.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

Abstract: A modular patient support system for use in ambulating a patient across a floor, comprising a primary module and a secondary module. The primary module has a primary base and a primary deck arranged for movement relative to the primary base, and the primary deck defines a first patient support area. The secondary module has a secondary base adapted for movement along the floor relative to the primary base and a secondary deck arranged for movement relative to the secondary base. The modular patient support system is operable between a docked configuration where the secondary deck cooperates with the primary deck to define a second patient support area larger than the first patient support area, and an undocked configuration where the secondary module is spaced apart from the primary module to facilitate ambulation concurrent with the secondary module across the floor away from the primary module.

Abstract: Patient support systems and methods for docking, transporting, sterilizing, and storing patient support decks. The patient support system comprises patient support decks that are configured to carry patients, such as in emergency situations or in a healthcare facility. The patient support decks are adapted to be engaged by docking stations and transport devices. Different configurations of docking stations and transport devices are contemplated. Sterilization apparatuses are provided to sterilize the patient support decks after use and storage facilities store the patient support decks for later use once they are sterilized.