Abstract: A device for relieving back strain for a user who is supporting a substantial weight which is off the user's vertical body axis at his or her front side. The device alleviates the aforementioned difficulties by utilizing the otherwise detrimental forces generated by the off-axis weight to press a rigid plate behind and adjacent to the spine of the device user against the user's spine. This rigid plate is preferably contoured to mirror the shape of the human spine. The device in one embodiment is used as a baby carrier. In another it is used with an abdominal support during pregnancy. In a third embodiment it provides support for the breasts of large breasted women.

Abstract: A supporting device is worn on the human body to counteract the weight force of the torso in a bent-over posture. The weight force of the human torso in a bent-over posture is to be taken up wholly or partly by the supporting device. The user is not to be restricted in his body movements by wearing this supporting device and using its switching functions, as is the case with known models. The use of differently positioned articulation embodiments on the supporting device which is designed ergonomically and adjustable for different body dimensions and is equipped with switching functions is to ensure practical and functional usability for the user. The device is a preventive device for people working in sectors such as building and agriculture who have to perform upward and downward movements of the torso or adopt a bent-over posture very frequently, as strain-relief for the spinal column and to reduce occupational disorders.

Abstract: One embodiment of an infant restraining article includes a base member that includes a pad, and one or more safety straps attached to the pad. The one or more safety straps are capable of securing the pad to an article, such as a bedding article. Further, the infant restraining article includes a jacket member attached to the pad for configuring a resting space for an infant. The jacket member includes a pair of flap members adapted to receive arms of the infant and to removably engage to each other for enclosing the infant in the resting space. The enclosing of the infant in the resting space restricts free movement of the infant.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A rapidly deploying emergency evacuation stretcher includes an article for easy transport on one's person, wherein the article is characterized to include a first mode of utility and a second mode of utility, and the article includes a lightweight flexible member which is packed in an undeployed mode and disposed adjacent the article in a manner which cooperates with the article in a manner to enable the first mode of utility substantially without interference thereof and unpacked in its deployed state and cooperates with the article in a manner to provide the second mode of utility which includes forming the stretcher. A method uses the rapidly deploying emergency evacuation stretcher to transport a person.

Abstract: A transfer board with at least a pair of elongated elements interconnected by means of at least one hinge allowing the elongated members to fold on each other when not in use, wherein the said hinge forms a rigid joint between the said elongated members when the said members are unfolded for use; and wherein the location of the hinge is offset to one side of the joint centerline such that the rigid joint formed between the connecting parts is not primarily-dependent on the mating surfaces perpendicular to the long axis of the said elongated members and forming an alternative primary load path between the soffit of the first elongated member and the cooperating upper surface of the projecting connector of the second elongated member. In this respect the gap between the elongated members remains constant under normal use and eliminates a possible pinching point.

Abstract: A patient restraint apparatus (5) is described. The patient restraint apparatus (5) includes a base (10), at least one restraining means (16) for applying a restraining force to restrain a patient to the base (10), and a plurality of support elements. In use, substantially all the restraining force applied by the restraining means (16) in a downward direction acts on the support elements (20,22) rather than the patient. In one embodiment, the patient restraint apparatus (5) is for use in baby transport incubator.

Abstract: A spinal restraint device includes a body member with a head support portion, a neck support portion, and a back support portion. Left and right body wrap portions extend from the back support portion, and left and right head wrap portions extend from the neck support portion, and these portions respectively wrap around an individual's torso and head and are secured to each other to secure the torso and head against movement. A chest flap section is provided in the left and right body wrap portions for folding away from the individual's chest, for comfort or for better access to the chest area. Declaration buckles and straps are also provided for securing the spinal restraint device (and individual) to a support board or stretcher. Other benefits are realized from the positioning of securing straps and leg straps and the dimensions of the body wrap portions.

Abstract: A backboard pad assembly comprising a body pad and cranial pad with side wrappings and a back coverslip attached to the body pad. The side wrappings and back coverslip may be of one piece are typically of an elastic material and extend around an associated backboard so as to retain the body pad to the backboard. The body pad has a width that is less than the distance between side handholds of an associated backboard such that the handholds are not covered by the body pad and have a length such that any end handholds of the associated backboard are not covered by the body pad. The body pad follows the profile of the associated backboard. The body pad, cranial pad, side wrappings, and back coverslip are made of or are covered with a coating of material that is waterproof and chemically resistant and capable of being medically disinfected.

Abstract: Wraps for swaddling babies are provided that include a body having a base side. The wrap can further include two arms that are attached to the base side of the body of the wrap. The arms can extend outward in an opposite direction to one another along the base side of the body of the wrap. Related methods of using the wrap are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a device and method for providing a lateralization effect such as in a medical procedure. The lateralization device can have a supporting member, which can be adapted to be supported in a fixed position. A lateralization member can be provided to at least partially wrap around the supporting member and be mounted thereto to provide a lateralization effect. The lateralization member can be formed and/or adjusted to provide a variable lateralization. For example, the lateralization member can comprise a cylindrical member with an eccentric cut-out portion adapted to fit over the supporting member. The inter wall of the cut-out portion and the outer wall of the supporting member can be formed with interference fittings so that the lateralization member can rotate in relation to the supporting member to provide a variable lateralization.

Abstract: A fixation wrap system for restricting a position and orientation of a human or animal body is provided. The system comprises: i) a base wrap configured for being wrapped around a desired support member, ii) a fixation wrap, and iii) releasable attachment means provided on at least one of the base wrap and the fixation wrap and being configured for releasably attaching said fixation wrap to said base wrap, and wherein said fixation wrap is configured for being wrapped around a chest and/or abdomen of said human or animal body to restrict said position and orientation with respect to said base wrap. The fact that the fixation wrap is releasably attached to the base wrap opens up the possibility to provide a fixation wrap with different sizes, each size being suitable for wrapping around a human or animal body having a different size.

Abstract: An integrated bandaging system for encircling the abdomen of a horse. A ventral access opening selectively provides access to the horse's abdomen while the bandage remains in place. This ventral access opening is normally covered by a ventral window cover. However, the window cover may be easily opened so that an old dressing can be removed, an abdominal wound can be cleaned, and a new dressing applied. The invention has four major components: a main wrap, a saddle bridge, a ventral window cover, and a brace. The main wrap is easily placed around the horse's abdomen and secured using VELCRO® fasteners. It includes the ventral access opening. The saddle bridge attaches over the top of the main wrap and adjustably applies tension to the horse's mid section. The ventral window cover attaches over the ventral access opening and provides further adjustment of the tension on the abdomen. The brace applies over the points of the horse's shoulders, between the front legs, and over the ventral chest region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a biomechanically advantageous patient transfer device. One embodiment of a patient transfer device includes a body configured for supporting a patient thereon, a plurality of flanges coupled to the body and extending outward therefrom, and a plurality of handles configured for allowing the patient transfer device to be lifted, at least one handle being formed in each flange.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a support structure for fixating a patient to a treatment unit, and especially to a support structure for fixating the patient to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation unit. An embodiment of the support structure (10) comprises a back plate (100) for positioning behind said patient's back posterior to said patient's heart and a front part (200) for positioning around said patient's chest anterior to said patient's heart. Further, the front part (200) can comprise two legs (210, 220), each leg (210, 220) having a first end (212, 222) pivotably connected to at least one hinge (230, 240) and a second end (214, 224) removably attachable to said back plate (100). Said front part (200) can further be devised for comprising a compression/decompression unit (300) arranged to automatically compress or decompress said patient's chest when said front part (200) is attached to said back plate (100).

Abstract: A limb support for a patient in a hospital bed, on the operating table, in a wheel chair, with an intravenous line or in another position for health care services is positioned in the desired area, or removed therefrom due to mounting clips secured to each end of a sling band.

Abstract: Low-cost, light weight portable cervical traction or spinal decompression devices for home use by a patient. A carriage is slidable along a portion of a support structure parallel to a longitudinal axis. The carriage includes a restraining mechanism adapted to releasably restrain a portion of a patient's body to the carriage. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is operatively coupled to move the carriage relative to the support structure when in a pressurized state. The pneumatic traction force generating apparatus is adapted to maintain a generally static traction force during a treatment period when in the pressurized state without additional pressurized air being supplied. A hand pump operated by the patient is fluidly connected to the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus to inject pressurized air. The hand pump is capable of injecting at least 138 kPa (20 psi) of pressure into the pneumatic traction force generating apparatus.

Abstract: A medical spine board includes a main board, a plurality of covering cloths and protective soft blocks, a head plate set with two fixed plates with adjustable interval. The main board is certainly strong and set with a soft back pad to support the human body. The covering cloths are set symmetrically in two sides of the main board with fastening layers and adhering layers to be fastened together. The covering cloths are also set with the soft protective blocks in detachable way. The head plate is set in front of the main board to support the human head. The fixed plates are set with soft pillow, fastening layer and adhering layer to fasten the human head. The medical support structure made in aforementioned structure can fasten each parts of the human body with soft and comfortable protection.

Abstract: A firefighter/hazmat rescue board for transporting injured workers wearing an open circuit rescue firefighter self-contained breathing apparatus (hereinafter, “SCBA”). The inventive apparatus includes a substantially rectangular plank with an upper deck, a lower surface, an upper/head portion with hand holds, a lower/mid-body portion with a hand hold, a right side, a left side, and an SCBA opening disposed through the plank. The SCBA opening is shaped and sized to be readily and easily disposed around a standard-sized 30-60 minute SCBA air cylinder and valve during a rescue operation. A harness system is provided for strapping the injured worker to the plank.

Abstract: A patient transportation device includes a rigid backboard with means for securing a patient thereon. At least one handle is extendibly coupled to the backboard, and at least one connector is coupled between the backboard and the at least one handle to suspend the backboard from the handle when the handle is extended from the backboard. The at least one connector and the at least one handle are retractable with respect to the backboard.

Abstract: A support device comprising a first arch for a left-side anterior torso having a first superior contact point and a first inferior contact point; a second arch for a right-side anterior torso having a second superior contact point and a second inferior contact point; an anterior connecting means to connect said first longitudinal extended arch with said second longitudinal extended arch; and a posterior connecting means to connect said first longitudinal extended arch with said second longitudinal extended arch; whereby said extended portions restrict movement of a spine during a motion, and associated method of use.

Abstract: A hands free, external airway position support device for use on a patient undergoing a surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedure. The device adheres to the patient at the base of his or her chin, jaw or neck so that no wrap around neck or head sling attachment means are required. When installed, the device will extend the patient's neck and maneuver his or her chin upward and outward, away from the base of the neck. As this device will be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and not overly complicated, it can be disposed of after use rather than requiring sterilization for reuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating colic in infants including a garment having a garment body for wearing by the infant. A pair of bands extend latterly from opposite sides and in opposed directions from the garment for wrapping around the torso the infant. The bands have a width such that they extend from just below the underarms of the infant to the hips of the infant. The bands wrap around opposite sides of the infant's torso in front-to-back direction where the free ends of the bands are secured to the back of the garment. A pocket on the front of the garment is configured to receive a thermal pack to provide thermal therapy to the infant. In treating colic, the bands are wrapped snuggly about the infant's torso applying warmth and a slight pressure to thereby relieve discomfort.

Abstract: An articulated joint (11) for a knee brace to control femoral-patellar instability comprises a central support bracket (10) designated to be fixed to the patella area in order to carry out angular movements dynamically following the two reciprocally articulated sectors it connects, comprising a pair of plates (18,19) which enclose the ends of the uprights (16,17). The second plate (19) is thicker than the first and comprises a second housing which passes transversally through the plate and is designed to accommodate the sliding cursor support (15) of the patellar bracket (10). The movements of the patellar bracket (10) are imparted by a specially shaped lever (24).

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head restraint kit for use with a medical head device for immobilizing the head of a patient in medical research, diagnosis and operation. The head restraint kit is particularly suitable for use with a head coil for magnetic resonance imaging. The head restraint kit contains a head rest pillow for providing support to the head of a patient, a neck cushion for providing neck support, and one or more wedge cushions for providing further support for the head. The head restraint kit may also contain one or more compact square cushions which can be inserted into a space between the head and the medical head device for additional head support. The head restraint kit may further contain a cloth strap placed over the forehead of a patient for protecting and securing the head against movement.

Abstract: The present invention is a backboard pad constructed of medium density foam. The pad shall provide protection against pressure ulcers caused by extended time on a long spine board after a traumatic accident where spinal injury is suspected. Use of the pad shall also reduce a patients stress whereby decreasing the amount of time needed for recovery.

Abstract: A back support apparatus intended for use during emergency transport of a patient suffering an actual or suspected spine injury is disclosed. The device provides a solid support for the arched portion of the spine that molds to the shape of the individual patient's back. The device comprises a bag or other container into which a solid curable material and a liquid activator are introduced; which is then placed beneath the patient's spine on a back board or like support. The device may be deployed quickly without the need for additional straps, belts, or the like, and may be treated as disposable due to its low cost.

Abstract: A patient support platform contains medical supplies which are anatomically arranged about the supported patient. The supply compartments and envelopes have see-through closures with pull tabs to make easy identification and access of the items possible. Resilient backing members push the items in the compartments to the front where they are readily accessible. A collapsible IV support pole is stored within the platform and a plurality of apertures provide support locations for the pole. The platform can be rolled up like a bedroll and stored in a satchel for storage and transport.

Abstract: A safety restraint for restraining a patient includes a main body resembling an animal or character. The main body includes a patient facing side defining a pocket, within which a pod having particulate matter may be placed to provide warming or soothing comfort to the patient. The main body can include fasteners adapted to engage corresponding table fasteners on a table to secure the main body over the patient. Optionally, a projection resembling another portion of the animal or character can extend from the main body, with additional straps extending from the projection. The straps can resemble yet another portion of the animal or character, and can restrain an appendage of the patient. A related method of using the safety restraint can be provided, which includes placing the restraint over the patient, warming the soothing pod, placing the pod in the pocket, and securing the restraint over the patient.

Abstract: A patient assist lift (PAL) device comprising a contoured shell which provides many benefits to patients and rescuers. A PAL device reduces or eliminates the risks of injuring a patient during mobilization. A PAL device may be quickly and easily attached to a patient, and supports hips, spine, torso, and neck. Color coded straps encourage proper use of a PAL device. Ergonomic handles and straps reduce or eliminate injury to rescuers during lifting and movement of an injured person. A PAL device enables rescuers to lift and mobilize an injured person from any position and in any situation. A PAL device is especially effective in emergencies in providing a safe and efficient means to secure and move a patient with the least amount of effort while minimizing the risks and discomfort to both patient and rescuer in mobilizing such patient. A smaller PAL device can be used to immobilize children or extremities.

Abstract: An assemblable body board is formed from a blank made from a sheet of a bendable or foldable material, such as fiberboard. The blank includes a center panel, opposite side panels and opposite end panels, wherein the side and end panels are foldable to form a rectangular construct at the bottom face of the center panel. Each side and end panel includes a reinforcement beam, with each beam including holes at its opposite end for receiving a cable tie. A cable tie is provided at each corner so that when the cable ties are tightened the side and end panels converge to form a corner of the body board. A pair of cable ties also span the width of the center panel and maintain the side panels in their perpendicular orientation when the body board is assembled. The side panels define hand-hold cut-outs and flaps that allow medical personnel to grasp the body board, bearing against the side reinforcement beams.

Abstract: A device to alleviate lower back pain, aligning the spine in the lumbar region, stretching the spine and reducing inward curvature of the spine which is an integral, elongate, symmetrical ovoid-section rigid sheet on which the user lies in a supine position, device opening upward to receive the individual, spanning the back of the user from the buttocks to the shoulder blade area. The device, upon the user lying supine on the device, forms an air pocket formed between the user's lower spine and the surface of the device. Raising his/her knees to the chest and then lowering the feet, puts the user in a therapeutic position, the lower spine being forced down against the surface of the back due to the vacuum formed. This action applies a stretching pressure and pulls the spine down, allowing the vertebrae in the spine to align, due to the shape of the device.

Abstract: A device and method as disclosed relates to a bed mountable restraining device for confining a living being such as an infant, or a small animal, to a mattress of a bed. The device includes a base including a sheet of pliable material which is suitably sized to fit on the top surface of the mattress. A plurality of mounting straps are fixed to the base. An enclosure is attached to the base, whereby the adjustable straps may be releasably attached to the mattress by securing the straps over portions of the mattress.

Abstract: The following invention describes a padded coverslip for a long spinal board. The padding may be composed of a foam core that has a waterproof covering. The shape of the pad may vary to allow it to fit onto any adult size long spinal board. Additional sizes of the pad are also included for pediatric spinal boards. Additional integrated padding may be incorporated at the head of the pad in order to elevate the head of the patient to an anatomically neutral position. Emanating from the sides of the padding is an elastic coverslip that would wrap around a spinal board, securing the pad to the board. Openings within the coverslip would correspond with handhold slots along the sides of the spinal boards.

Abstract: Support devices and pods for the head and neck region of patients undergoing radiation therapy are provided herein. The pod generally includes a support shell shaped to generally conform to the shape of the head and neck region of the patient, a foam insert that conforms to the head and neck region of the patient, and an immobilization facemask attached directly to the shell, thereby facilitating close placement of the radiation beam delivery device to the patient and reducing any attenuation and perturbation of radiation doses directed at the patient. The components of the pod are made from materials having properties that reduce any attenuation and perturbation of prescribed radiation doses.

Abstract: A portable and adjustable pneumatic lumbar support is provided having a back section and a leg section adjacent to the back section. A first bladder in the back section inflates to support said user's torso. A second bladder in the leg section supports the user's legs. An air compressor integrally and operatively coupled with the first and second bladders are selectively capable of separately inflating each bladder. A temperature control region integral to the back section provided for administration of hot or cold therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining airway passages open that includes a base and a horizontal bar member slidably connected to a U-shaped member attached to the base. A pair of posts having padded heads or end members for contacting the mandibular angle of a jaw of a person are rotationally attached to a bolt that extends from the base adjacent the end of the U-shaped member and a bolt that extends from the base proximate the end of the horizontal bar member. Rotation of the posts about the bolts allows for the adjustment of the height of the posts. The posts and bolts may also be pivoted to position the padded end members to correctly contact the jaw of the person. Sliding the horizontal bar member in relation to the U-shaped member allows for the distance between posts to be adjusted to accommodate the different sized heads of different people.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions.

Abstract: A board has an upper section, with an upper surface for supporting a patient, and a lower section, having two spars separated by a concave surface. The lower section is smaller than the upper section, forming longitudinal flanges through which hand passages are provided. Stiffening members can be housed in the spars. The board is combined with a pad that is attached to the upper surface. A beveled edge on the pad reduces shear forces. Indicia, such as a raised ridge, aid in properly locating the pad, which is preferably attached by a two-sided adhesive sheet with less adhesion on the side that adheres to the board. An IV support pole formed of collapsible segments can be attached to the board by a clamp. The pole has a hook on which an IV container can be hung, and an elastic wrap that encircles, stabilizes, and pressurizes the IV container.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a patient's head on a spine board while allowing longitudinal and rotational movement in conjunction with the body and a method of use for the device are disclosed. The device is comprised of a head harness, a forehead strap, a chin strap, a crown strap and a lateral stabilization strap. The head harness has a skid plate, located on the side of the head harness that rests on a spine board, that is adapted for low friction engagement with the spine board. A patient in a cervical collar is placed on a spine board, the head harness is positioned beneath the patient's head and attached to the spine board. The forehead strap, chin strap, and crown strap are attached to the head harness. The lateral stabilization strap is then attached to the head harness and the attaching straps.

Abstract: A multi-function device for immobilizing a patient for administration of medical treatment and transportation to a medical facility. The device has an inflatable base which supports the patient. Inflatable air channels extend around the periphery of the base and when inflated will converge inwardly and will engage the head and body of the patient to restrain the individual. Additional cross body straps may be provided a well as lift straps for air evacuation. The peripheral air channels have access areas so the patient may be accessed for administration of medical procedures such as an IV attachment of a blood pressure cup. The device is made from a durable fabric material and is rapidly inflated by a self inflation device.

Abstract: A surgical tray for holding an animal in place in a dorsally recumbent position is made in the form of a shell contoured to conform generally to the back, neck and head of the animal. The shell has raised side wall portions on it in the vicinity of the head and thorax area, and scapular shoulder rests for the animal. Openings are placed adjacent the positions of the front and rear legs of an animal placed in the shell; and a detachable leg strap is led around the leg of an animal and passes through a corresponding opening in the shell for holding the animal in place. The shell is designed to raise the bottom above a table surface on which it is placed; and drain holes through the shell are employed to drain fluids from it.

Abstract: A patient support for an external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. The patient support includes: a base; and at least one support connected to the base for maintaining at least a portion of the patient above a tabletop during a positive pressure portion of the external counterpulsation cardiac assist procedure. In one embodiment, the base is a tabletop and the at least one support is movably supported on the table top in lateral and/or vertical directions. In another embodiment, the base is higher than the tabletop and the at least one support is a sling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and stabilizing an injured person. The device comprises a flexible film element whose two films define an air-tight inner space in between them that can be evacuated and in which loose particle-containing chambers are provided. The inventive device comprises a torso part and a head part that is provided on both sides with shoulder rests.

Abstract: A molded plastic spine board having specialized padding strategically located in the board and stiffing members. The specialized padding reduces patient discomfort and aids perfusion in the regions that are in contact with the board while the patient is immobilized on the board thereby helping to prevent tissue ischemia and pressure ulcer formation. The stiffening members strengthen the board eliminating deflection of the board thereby keeping the patient immobilized while eliminating artifacts (shadows and interference) in x-rays thereby ensuring good x-ray examination.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, for storing, transporting and deploying multiple restraint system components is provided. The inventive apparatus consists of two trays composed of flexible materials. The first tray is configured for storing wrist and ankle restraint systems, the second tray, smaller than the first tray, includes a top-mounted compartment for storing a multi-point restraint connection system. The storage compartment of second tray is secured to the tray by releasable connectors, and is at least partially disengaged to receive the various components of the multi-point restraint connection system, and releasably secured thereafter. The connection system is stored in such a manner as to partially display a portion of each system component outside of the storage compartment, with each portion oriented toward its eventual deployment area once the second tray is placed on the structure on which the EDP will be restrained.

Abstract: A weight-lifter bench is equipped with a removable body support pad having a multiplicity of body support cavities in the pad upper surface. These cavities mate with rear surfaces of the person's head and torso when the person is in a lithotomy position, e.g. when the person is performing a weight-lifting activity using the bench. The cavity surfaces conform to the body surface contours, such that essentially the entire rear surface of the person's torso is in contact with the pad. The pad provides a comfortable support surface, and an enhanced body support action that tends to minimize the potential risk for injury or fatigue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in diagnostic procedures using an MRI unit, CT Scan unit or x-ray unit, comprising a patient resting surface to which a patient's chest, shoulders, knees and lower legs are firmly, but comfortably secured, immobilizing the patient, a foot plate upon which the patient's feet rest or are secured, a pressure creating apparatus which applies a predictable, controllable and variable pressure to the patient's skeleton, joints and spine, and further immobilizes the patient who is secured to the patient resting surface and foot plate with immobilizers, an anchor securing the pressure creating apparatus to the second end of the patient resting surface.

Abstract: Improved backboard pads for use in transporting immobilized patients on a backboard while still providing reasonable comfort to the patient include a base pad having with a plurality of gel-filled pads secured to the base pad, the gel-filled pads including first and second scapula pads positioned on either side of the longitudinal axis of the base pad, a buttocks pad between the scapula pads and the lower end of the base pad, a heel pad between the buttocks pad and the lower end of the base pad, and a headrest pad between the scapula pads and the upper end of the base pad. An inflatable lumbar pad is secured to the base pad between the scapula pads and the buttocks pad; and an inflatable knee pad is slidably positioned between the buttocks pad and the heel pad. The gel-filled pads are preferable secured in openings through the base pad.