Abstract: An ambulance stretcher for transportation of patients, which has two longitudinal frame beams (2) with connecting cross-brackets (18), all of which together form a supporting frame. On top of the supporting frame a patient bed (4-7) is arranged, which is equipped with several transverse articulated or folding points (8-10) for adjustment of the patient bed into any wanted position in its longitudinal direction. Under the patient bed part (6), which is firmly fixed to the supporting frame, a rigid auxiliary frame (18a, 32, 34) is formed to join the frame beams (2). The auxiliary frame part has articulated points (35) for fixing adjustable patient bed parts (5, 7) and articulated points (33) for fixing supporting rods (11, 36) of the adjustable patient bed parts. The frame beams (2) are rigid through the region of the auxiliary frame and extending to at least one end of the stretcher.

Abstract: A spinal and cervical immobilization apparatus (and associated methods) combining a fiber-reinforced, resin transfer molded, spinal immobilization board having rows of slots at one end with head and neck support brackets fitting into the slots, as required by the width of the patient's head and neck. The board has rounded and upturned corners, molded grip holes with finger indentations, and beveled indentations for the head and torso of a patient into which fit padding, and is 1.75" or less in thickness, weighs nine pounds or less, and can carry 700 pounds without cracking.

Abstract: A stretcher for transporting injured and other persons is provided utilizing a conventional board which has been modified by forming valve stem bores and a pair of depressions therein for receiving inflatable supports. The supports are formed from flexible fluid-impermeable materials such as suitable plastics or elastomerics and include valves and valve stems for filling and releasing the supports with air. Conventional, manual pumps can be utilized by emergency personnel to inflate the support as as needed. The stretcher can be utilized with the supports deflated, partially or fully as required. When inflated, the supports provide maximum comfort and stabilization to the patient who may be kept on the stretcher for extended periods of time during transportation or treatment procedures.

Abstract: A patient carrying device comprising a seat panel connected to a back panel. The seat panel and back panel are preferably made of soft pliable fabric, and hingedly connected together to form a two-dimensional sling like patient carrying device.

Abstract: Floating stretcher, designed, in particular, for recovering injured persons at sea, of the type including a metallic framework (1) capable of being winched by helicopter and supporting a panel of composite material (2) ensuring the buoyancy of the whole, characterized in that the panel of composite material (2) is pivotably fixed to the front of the metallic framework (1) and in that means (25, 34) are provided for maintaining the said panel (2) either in a position inclined at a given angle in relation to the plane of the framework (1) and above the latter, or in the plane of the framework.

Abstract: The present invention is a litter for the transportation of a patient from the field to a hospital. The litter has devices for monitoring and responding to the condition of the patient, including blood pressure, temperature, blood oxygen, and heart rate. At least one device for assisting the patient's breathing and for stabilizing the heart are provided with the litter. Electronic equipment provided with the litter includes a central processing unit and a visual display to permit emergency personnel to maintain a close watch on the patient's condition, and for real-time communication with hospital personnel. The litter has provisions for connection with external air and electrical power, and has lights for operation under conditions of reduced illumination.

Abstract: The invention comprises a stretcher. The stretcher has an elongated rectangular frame and a U shaped frame with the ends of its legs pivotally mounted to the inside of the rectangular frame to pivot from a flush position inside and parallel with the rectangular frame to an upward angular position in relation to the rectangular frame to serve as a back rest for a patient upon the stretcher. A fluid actuated piston and cylinder are pivotally connected between the rectangular frame and the pivotable U frame to pivot the U frame to an upward angle relative to the rectangular frame. Slidable panels are slidably mounted on the U frame and rectangular frame to slide laterally away from the frame to provide an adjustable arm rest for a patient upon the stretcher.

Abstract: A body board is provided having upper and lower plastic components defining an outer plastic shell having a hollow interior. The underside of the plastic shell defines a pair of runners which serve to space handholds disposed about the periphery of the body board from the ground on which the body board rests. A fiberglass reinforcement structure having upper and lower sheets is disposed within the hollow interior. The fiberglass sheets are bent or curved across the width of the body board to provide increased structural support for resistance to deflection or sagging of the body board when supporting a patient. The thickness of the upper and lower plastic shell components and the thickness of the upper and lower sheets of the fiberglass reinforcement structure are substantially uniform over a central x-ray region. Also, none of the upper and lower plastic shell components or the upper and lower fiberglass sheets extend vertically over any portion thereof disposed within the central x-ray region.

Abstract: A device for evacuating elderly, infirm, smoke-inhalation victims or the like from a structure accessible by stairs such as the fire stairs in the high rise building which comprises a supporting seat or chair for such persons mounted on a pair of stretcher-like bars, said bars in turn being supported at each end thereof by a carrying harness adapted to fit over the head and shoulders of each of two persons carrying such device thereby freeing the hands of such persons to grasp stair rails, walls or the like while carrying the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backboard for use by paramedics and the like constructed of a hollow plastic shell with supporting beams extending substantially its length. The beams are encapsulated within hollow ribs extending along the bottom of the shell with several spacers and plugs to help position the beams. The beams provide rigidity to the backboard in the primary load bearing direction.

Abstract: A gurney mattress configured for an adult patient including an elongated cover enclosing a first compartment having a top, bottom and oppositely disposed sides. The compartment is configured to contain a non-adult patient. The top of the compartment is hingably attached with respect to the remainder of the cover allowing the compartment to be alternately opened and closed. Padded bumpers are disposed proximate the compartment sides. A cushion is attached to the top so that, when the compartment is closed, the cushion is received within the compartment generally between the padded bumpers. When the compartment is opened, the cushion is removed from the compartment.

Abstract: A stretcher or litter for transporting patients has a bottom peripheral frame rail and a top peripheral hand-grasp rail spaced above the bottom frame rail. A molded plastic patient-receiving container or basket is secured to the bottom frame rail so that the top peripheral hand-grasp rail is unobstructed.

Abstract: A patient rescue bag is provided with an upper portion and a lower portion for use in carrying an injured person from a remote location that is not accessible by normal emergency vehicles. Once the injured person is placed between the upper and lower portions of the patient rescue bag, that person may be easily carried by rescue workers while being kept comfortable and warm. In addition, each of the outer edges of the upper and lower portions can be detached from one another so that the patient can be reached from any location around the periphery of the patient rescue bag. By use of multiple strips of hook and loop fastener material, such as VELCRO.RTM., the width of the patient rescue bag can be adjusted to the size of the injured person being carried. The outer materials of the patient rescue bag are weatherproof and reusable, and the inner materials that touch the patient are clean, disposable sheets similar to those used in hospitals.

Abstract: A personal extraction cart for supporting and restraining a person to facilitate movement of that person from an extrication point, wherein the cart includes a frame having a support surface. The support surface has upper and lower faces and a leg support portion and a back support portion defining a longitudinal length with oppositely disposed longitudinal edges. The leg and back support portions have a use position in which the upper faces of each of those portions are angled relative to each other along the longitudinal length of the frame. Wheels are preferably attached below the support surface for facilitating movement of the cart in its transportation position.

Abstract: The X-ray exposure in lateral projection of the cervical spine region of a traumatized patient resting on a trauma board or like emergency carrier is facilitated by an applicance in the form of a traction board having a flat base plate adapted to fit in telescoping relation slidingly beneath an end portion of the trauma board and an integral upstanding traction plate projecting upwardly from the base plate for abutting contact with the end edge of the trauma board or other carrier. The traction board is equipped with e.g. a belt or a C-shaped channel for engaging the same to an overlying portion of the trauma board.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a patient support device comprising a flexible support means, the support means having a pair of ends each of which includes a pair of hand holds, the hand holds being formed by an aperture which is dimensioned to receive the palm of a user's hand when lifting a patient and flap means hinged to one edge of the aperture permitting the flap means to engage the palm of the user's hand when lifting a patient, each of the hand holds being aligned with a respective hand hold so that, during use, the flap means may be nested together to form an integral handle with a folded cross section, the support means being formed of reinforced sheet material having sufficient rigidity to enable the integral handle to resist collapse, the support means being dimensioned to position the hand holds above a floor surface in order to minimize discomfort experienced by a user when lifting a patient.

Abstract: A patient gurney with adjustable hand holds for easy carrying. The hand holds are spaced from the plane of the bed of the gurney and are arranged so that one set may above that plane and one set below so that the device may be readily carried down stairways. A locking device contained within a tubular collar on a rail of the gurney is used to hold the hand holds in position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible stretcher. The stretcher comprises: a mattress section having a rectangular shape, the mattress section being made of a material, which is capable of absorbing air, the mattress section being capable of spreading by absorbing air and being wound from a longitudinal end when air is discharged; a cover section for accommodating the mattress section, the cover section having a rectangular shape; belt holders being provided on both longitudinal edges of the cover section; and a belt being run through the belt holders, the belt being formed into a loop. Having the windable and light mattress section and no long shafts, the stretcher can be easily and rapidly managed even in narrow places.

Abstract: A flexible toboggan is modified for use as a rescue toboggan. A backboard is located within said rescue toboggan and a CPR Bracket located above said backboard so that a rescuer can perform CPR or otherwise monitor an injured person who is strapped to the backboard and placed in the rescue toboggan. Concave recesses in the front, lower portion of the rescue toboggan reduce the sliding resistance of the rescue toboggan when the rescue toboggan is empty.

Abstract: A composite litter board is made from two separate rigid board members that are adapted to be releasably secured to each other by two rigid partial sleeves with C-shaped cross sections that have narrow openings.

Abstract: The transfer device of this invention comprises a sled means 10 and a handle means 12. The sled means 10 comprises a generally rectangular, relatively thin and flat-surfaced transfer board 20. Transfer board 20 has two parallel sides and two transverse ends. Each side is provided with a plurality of loops 22 which conjoin with mating fasteners 24 of the handle means. Loops may be spaced equidistantly from the transverse ends along the sides of the transfer board 20. Handle means 12 comprises a grip bar 26, a tension bar 28, a plurality of fastener means 24, and a plurality of straps 30 which are attached to the grip and tension bars as shown.

Abstract: A multipurpose patient support surface is provided with support surface segments connected to one another in series. The segments are formed of a sandwich laminate including a top and a bottom load bearing skin layer separated by a core material. The segments are connected to one another at transverse edges by a hinge area and are locked in position relative to one another to form substantially planar support surface.

Abstract: A multi-purpose emergency room trauma board having a rigid plastic backboard which is removably mounted in parallel and spaced-apart fashion on a rigid base. The rigid base includes an elevated lip around the perimeter thereof to define a drip pan on the top surface thereof and support means mounted thereon to removably support the backboard in spaced-apart relationship to the base at a sufficient height to allow slidable positioning of an X-ray cassette therebetween.

Abstract: A veterinary support device has a support element, a wheeled undercarriage including a pair of castered leg arrangements, couplers to removably couple the leg arrangements to the support element, wherein the device has a first operable position with the leg arrangements removed to function as a stretcher and a second operable position with the leg arrangements coupled to the support element to function as a gurney, the support element including a pair of beams, a carrying portion positioned on the beams to carry an animal; each of the beams having a pair of ends, each of the leg arrangements being further arranged to be releasably connected to a corresponding pair of ends by the couplers.

Abstract: A patient support device is disclosed having a flexible support means, the support means having a pair of ends each of which includes a pair of hand holds. The hand holds are formed by cut outs in each corner of the support means, each of the cutouts forming a flap that engages the palm of the user's hand when lifting a patient. Each of the cut outs is aligned with a respective cutout so that, during use, the hand holds may be nested together to form an integral handle with overlapping flaps. The support means is formed of reinforced sheet material having sufficient rigidity to enable the integral handle to resist collapse and is dimensioned to position the hand holds above a floor surface in order to minimize discomfort experienced by a user when lifting a patient.

Abstract: A foot support plate adapted for mounting on a foot end of a rigid stretcher comprising a base rectangular plate of rigid construction having connected by a first hinge to a first support arm and a second hinge attached to the base of a second arm, the first and second arms being adapted to be mounted on the support plate for movement between an open position and a closed secured position for securely supporting the foot support plate in a generally perpendicular relationship with said rigid stretcher. The base plate also comprises a series of at least two pins extending an orthogonical relationship for engaging matching sockets in the base of the rigid stretcher for providing an anchoring for the base plate.

Abstract: A waterbed having a plurality of individually water-filled bladders adjacent each other on a transfer board or other flat surface. Each bladder has a flap that attaches to the bottom surface of the adjacent bladder. The transfer board may have handles so that the waterbed may be transported. In another embodiment, foam may be placed around the bladders to give the waterbed stability. Further, the foam and bladder may be enclosed with a cover having an air-tight zippered opening. A pocket attaches to the cover that mates with the transfer board to provide stability when the waterbed is moved. A liquid-filled footrest may also be provided.

Abstract: A stretcher operated by one or more persons for transporting an injured patient and including a body board for supporting a patient's upper legs and body, a slide member received within the body board and extendible selected distances therefrom, and a base portion connected to the slide member opposite the body board for supporting a patient's feet and ankles. The body board has a pair of protective skids which slide on a subjacent supporting surface with the skids supporting the body board and base portion a selected distance above the supporting surface. Wheels rotably connected to the base portion support the stretcher when the stretcher is tilted relative to the supporting surface such that an individual may transport a patient on the stretcher. The wheels are supported above the skids and thus do not interfere with the sliding movement thereof. A pivotal foot rest is connected to the base portion and supports the patient when the stretcher is tilted about a transverse axis.

Abstract: A vehicle seat liner is used to allow manual extrication of an injured driver from the vehicle seat. The liner is formed of two rigid board elements disposed against those portions of said vehicle seat normally contacted by the back and buttocks of the operator when seated. The board elements are pivotally joined to each other adjacent the juncture of the aforesaid portions of the vehicle seat. This permits the driver to sit on the liner when in the seated position in the vehicle seat and to lie upon the liner when the board elements are pivoted relative to each other to form a substantially planar configuration. The liner also has handles, hand grips, straps, or the like, that can be grasped by rescue personnel reaching into the interior of the vehicle to extricate the driver. This permits rescuers to lift the liner and the driver from the vehicle seat and out of the vehicle while stabilizing of the head and spinal cord of the driver.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for restraining a patient having a suspected spinal injury. The apparatus is in the form of a spinal restraint comprising a rigid board, a plurality of restraining straps, a head support, a foot support, and carrying handles. The restraining straps extend laterally across the board from side portions thereof, the straps being longitudinally removable and laterally retractable. The head support is adapted for immobilizing the head of a patient and comprises a center support for supporting the back of the head of a patient and two side supports, one on each side of the central support, each one for supporting the side of the head of a patient and being movable between a support configuration and a loading and storing configuraiton in which the side support lies substantially flush with the center support.

Abstract: A vibration-proof stretcher is usable for facilitating safe emergency treatment of a patient lying on the stretcher.

Abstract: An evacuation restraint comprising a base sheet (1) of flexible fabric, a rigid support member (2) of corrugated plastics board material including a central rectangular portion (3) having its corrugations running longitudinally and smaller rectangular portions (4 and 5) flexibly connected to either end of the central portion (3) having their corrugations running transversely, said support member being secured by sewing or adhesive to said base sheet (1), said base sheet (1) extending beyond the edges of said support member (2) and having longitudinal straps (12 and 13) secured at its edges, bracing straps (17 and 18) extending from the straps (12 and 13) to the ends of the base sheet and transverse straps (20 and 21) having loop connectors (22 and 23) adapted to engage loops (16 and 19) secured to the edges of the base sheet (1) to enable the base sheet to envelope a patient (P) supported by a mattress (M) (FIG. 3) for evacuation purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an appliance to assist in the movement of persons. The appliance comprises a sheet of fabric material having sleeves along each longitudinal edge and each transverse edge. A plurality of handholds are provided along each longitudinal sleeve and each transverse sleeve. Means for securing the appliance to the upper surface of a mattress of a standard sized hospital bed are provided.

Abstract: A stretcher for use in confined areas such as a mine tunnel for transporting sick or injured persons which is constructed for mounting on sideboard structure of a conveyor in the mine tunnel. The stretcher includes a frame having a generally flat portion for supporting the sick or injured person on the stretcher. Rollers mounted on the frame for rolling engagement with the sideboard structure support the frame on the sideboard structure so that the structure may move translationally over the sideboard stretcher. Guide rollers maintain the rollers in engagement with the sideboard structure.

Abstract: This invention is an advancement in the safe and practical methods of transporting sick or injured patients. The Manhandler is a flexible stretcher constructed of pliable materials. The injured patient is firmly secured to the cot portion of the system by a flexible wrap of sturdy material that extends along each side of the patient's entire body and is secured across his body by a series of strong straps. The litter and the wrap are attached to two parallel flexible strips of material which form lifting grips. These side grips provide support when lifted from the side. A solid sheet of plastic material provides rigidity to the cot portion of the stretcher when side lift is applied, yet remains flexible to allow elevation of the feet and head when such lift is released. The supporting material is radio-opaque to allow x-rays without the necessity of removing the patient from the litter.

Abstract: Disclosed is backboard apparatus for supporting a patient. The apparatus includes a board having top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of side pairs of slots formed in an edge extremity of the board; and a pad assembly connected to the board including a pad having bottom and top surfaces bounded by sides and ends of the pad, and a first strap connected to the pad, having free ends extending beyond the sides of the pad and a fastener for connecting the ends to form a first closed loop, extending through a side pair of the slots and under the bottom surface of the board for securing the pad to the board. The apparatus can include a plurality of the first straps spaced apart on the pad. The board can include an additional pair of the slots located proximate end portions of the edge extremity, the apparatus including a pair of end straps connected to the pad for preventing longitudinal movement between the pad and the board.