Abstract: An improved stretcher system is disclosed. The stretcher system has a first horizontal stretcher support member having a first end and a second end and a vertical stretcher support member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the horizontal stretcher support member is removably connected to a wall surface. The second end of the horizontal stretcher support member is connected to the first end of the vertical stretcher support member. The second end of the vertical stretcher support member is removably connected to a floor surface. Also disclosed is a second horizontal stretcher support member having a first end and a second end and a second vertical stretcher support member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second horizontal stretcher support member is also removably connected to the wall surface, the second end of the second horizontal stretcher support member is connected to the first end of the second vertical stretcher support member.

Abstract: An airway opening device including back elevating inflatable bladder and inflation device in fluid communication with the bladder. The inflation device provides fluid under pressure to inflate the bladder. The airway opening device can be incorporated into a gurney mattress in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: An ambulance stretcher for transportation of patients, which has two longitudinal frame beams (2) with connecting cross-brackets (18), all of which together form a supporting frame. On top of the supporting frame a patient bed (4-7) is arranged, which is equipped with several transverse articulated or folding points (8-10) for adjustment of the patient bed into any wanted position in its longitudinal direction. Under the patient bed part (6), which is firmly fixed to the supporting frame, a rigid auxiliary frame (18a, 32, 34) is formed to join the frame beams (2). The auxiliary frame part has articulated points (35) for fixing adjustable patient bed parts (5, 7) and articulated points (33) for fixing supporting rods (11, 36) of the adjustable patient bed parts. The frame beams (2) are rigid through the region of the auxiliary frame and extending to at least one end of the stretcher.

Abstract: A system for transporting a person on a stretcher between upper and lower platforms connected by a stairway includes a retractable cable source located at the upper level whereby with one end of stretcher attached to the cable, an assistant to grasp the other end of the stretcher and transport the individual up or down the stairway with the cable providing tension to stabilize movement. Multiple stretchers may be located at either or both levels, in which case the retractable cable source provides sufficient tension to assist in pulling the stretcher up the stairway. In the preferred embodiment the retractable cable source includes a housing into which the cable retracts and a loaded spring disposed within the housing. Also in the preferred embodiment, the stretcher is sufficiently flexible to permit turning of the stretcher during transport.

Abstract: A hospital bed is disclosed which includes a frame, a mattress positioned on the frame, a transport sheet extending across the mattress to define a patient supporting area, rollers for moving the transport sheet relative to the mattress, and structure for progressively increasing the patient supporting area defined by the transport sheet. The bed also includes a system for elevating a portion of the mattress to progressively raise the patient from a reclining position to a standing position.

Abstract: A personal extraction cart for supporting and restraining a person to facilitate movement of that person from an extrication point, wherein the cart includes a frame having a support surface. The support surface has upper and lower faces and a leg support portion and a back support portion defining a longitudinal length with oppositely disposed longitudinal edges. The leg and back support portions have a use position in which the upper faces of each of those portions are angled relative to each other along the longitudinal length of the frame. Wheels are preferably attached below the support surface for facilitating movement of the cart in its transportation position.

Abstract: A flexible toboggan is modified for use as a rescue toboggan. A backboard is located within said rescue toboggan and a CPR Bracket located above said backboard so that a rescuer can perform CPR or otherwise monitor an injured person who is strapped to the backboard and placed in the rescue toboggan. Concave recesses in the front, lower portion of the rescue toboggan reduce the sliding resistance of the rescue toboggan when the rescue toboggan is empty.

Abstract: A head immobilization device for an accident patient and a manufacturing blank of sheet material, such as cardboard, for making such a device are described. The manufacturing blank is H-shaped and provided with fold lines. The blank is folded to form the head immobilization device with a pair of triangular cylinders which extend longitudinally upward from the top surface of a head support center section on opposite sides of such section to prevent lateral movement of the head. The head immobilization device is provided with adhesive tape on the bottom surface of the center section to attach such device to a flat support such as a back-board. Ear hole slots are provided in the inner sides of the triangular cylinders to enable examination of the ears. The sides of the triangular cylinders are releasably fastened by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new concept for the transportation of injured or stranded people and a new rescue capsule suitable for this purpose. The process involves the following stages. A capsule which can be closed on all sides, and which has an inflatable floor designed to form at least one bearing surface or litter for an injured person, and a roof and walls is first erected. One or more injured persons are placed in the capsule and installed in the litters. The injured person is secured in the capsule and then the capsule is carried away, together with the injured person, using a suspension fixture attached to the capsule.

Abstract: An evacuation or rescue device for a bed-ridden or non-ambulatory person adapted to quickly secure the person to a movable underlying mattress or the like comprises two sheets deployable one from the head-end and one from the foot-end. When deployed the head-end sheet meets the foot-end sheet over the persons chest or abdomen; the head-end sheet having an opening for the head. The two sheets, which are interconnected underneath the mattress, are then tightened downwardly over the long sides of the mattress by means of looped ropes pulled one from the head-end side and the other from the foot-end side. The ropes are self cleating when tightened and quickly secure the person in readiness for rescue and evacuation by a single individual if necessary.

Abstract: A stretcher operated by one or more persons for transporting an injured patient and including a body board for supporting a patient's upper legs and body, a slide member received within the body board and extendible selected distances therefrom, and a base portion connected to the slide member opposite the body board for supporting a patient's feet and ankles. The body board has a pair of protective skids which slide on a subjacent supporting surface with the skids supporting the body board and base portion a selected distance above the supporting surface. Wheels rotably connected to the base portion support the stretcher when the stretcher is tilted relative to the supporting surface such that an individual may transport a patient on the stretcher. The wheels are supported above the skids and thus do not interfere with the sliding movement thereof. A pivotal foot rest is connected to the base portion and supports the patient when the stretcher is tilted about a transverse axis.