Abstract: An aerosol containment enclosure is used to isolate an air mass immediately surrounding a patient known or suspected to have a disease which may be transmitted through the air. The enclosure cooperates with a patient support apparatus (PSA). In embodiments, a flexible rod supports a substantially aerosol impermeable covering and is connected to the PSA. The enclosure may be semi-rigid and collapsible to a predetermined collapsed shape. The enclosure may be rapidly erected around a patient in an ambulance or other treatment setting. Embodiments of couplers provide compatibility with a wide diversity of sized and shaped PSAs. One coupler is connectable to the PSA with a coupler end exposed along a frame and upwardly extensible toward a PSA surface. A connector extends from the flexible rod and engages with the coupler end. The coupler may be longitudinally or laterally adjustable along the PSA.

Abstract: An aerosol containment enclosure is used to isolate an air mass immediately surrounding a patient known or suspected to have a disease which may be transmitted through the air. The enclosure cooperates with a patient support apparatus. In embodiments, a flexible rod supports a substantially aerosol impermeable covering and is connected to the patient support apparatus. The enclosure is collapsible to a predetermined collapsed shape and expandable to a predetermined erect shape. In embodiments, a portal in the covering provides access for care personnel or equipment. The aerosol containment enclosure is lightweight, compact, and partially or fully disposable. The enclosure may be rapidly erected around a patient in an ambulance or other treatment setting.