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: The object is to provide a mattress that can be used as a stretcher when a disaster occurs and can also be used as an ordinary mattress when it is not used as a stretcher. This invention proposes a mattress 1 formed by covering a padding with a covering material, characterized in that the covering material 3 has grip portions 4 fixed to the longitudinal edges near the corners of the mattress, that the ends on one side of multiple fastening belts 6 are fixed to both the longitudinal edges, that stowing portions 7 for stowing the fastening belts are provided, and that fastening members 9 are fixed at the ends on the other side of the fastening belts.

Abstract: A device for providing elements of survival, including two components that attached together form a sealed compartment. One side of the compartment is substantially flat to enable the transportation of persons or materials, and has a number of handles to facilitate transportation.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient, compact and lightweight patient transfer device for transferring patients between two horizontal surfaces such as from bed to bed, bed to stretcher, stretcher to gurney, etc. One person can lift or maneuver the device under a patient with a minimum of effort, with ergonomic safety, and little chance of injury or strain. The device comprises a generally flat and semi-rigid support member adapted to be orientated in a generally horizontal disposition, apertures or other non-protruding handles along the sides of the support member spaced shoulder-width apart, fasteners for securing the patient on the support member, and omnidirectional rollers positioned on the lower surface of the support member for translating the support member across the generally horizontally disposed surface and transferring the patient to or from one horizontal surface to another.

Abstract: A stretcher pad for use with a stretcher in transporting a body from one location to at least another location in a generally horizontal position. The stretcher pad may improve pressure distribution to the body being transported by the stretcher. The stretcher generally comprises a wheeled frame for rolling the stretcher over a surface and transporting the body from one location to at least another location. A generally elongate pad is supported by the wheeled frame for receiving the body in a generally horizontal position on the stretcher. A pressure management insert is disposed at least partly within the pad for supporting at least part of a trunk of the body on the stretcher.

Abstract: A conformable cushion comprising: a fluid reservoir defined by walls, at least one of which is flexible; electro-rheological fluid located in the reservoir; and a pair of electrodes contacting the electro-rheological fluid whereby an electrical field may be applied across the electro-rheological fluid so as to increase the viscosity thereof.

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: Disclosed is a patient rescue bag particularly designed for extreme wet weather use. A substantially rectangular upper portion (14) is sized wider than a substantially rectangular lower portion (12) such that longitudinal edges (66, 68) of the upper portion (14) are folded downwardly and inwardly so that an inner layer (32) of the upper portion (14) is releasably attached to an outer layer (36) of the lower portion (12). In this manner, the exposed edges of the connection between upper (14) and lower (12) portions are not subject to accumulated rain or snow seeping into the patient chamber (24) or being forced in by helicopter downdraft.

Abstract: A telescoping folding platform that is compact in the retracted and folded configuration and that is made rigid and locked in the unfolded and extended configuration by means of spring biased securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. The platform can be given numerous utilitarian embodiments by means of attachments that are locked in place in securements that are incorporated into the structures of the platform. When the attachments are wheels and a drawbar the platform is configured as a cart which has particular utility in off the road emergency rescue situations.

Abstract: A roll-in cot (1) having a patient support attached to a wheeled transporter wherein the wheeled transporter comprises leading and trailing collapsible legs (3).

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: The present invention is a method and device for use by EMTs, or paramedics in the process of moving patients, particularly obese patients, onto another support structure, such as a cot, bed, stretcher, gurney or the like. The device is may be formed of rigid PVC or plastic and has a plurality of hand holds. The method and device include dimensions and features which prevent injury to the EMTs, and which provide comfort and support to the patient during the moving process. The device is adapted to be placed under a patient after turning the patient on their side from an initial position, sliding the patient over the device, placing the patient onto the other support structure, and removing the device from under the patient after moving is completed.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for rescuing persons, for example from a space with a small access opening. The carrying apparatus accommodates a person in an elongated transport position, a middle part that is substantially curved in cross section and is open at the top, which accommodates at least the head and the trunk of a person to be transported in a supine position.

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 patient support system adapted for attachment to the chassis of a vehicle. The vehicle has a cargo bed and a midline bisecting the cargo bed. The assembly includes a chassis mounting portion adapted to be attached to a side wall in the bed of the vehicle, a lateral adjustment mechanism attached to the chassis mounting portion and a litter supporting portion attached to the lateral adjustment mechanism. The assembly permits the litter supporting portion to be positioned near or over the midline of the cargo bed to facilitate the loading of a litter onto the litter supporting portion. After the litter lockingly engages the litter supporting portion, the litter supporting portion can be repositioned laterally with respect to the midline of the vehicle bed. In a preferred embodiment, two assemblies, each of which is a mirror image of the other, are attached to opposing walls in the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: An enveloping patient carrier having a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the perimeter of the patient carrier. The carrying handles are coupled to a plurality of intersecting lateral support members and longitudinal support member which engage the bottom surface. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Carabiner mounting member extend at least into the stretcher cavity and define a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and which is inclined relative to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher so that at least the carabiner mounting members which extend into the stretcher cavity are substantially co-planar with their corresponding tether straps when the stretcher is lifted by the straps.

Abstract: A split-apart basket stretcher and its corresponding rail coupling and lock, where the stretcher has first and second portions for mounting in opposed facing relation to one another, and the rail coupling and lock releasably locks the first and second portions together in their opposed facing relation using a threaded slidable collet on the end of at least one rail of the first portion. The collet threads onto the end of at least one corresponding rail of the second portion. A spring loaded pin prevents the collet from unthreading until the pin is manually depressed.

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: An ambulance cot load wheel assisting device configured to effect a lifting of the axis of rotation of the load wheel to a location sufficiently above the floor surface of the cargo area of the ambulance to enable it to roll onto the floor surface in response to the attendant merely pushing the cot into the cargo area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a collapsible, convertible, extendable, traction-providing, portable stretcher/body splint type rescue device for use generally in emergency rescue field situations and having three main parts: a top or head portion, a middle or body portion, and an optional bottom or foot portion, all of which are formed from radiolucent material. The rescue device of the present invention further includes a head gear portion that is slidably adjustable, can provide dynamic cervical traction in the field, and is positioned on, yet easily removable from, the top or head portion. There is also padding on the top and middle portions which is removable, as well as a plurality of restraining devices such as webs, gores, straps and flaps to immobilize a victim on the rescue device.

Abstract: The invention provides a foldable stretcher, comprising a first pair of axially-alignable rigid longitudinal members (12), each member (12) having arm inner and an outer extremity (14, 16) and being hingedly connected (18) at its inner extremity (14) to its adjacent member (12) by a longitudinal linkage (20, 20a); a second pair of axially-alignable rigid longitudinal members (12a), each member having an inner (14a) and an outer (16a) extremity and also being hingedly connected at its inner extremity (14a) to its adjacent member (12a) by a longitudinal linkage (20a), the pairs of longitudinal members (12) being interconnected in spaced-apart array by a flexible web (22) suspended therebetween; and four longitudinal carrier handle members (24), each having an outer extremity (26) configured for grasping and lifting, and each having an inner extremity hingedly (36) connected to one of the outer extremities (16) of the longitudinal members (12, 12a) by means of a link member (38), and each of handle members (24)

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 and method for catching a person who is participating in a trust fall exercise in a ropes course. The device is constructed of a sheet of strong, flexible material that is provided with straps of reinforcing material, that extend under the sheet from side to side and from top to bottom. Each end of the straps is formed into a loop. The loops at the sides and the top of the sheet serves as handles by which team members grasp the device when catching a person on the device, and loops at the bottom of the sheet are to secure the device to a platform on which the person who is to be caught stands prior to falling backward off of the platform and onto the device.

Abstract: A pediatric spinal immobilization device and method for immobilizing a pediatric trauma patient are provided. The immobilization device in one embodiment is releasably secured to an adult-sized backboard, and in another embodiment is provided with a removably contained infant-sized backboard. The immobilization device provides body-straps mounted along a central section of the device, and individual appendage-restraints to permit removal of the body-straps without compromising control over the appendages of the injured patient. Compressible, crescent-shaped headblocks are tightly yet removably fastened to the immobilization device. A harness of the immobilization device helps secures the injured patient over an included adjustable elevation device and when used in conjunction with the headblocks, significantly reduces the risk of further injury from lateral and flexion movement of the head.

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: The present invention relates to a structurally rigid, X-ray translucent backboard for transporting an injured person from the scene of an injury to a treatment center. The backboard comprises a planar top side which contacts the patient and a bottom side forming a single curvilinear shape that provides structural support to the planar top side. A hollow, foam filled core formed between the planer top side and the curved bottom side helps provide sufficient X-ray translucence and structural support to the backboard.

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: In one embodiment, the enveloping patient carrier of the present invention has a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the sides of the patient carrier. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

Abstract: A tactical stretcher used to transport accident victims, in particular, to stretcher type devices used to transport victims who have been exposed to hazardous materials is disclosed. The tactical stretcher comprises a foldable tubular frame having spreader assemblies attached thereto for securing the stretcher in a folded or unfolded position, the folded position having reduced width. The frame is coated with chemical resistant paint, and includes integral handles swedged into the ends of the frame. Each integral swedged handle has alternate grooves and ridges to provide a firm grip, and reduce hand and arm fatigue for a user wearing heavy rubber gloves. A bed spans the frame for carrying the accident victim thereon.

Abstract: A flexible drag stretcher is arranged for storage and transport in a tightly rolled, compact cylindrical storage condition for hand carrying and for mounting on the backpacks of soldiers and hikers, for unrolling of the stretcher into an operative stretcher condition arranged to protectively secure an injured person thereon for emergency drag removal from the scene of an injury by one or more persons, the stretcher having a single center base panel formed of a flexible sheet material and mounting a pair of opposite, flexible side torso flap members arranged to be snugly cinched against the sides of only the torso portion of an injured person's body, whereby to secure the patient to the stretcher during operation of the stretcher.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Each carabiner mounting member extends into the stretcher cavity and defines a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular both to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher.

Abstract: An emergency trauma stretcher comprised of flexible fabric such that the stretcher may be rolled or folded into a package for easy transport into locations where traditional stretchers are either not appropriate or not available. The stretcher is comprised of a support structure and handles. The support structure is comprised of longitudinal support members and lateral support members that are joined together at overlapping intersections. The handles are formed by looping the longitudinal and lateral support members at predetermined locations.

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.

Abstract: A patient transport board comprises a flat, rigid board having a surface on which the patient lays and restraining straps for securing the patient. A pair of foldable rail members can be extended to serve as runners for moving the patient down a flight of stairs. A skid plate is provided at the foot end of the board to allow the board to be used in an upright mode for maneuvering in tight areas. In one embodiment wheel and axle assemblies are affixed at the lower end of the rail members to make easier movement of the patient transport board in an upright orientation. In another embodiment track assemblies allow for movement over rough or uneven surfaces when the patient transport board is in an upright orientation. Components of the patient transport board are foldable or removable so the board can be readily placed on a gurney or stored.

Abstract: A stretcher comprising a molded frame assembly having a first frame pole and a second frame pole interconnected by a spreader bar for maintaining poles in a laterally spaced arrangement. A bed member is carried by the frame poles adapted for receiving and supporting a person. The molded frame assembly is constructed of a composite of 50% to 85% polyamide resin and 15% to 50% fiberglass by weight to resist hazardous materials and allow for decontamination of the frame assembly. The frame poles are constructed from a plurality of frame arms. A hinge pivotally connects abutting ends of frame arms, and a hinge support carried opposite the hinge further interconnects frame arms to increase the structural rigidity of the hinge. The frame poles having a hollow interior cavity to reduce weight with reinforcing members disposed in the cavity running the length of the cavity to resist bending and twisting.

Abstract: A mat conveyor includes a tubular fabric member formed of a soft flexible material and having an interior passage formed therein. A plurality of handle bands are secured to the exterior surface of the tubular member. Each of the handle bands utilizes a support band secured to the exterior surface of the tubular member together with an overlying outer band secured to the support band at a plurality of spaced attachments. The portions of the outer band extending between attachments form a plurality of handle members generally spaced about the tubular member. A pair of carrying poles are receivable within the tubular member interior passage to convert the tubular member to a stretcher-like carrier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the enveloping patient carrier of the present invention has a flexible top surface connected to a flexible bottom surface. The flexible top surface defines a re-closable torso opening, a face opening and a plurality of re-closable medical attention openings. The enveloping patient carrier also includes a plurality of carrying handles attached to the sides of the patient carrier. This type of patient carrier aids in the protection of emergency personnel from hazardous fluids (gas and liquid) and also enhances the medical attention and treatment of patients.

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: The transport and securing system of the present invention is utilized in conjunction with a wrist and ankle mechanical restraint system applied to a subject, which releasably secures the restrained subject to the transport and securing system, to easily and quickly transport the restrained subject and secure the subject to an ordinary bed, or any other stationary structure, without removing the subject's mechanical restraints. A instant release mechanism enables a single staff member to immediately disconnect the transport and securing system from the stationary structure so that the restrained subject may me quickly transported into another location without releasing the subject from the mechanical restraint system. The inventive transport and securing system includes optional releasable chest and stomach straps to supplement the mechanical restraint system. Alternately, the inventive transport and securing system may be configured to utilize an upper body protection and face shield system.

Abstract: In a stretcher (100) comprising an upper frame (11) for placing a litter on an upper portion thereof having casters (41) and (42) in the front and rear portions, and a slide mechanism for changing up/down the position of the upper frame (11), the stretcher (100) is provided with a non-step stopper mechanism for stopping the sliding in the slide mechanism in a non-step manner. As a result, the height of the stretcher (100) can be changed up/down smoothly without rendering pain or uneasiness to a patient.

Abstract: A flexible drag stretcher is arranged for storage and transport in a tightly rolled, compact cylindrical storage condition for hand carrying and for mounting on the backpacks of soldiers and hikers, for unrolling of the stretcher into an operative stretcher condition arranged to protectively secure an injured person thereon for emergency drag removal from the scene of an injury by one or more persons, the stretcher having a single center base panel formed of a flexible sheet material and mounting a pair of opposite, flexible side torso flap members arranged to be snugly cinched against the sides of only the torso portion of an injured person's body, whereby to secure the patient to the stretcher during operation of the stretcher.

Abstract: A pair of carabiner mounting members are rigidly mounted or mountable to each top rail of a basket rescue stretcher. The carabiner mounting members are mounted or mountable spaced longitudinally apart along the each top rail. Each carabiner mounting member extends into the stretcher cavity and defines a carabiner receiving opening which lies in a first plane which is perpendicular both to a vertical second plane containing the corresponding top rail to which the carabiner mounting member is mounted or mountable and to a horizontal third plane which contains the pair of top rails on opposite sides of the stretcher.

Abstract: A stretcher including a substantially rigid cavity defined by a base, opposing ends extending upwardly from the base, and opposing sidewalls disposed between the opposing ends and extending upwardly from the base. Each of the opposing sidewalls includes at least one low section so that a human limb can be extended out of the cavity to maneuver the stretcher.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a foam-filled thermoplastic spine board. An upper surface of the spine board has a cradle configuration to assist in more comfortably positioning a patient. The spine board includes hand holds for transporting the patient. Being free from metallic parts, the spine board is X-ray translucent and/or radio translucent.

Abstract: A spine protecting strap apparatus for trauma victim transportation has a longitudinal zipper with each side configured for detachable connection to the edges and at the head end of the supporting carrier. A plurality of adjustable length, transverse strap assemblies with releasable, slack take-ups have one end permanently connected to either side of the longitudinal zipper and the opposite end configured for detachable connection to corresponding edges of the carrier, so that, with the longitudinal zipper fully closed and the detachable connections connected to the carrier, the transverse straps are effectively connected across the width of the carrier and the straps can be tightened in order to immobilize the victim's body for transportation.

Abstract: A cot for assisting in the transfer of a body from a removable support bed of the cot to another surface. The cot includes a trolley which serves as a transporter for the removable support bed. The cot also includes a tilting device which is designed to tilt the support bed about the trolley. The support bed may be removed from the trolley to reduce the total weight carried by the attendants, and permit the removal of a body from locations which are difficult to access. When removed from the trolley, the support bed may be rolled upright with wheels that are located at one end of the support bed. The support bed is contoured in shaped to pool bodily fluids which may escape during transport. A locking device is provided on the trolley for releasably securing the support bed thereon.

Abstract: A stretcher including a substantially rigid cavity defined by a base, opposing ends extending upwardly from the base, and opposing sidewalls disposed between the opposing ends and extending upwardly from the base. Each of the opposing sidewalls includes at least one low section so that a human limb can be extended out of the cavity to maneuver the stretcher.

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.