Abstract: A system for transferring patients to and from emergency medical vehicles and for securing the patients within the vehicles during transport is particularly adapted for helicopters, with at least two stations within the helicopter for securing two patients therein. The system accommodates standard stretchers or patient litters, including a first litter positioned in the first station in the rear of the aircraft approximately aligned with but above and behind the second patient station. In order to load the patients into the separate stations, interlockable trays and support plates are used. An upper tray is initially telescoped within a lower tray which, in turn, is supported on a carriage and lift assembly. The lower tray can be swung relative to the lift assembly to an oblique position pointed toward the exterior door of the helicopter. In addition, the lower tray, with the upper tray supported thereon, can be raised so that the upper tray can be slid rearward into the second station.

Abstract: An emergency medical system is disclosed for movably supporting a plurality of patients in a generally rectangular vehicle interior space. Three litter rack systems are disposed on respective walls of the interior space. Each of the litter rack systems is provided with a system for automatically adjusting the vertical position between and tilt of the patient litters in each of the rack systems. Adjustable attendant chairs are placed strategically adjacent the rack systems for attending patients therein.

Abstract: A multi-tiered litter rack system is described generally comprising a plurality of support masts arranged on one wall of an emergency vehicle. The masts support a plurality of vertically spaced litters in at least two horizontally spaced positions. The masts enclose vertical adjustment screws which are adapted to independently adjust the vertical position of each end of the litters for controlling the tilt of and vertical spacing between the litters. The multi-tiered liter rack system further includes individual motors associated with each of the respective masts which are operatively connected to the vertical adjustment screws for controlling the vertical position and tilt of each of the litters.

Abstract: The present invention is a bracket for mounting a portable cardiac monitor to an ambulance cot. It comprises a lightweight framework having support and restraining members to securely hold a cardiac monitor and which mounts to the side rails and frames of an ambulance cot. A strap is provided to secure the carrying handle of the monitor against the possibility of falling or tipping out of the bracket. The bracket is provided with a pair of upper hook members and a pair of lower hook members to hook over the side rails and frame of an ambulance cot.

Abstract: A mobile medical unit (10) has interior space divided into a service compartment (24), a treatment compartment (26), an entryway compartment (28), and a storage compartment (30). An interior door (52) controls passage of persons between the entryway compartment (28) and the treatment compartment (26), an exterior door (58) controls passage of persons between the entryway compartment (28) and space outside of the medical unit (10), and an opening (64) is formed between the entryway compartment (28) and the storage compartment (30) for retrieval and replenishment of supplies. The interior door (52) and the exterior door (58) form between them an air lock to help maintain an aseptic condition within the treatment compartment (26). However, the interior door (52) is oriented at an acute angle with respect to the exterior door (58) to provide an auxiliary exit for recumbent patients along a smooth curved passageway (94).

Abstract: An emergency rescue vehicle which includes a patient compartment which is accessible for patient loading through doors located along both sides and rear of the vehicle and wherein the primary patient support stretcher is pivotally carried centrally of the compartment and is extendable outwardly through any one of the access doors. The patient compartment is separated between tandem front wheel assemblies and a rear wheel assembly to obtain a continuously level and low loading height and the primary patient support is positioned generally at the center of mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: A safety chair apparatus includes a seat and support back, with the seat and support back mounting a respective pair of securement straps securable to a central buckle member. The seat includes a plurality of pairs of downwardly extending legs, with each leg mounting a guide follower plate integrally to a lower terminal end thereof, with each follower plate mounted within a groove of an associated right and left track. The right and left track is mounted to a floor of an ambulance vehicle positioned between support tables on the floor for receiving gurneys and the like. A modification of the invention includes a compartmentalized seat for accommodating various medical components therewithin, and further the forward right and left legs each including a selectively applicable brake member to permit selective positioning of the seat between the support tables.

Abstract: A vibration isolation arrangement, for example for supporting a stretcher in an ambulance, comprises a lever (16) which extends between a base structure (6) and a support frame (4). The lever (16) can pivot about a fulcrum (30) and is acted upon by a spring (28). The fulcrum (30) is displaceable by an actuator (32) along a guide (34). Such displacement not only varies the stress of the spring (28), but also alters the moment arm (h) between the spring (28) and the fulcrum (30). When raising the support frame (4) to a predetermined level, the mechanism automatically adapts to the load on the support frame (4) to provide a constant natural frequency for the system, regardless of the weight of the patent being carried.

Abstract: A medically equipped mini-ambulance for use in providing emergency medical treatment and in transporting the injured and sick from a remote site to a medical treatment facility is disclosed. A material transport is adapted to accommodate emergency and scene lighting, housings for medical equipment and supplies, patient cot platform, attendant chair, and convertible roof.

Abstract: This invention discloses a mobile intensive care patient handling apparatus that includes a specially designed framework member, a pallet member for supporting the framework member while in a commerical aircraft, framework restraint brackets to secure the framework to the pallet member, pallet restraint brackets to secure the pallet member to seat rails provided on commercial aircraft, said framework member is provided with an undercarriage adapted for containing life sustaining medical equipment and further adapted for being secured to both the framework restraint brackets and a conventional ambulance's patient cot restraint brackets. The patient handling apparatus can be designed according to any aviation authorities' design requirements including, structural design requirements for emergency landing conditions, structural design requirements for gust load factors, hardware fastening, structural bonding, size and shape design requirements.

Abstract: A retractable brace for an ambulance attendant for use in an ambulance is disclosed. A lockable scissors mechanism is used to move an anchoring platform between a fully extended substantially vertical position adjacent the attendant's work area for securing the ambulance attendant thereto, and a stowed fully retracted substantially vertical position against the side wall of the ambulance. The plate can be locked in a number of positions.

Abstract: A self-contained decontamination vehicle containing a system for man-carried equipment washing down personnel at the site of a major chemical disaster. The vehicle contains equipment for decontaminating the equipment used by the emergency personnel so that such man-carried equipment can be brought back into service immediately. All contaminated liquids are either retained within the vehicle for later disposition in a safe manner, or such liquids are decontaminated before being returned to the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for movably supporting a patient in an emergency medical system interiorly disposed in a helicopter is disclosed. First and second bearing blocks are slidably received on first and second upwardly extending elongated mounts. The mounts restrain any horizontal movement of the bearing blocks, while the bearing blocks cooperate to support a pallet assembly. Linear actuators are attached to the first and second bearing blocks to move each respective bearing block in a vertical direction independently of the other bearing block so as to raise and lower the entire pallet assembly or different ends thereof. Control means are provided for controlling the linear actuator and, thereby, the positions of each of the bearing blocks to permit selective positioning of the pallet assembly.

Abstract: This invention is an inflatable, anti-contamination enclosure for use in connection with emergency vehicles for transporting contaminated casualties from an accident site to medical facilities. The enclosure may be rolled up and stored in a convenient place when not in use. When needed, the enclosure can be rolled out on the floor of the emergency vehicle. As the enclosure is inflated, adhesive strips on the outside of the enclosure are exposed to secure the same against the top and side of the emergency vehicle. All openings into the enclosure are provided with flaps having a fabric loop and hook material for securing the same.

Abstract: A land rescue vehicle equipped to safely recover wounded or injured personnel or valuable equipment while under hostile fire is disclosed. A self-propelled vehicle is equipped with an armored body shell which extends downwardly to near ground level and substantially encloses the vehicle wheels to form a shielded space beneath the vehicle. An entry panel forming a portion of the vehicle shell at the front of the vehicle is selectively opened and closed to permit positioning the vehicle over an injured person and within the shielded space. Trap doors in the floor of the vehicle body provide passage from the shielded space to the safety of the interior of the vehicle for transport of the rescued person.

Abstract: A system and method for converting the interior of a light aircraft such that it can be used to transport patients or cargo. The seats and other fixtures are removed from the aircraft cabin and a rack-like structure is temporarily secured to the tracks in the floor along one side of the cabin. A moveable ramp is secured to the tracks in the floor of the cabin adjacent the door such that it can be positioned in the doorway to extend from the door to the rack-like structure for loading and unloading. A stretcher or cart having casters on the bottom thereof is placed on the ramp and rolled onto the rack-like structure.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile computer tomography scanner (CT scanner) unit equipped with full support systems.

Abstract: A standard cargo container is reconstructed into a readily transportable hospital unit for providing emergency treatment to injured survivors at a site of a major disaster, wherein the structural features embodied by the container contribute to its transportability to the disaster site (except, of course, instead of cargo, the container houses medical facilities and supplies), and subsequently at the site the container has surface transportability as a result of internal combustion engine-operated front wheels and hydraulically-operated rear wheels. The rear wheels also have the noteworthy operating mode of being extendable and retractable so as to maintain a horizontal orientation in the container during the loading and unloading thereof from a cargo-type aircraft.

Abstract: A stabilizing device is described for bracing an ambulance attendant in proper position for administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while the ambulance is in transit. The device is roof mounted and includes two pivoted arms that may be selectively moved from horizontal storage positions, adjacent the ambulance roof to substantially vertical downward operative positions. Shoulder pads are slidably mounted to the arms. The attendant may lean against the pads to secure himself in proper position for administration of CPR. The pads are slidable on the arms to allow free vertical motion of the attendant's shoulders and to automatically adjust for shoulder height.

Abstract: An adjustable litter support assembly includes fittings on each stanchion to engage conventional hold-down fixtures on the floor of an aircraft. The stanchions are further supported by interconnectable connecting links carried near the top of each stanchion. Connecting straps also extend from near the top of each stanchion to a floor fitting near the bottom of the other stanchion of each pair. Litter support arms are adjustably connected to each stanchion and carry locking straps for detachably holding a litter thereon.

Abstract: A rescue unit adapted to be towed by a snow mobile or the like includes a frame and attached skis. A patient support section is carried by the frame and includes a movable cover. An attendant support section is also carried on the frame longitudinally spaced from the head of a patient carried on the patient support section. The cover preferably includes first and second portions, the first portion being hingedly connected with one side of the frame and limited in its opening movement. The second cover portion is telescopically movable with respect to the first cover portion, and preferably has a transparent section for viewing the head of a patient being carried on the unit.

Abstract: An ambulance has two stretcher support stages placed one over the other next to one side wall of the ambulance for taking up stretchers and near the side wall there is a single guiding upright or two spaced guiding uprights, on which runners are guided and on which they may be locked at different heights. On the runners or sleeves, brackets are fixed, more specially by way of horizontal bearings, the stretcher stages being supported on the brackets. Rails running in the length-direction of the ambulance, and designed for supporting the stages, may be changed in length so that the separate runners may undergo separate adjustment in height. The front upright or a support with the same effect is fixed to the side wall of the ambulance or to the ambulance's floor, while the back guiding upright is supported by way of a floor wheel on the ambulance floor, such wheel being fixed directly to the lower end of the upright or to a post on which the upright is supported.

Abstract: A stretcher and litter combination, including a buoyant raft-like structure adapted for use as a rescue or recovery litter, and a buoyant stretcher. The litter has pontoons on either side of an elongated body section. The stretcher is in the form of an elongated board releasably secured to the body section of the litter.

Abstract: A medically equipped vehicle has a cabin adapted to accommodate medical apparatus such as infusion flasks and respirators. These items of medical apparatus are located in containers 11, 12 which are pivotally fastened at 13 to a ceiling or associated part of the cabin. When not in use the apparatus can thus be stowed in an enclosed space defined between the container and the ceiling. The container can be pivoted downwardly to a hanging position in which the enclosed apparatus is readily accessible. To keep blood plasma and the like at the required temperature a heating device 41 or, a heat exchanger which can be used both for cooling and heating purposes, is incorporated in the container. The container is usefully of thermally insulated construction. Cables and lines necessary for the respirators and for infusion purposes are conveniently connected to the associated apparatus ready for use.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for anchoring an upright pole or other supporting means used to support an intravenous bottle holder, particularly for use in an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance. The anchoring device is particularly useful to secure the upper extremity of a pole to the vehicle inside roof surface, and in one embodiment of the device, a locking feature is provided with the anchoring device to prevent accidental disengagement of the pole and holder. The pole is typically mounted upon a platform, such as a cot used in emergency transport of patients, and with use of the invention, inconvenient and undesirable swaying of the pole and rotation of the holder is prevented, thereby minimizing a safety hazard to ambulance attendants and the patient.

Abstract: The medical vehicle is capable of travelling over long distances (1 600 km) in particular in desert regions and comprises a chassis carrying a drive unit and a closed body containing the equipment for medical intervention and caring for victims of accidents or injured persons. The rear end wall of the body is provided with two outwardly openable door members. The body contains at least two superimposed stretchers which are removably supported by a stand which is movable between two angularly different positions, namely a transport position in which the stand is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and a loading position in which the stand makes an angle with the longitudinal axis. The stand has at the base thereof sliding devices which facilitate the angular movement thereof. Notwithstanding its equipment and design, the vehicle has a small overall size and is consequently air-transportable. It is adapted to travel in particular in regions having no medical or dispensary centers.

Abstract: A self-contained mobile computer tomography scanner (CT scanner) unit equipped with full support systems.

Abstract: Patient litter apparatus adapted for use in an air-ambulance operable to permit elevating and lowering the litter and patient while maintaining the litter in a horizontal position at all times and with provisions for locking the apparatus with the litter at a selected position of elevation, and further with provisions for attenuating a large scale force, such as that created by a down-crash of the air-ambulance, to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the patient and preserve the structural integrity of the apparatus.

Abstract: A stretcher supporting structure for use in an airplane, including an elongated stretcher supporting frame adapted to be positioned generally horizontally in the airplane, two leg assemblies connected to the frame adjacent the respective ends thereof, means for connecting the leg assemblies to the floor of the airplane, two straps connected to the frame on opposite sides thereof adjacent each leg assembly, and means for anchoring the other ends of the straps to the airplane with the straps oriented diagonally downwardly to brace the frame and its supporting leg assemblies. The stretcher supporting structure may be installed in the airplane in the space normally occupied by one or two of the seats with which the airplane is equipped, or it may be installed in a similar space with the corresponding seat back or backs folded downwardly and with the stretcher supporting frame located above such seat backs.

Abstract: A supporting or stabilizing device, especially for a moving vehicle, in which at least one rod is provided mounted on a support frame, such as the underneath side of a counter top, with the rod being movable axially from an idle position wherein it is disposed substantially entirely within, or beneath, the support frame to an extended position wherein it extends outwardly frm the support frame. When the rod is extended outwardly from the support frame, it serves as a supporting or stabilizing member for an individual positioned in front of the support frame. The rod may be associated with a second like rod spaced from the first rod so that when both rods are extended, an individual can take a position between the rods and be supported or stabilized thereby. The rod, or rods, are slidable in support brackets and a retaining device is provided for retaining each rod in axially adjusted positions in the supporting brackets.

Abstract: Apparatus retaining wheelchairs in stationary position in a bus type motor vehicle including retaining arms extending along and around the wheelchair wheels and gripping the wheelchair frame at the front, the arms being extendible and retractable, and a releasable chair clamping jaw, and being swingable upwardly to an out of the way position, the arm being articulated to swing the jaw transversely toward and away from the chair, the articulation in the arm providing locking for the extension and retraction of the arm, slide rails securing the retaining arms to the vehicle frame, the slide rails being wall mounted or floor mounted.

Abstract: A litter frame having a supporting platform is adapted to be raised by a hydraulic or pneumatic jack. A common pneumatic or hydraulic system is provided to both raise the platform and to provide spring suspension for the same. Where a common hydro-pneumatic system is provided, the jack assembly is actuated by a hydraulic medium, while a hydro-pneumatic cushioning assembly is loaded by the hydraulic medium. The hydraulic medium is delivered to both the jack and the hydro-pneumatic system from the same hydraulic supply.

Abstract: A rack-like sleeping apparatus for aircraft passengers comprising a frame having multiple spaced sliding couches with open end or side panels, and folding tables. The frame comprises a plurality of vertically-spaced longitudinal side rails, integrated by vertical corner posts and cross rails to form a unitary, torsionally stiff structure. Each rack is subdivided into three vertically-stacked compartments, separated from one another by panels. A couch is longitudinally slidably disposed in each compartment by means of rollers which interfit with the side rails. The tables are also longitudinally slidably mounted on mediate side rails in each compartment, and are detachable from one side. The entire rack is mounted on rollers and has an upper attachment means for securement within an aircraft.

Abstract: A three point tie down arrangement, have a quick release, for restraining wheelchairs in vehicles to prevent the chair from rotating and the wheels from leaving the floor during transit, and having sufficient strength to hold the wheelchair should the vehicle overturn.

Abstract: Described is a mechanical lift for lifting (or lowering) an object to (or from) an elevated storage compartment. The lift comprises a carriage in which the object, for example an oxygen tank, is secured. Rigid bars are pivotally mounted to an upper portion of the carriage and to a lower portion (e.g., floor) of the compartment. Preferably, the bars are mounted on opposite sides of the carriage. A telescoping rod is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the carriage and to an upper portion (e.g., ceiling) of the compartment. Spring means, which extends between substantially the same points as the telescoping rod, counterbalance the weight of the object when it is being lowered out of or lifted into the compartment.

Abstract: A stretcher holder device, for use in vehicles such as ambulances or in the open or in buildings, has a frame with uprights and longitudinal cross-pieces which support individual stretchers. In a preferred arrangement the longitudinal cross-pieces define between them a central gap to receive and guide a stiffening base projecting at the underside of the stretchers. The stretcher holder frame can support a plurality of stretchers in stacked condition, with each stretcher spaced vertically from the next in the stack.

Abstract: A person seated in a wheelchair or other wheeled patient carrier is enabled to board a vehicle while remaining in the carrier. A hold down device secured to the vehicle floor restrains the carrier against movement regardless of acceleration or emergency braking of the vehicle, and a belt arrangement can be provided to secure the passenger in the wheeled carrier.