Abstract: A mobile first aid post comprising a road vehicle having a compartment of an openable enclosure for housing medical supplies and equipment, the compartment including a fixed structure and at least one rigid panel pivotally movable relative to the fixed structure between a closing condition where the panel defines at least part of a side wall of the enclosure and an erected condition where the panel is in a substantially or near horizontal condition creating an opening and providing a region covered overhead for a person positioned adjacent the side of the vehicle, and wherein medical utilities selected from one or more of compressed air, suction, water, and oxygen are provided accessible by a user from the downwardly facing major surface of the panel aiding in the treatment of patients positioned below the panel. The panel may also be of an extendable type.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in simulated image guided surgery comprises a positional transducer, clamping means located proximate to the transducer, and a processor. The transducer is responsive to a thin flexible member that can be manipulated by a user, and produces signals representative of displacement and rotation of the thin flexible member. The clamping means responds to a controlling signal to apply a predetermined variable clamping force to the flexible member. The processor receives these displacement and rotation signals, and is programmed to plot the path of the flexible member therefrom as it is manipulated by the user. Additionally, the processor produces the controlling signal to the clamping means in response to the instantaneous position along the path. The processor may be coupled to a display device for displaying an image of the instantaneous position of the flexible wire therealong, or other information. The invention also includes a related method for the simulation of image guided surgery.