Abstract: A modular stretcher system includes a pouch having a releasable outer cover and an inner surface, and a stretcher comprised from a lightweight sheet material and stored within the pouch, wherein the stretcher is accessible upon release of the cover, and wherein the stretcher further includes at least two integrated load-bearing system fixings that engage the lightweight sheet and extend through the inner surface. The modular stretcher system may also be incorporated within a protective anti-ballistic jacket.

Abstract: A carbon fiber frame assembly having a first collapsible frame pole and a second collapsible frame pole interconnected by a bed member. The bed member is reinforced with nylon strips for receiving and supporting a person between the frame poles. The first frame pole and the second frame pole consisting of a plurality of interlocking pole segments moveable between a collapsed configuration wherein the pole segments for each of the frame poles are generally disengaged from each other, and an erected configuration wherein the pole segments are aligned and connected end to end to form each of the frame poles. An elastic retention cord is disposed within a hollow interior of the first and second frame poles to bundle the frame segments together when in the disassembled configuration and to resist separation in the erected configuration. The distal end of each frame pole includes an extendable locking handle assembly.

Abstract: An evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients preferably includes a plastic sheet having a plurality of handholds disposed about left and right side edges of the sheet, each handhold comprising an opening with a plastic reinforcement above the opening. A plurality of patient retention straps are coupled to the plastic sheet and are configured to secure a patient in the plastic sheet when the plastic sheet is curved upward about the patient. A pull strap is coupled through a head of the plastic sheet and is configured to permit a person to drag the patient strapped to the plastic sheet. Preferably, a foot strap is affixed to the head pull strap and coupled to a foot of the plastic sheet. The foot strap is configured to cause, when tension is applied to the head pull strap, at least one portion of the plastic sheet foot to raise upward and at least partially enclose the feet of the patient.

Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.

Abstract: A mission adaptable multi-purpose, collapsible portable cart/utility table, for use in emergency response and disaster situations, camping, hunting and other outdoors activities, which carries medical rescue carts, canoes, small boats, game, or hauled cargo by hand. It transports one or more cargo bins over long, rough terrain and each bin can include one or more cabinet drawers therein, wherein upon tilting of a cargo bin from a horizontal transport position to a substantially vertical position the cargo bin serves as a supply cabinet. Each bin is openable to expose the supply drawers for use.

Abstract: A rescuing and carrying device comprising a supporting portion, handhold belts, safety belts and shoulder belts, each made of flexible materials. The handhold belts, safety belts and shoulder belts are fixed on the supporting portion respectively. The device comprises lightweight, flexible and foldable materials. With the shoulder belts, the device can be lifted or carried on the shoulders of carriers, allowing for hands-free operation by the carrier.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: A patient transporter having inflatable chambers or channels that provides improved support, rigidity, and height is disclosed. The patient transporter is lightweight, portable and durable. The inflatable chambers also provide buoyancy. A skid plate on the bottom surface of the transporter allows the transporter to be easily pulled over the ground when transporting a person. A hinged support assembly can be connected to the bottom of the transporter for additional rigidity and support. A method for using a patient transporter having inflatable chambers is also provided.

Abstract: An emergency drag stretcher is disclosed that combines a base panel formed of a flexible sheet material and a harness. The harness securely restrains an individual and holds the base panel against the individual, allowing the individual to be dragged or vertically lifted using the emergency drag stretcher.

Abstract: An extraction and transfer sling facilitating lifting of an injured, incapacitated, or person of interest for any reason that may be warranted by emergency services or assistance. The sling has several embodiments each capable of supporting a thigh, buttocks, and back region of a person being lifted. Additionally the sling can include shoulder, head, and leg including foot support for transporting a lifted person from one location to another location.

Abstract: A bed with a leg assembly coupled to a support link assembly by a joint, the joint comprising a slot having at least two paths. A support link assembly defining a length that automatically varies as the support link assembly moves relative to the leg assembly.

Abstract: A body wrap for quick lifting and transport of a patient's body or provide assistance to a patient or accident victim in standing or securing an injured limb during transport in a wheelchair, comprising a flexible canvas wrap that is placed and secured around parts of the body and where the supporting wrap has flexible handles that permit the wrap to be grasped and lifted by one or more attendants.

Abstract: A stretcher, suitable for carrying out rescue of injured persons in not easily accessible areas, such as speleologists trapped in caves, people in difficulty in the mountains, people to be rescued from the water, also with the intervention of helicopters, includes a rigid board, which can easily be dismantled and reassembled without tools, the rigid part including elements that slot together to form the rigid board, designed to support the weight of the person to be carried, and is characterized in that it envisages at least one element that develops basically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the board and connects up directly to the other elements constituting the board, there being provided first members designed to prevent relative movements between the elements constituting the board, out of the plane of the board, and second members designed to prevent any relative sliding between the elements.

Abstract: A combination patient support table and stretcher assembly having a patient support surface including at least first and second planar sections convertible between first end-to-end secured and second collapsible arrangements. A plurality of legs extend from corner locations associated with the planar support sections, the legs are convertible at least between first downwardly supporting and second outwardly pivoting positions. The assembly operates in a selected configuration as a ground supported and elevated table, and which can further be reconfiguring through actuation of the legs to reconfigure as a patient transportable stretcher.

Abstract: A patient transport device includes a generally planar board having a width, length, and thickness defining a volume. At least one handle element is movably connected to the board. The at least one handle element is movable between a first, storage position in which the handle element is contained within the volume of the board, and a second, deployed position in which the handle element extends outwardly from the board. At least one foot support element is movably connected to the board, and is movable between a first, storage position in which the foot support element is contained within the volume of the board, and a second, deployed position in which the foot support element extends outwardly from the board. At least one roller element is rotatably secured to a bottom surface of the board. A patient to be transported is secured to the board and partially supported by the foot support and rolled via the at least one roller element by a single user of the board grasping the at least one handle element.

Abstract: A Firefighter Rapid Emergency Extraction device or F.R.E.E. Sled, is an emergency piece of equipment that acts as a rapid removal sled in which to apply to a downed firefighter, FF, within moments of locating or arriving at the victim. The F.R.E.E. Sled allows for the low profile loading and packaging of the downed FF as well as a securing strap for the RIC bag and air supply unit so that it stays with the victim. The instant invention allows the rescuer to quickly retrieve the compactly stored sled from the storage compartment of their own response vehicle, enter, locate and package the victim without the need for converting the gear that may be worn by the victim-firefighter. The F.R.E.E. Sled easily allows the operations level rescuer to secure the harness system in low-to-zero visibility environments with the “Twin Strap-Two Snap Buckle” method faster and more efficient than any other device available in the rescue art without having to remove the rescuers' protective gloves to accomplish this task.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.

Abstract: A foldable stretcher for transporting a patient, which stretcher is foldable in both longitudinal and lateral direction. The stretcher has two longitudinal support rods with end pieces at each end, wherein the support rods consist of a number of longitudinal support segments individually linked by hinges. The hinges are foldable substantially in the lateral direction of the stretcher when unfolded. The stretcher has one or more foldable lateral locking devices between the longitudinal supports, which lateral locking devices when extended, spread the longitudinal supports to each side. The lateral locking devices each have two or more lateral locking device rods each linked to the respective longitudinal support rod by hinges and interlinked by a hinge. The lateral locking devices are foldable in the longitudinal direction of the unfolded stretcher.

Abstract: An emergency response treatment bed system. The emergency response beds may include a frame having a pair of opposing tubular stainless steel side supports and a pair of opposing tubular stainless steel end supports. The side supports and end supports are affixed each to the other by corner fixtures. A plurality of collapsible support legs are affixed to the frame. The support legs have an upper end and a lower end, and are adapted to support the frame above a selected substrate. A support deck is coupled to the frame. The support deck is adapted to support a patient body, and is provided with a liquid impervious, molded thermoplastic contaminant resistant cleanable surface. The support deck also has, above at least some of the support legs, a cutout portion defined by edgewalls, to provide access through the support deck to the support legs, so that multiple beds may be stacked one above the other, using support inserts between vertically adjacent support legs.

Abstract: A foldable stretcher for transporting an object. The stretcher comprising: a plurality of substantially plane members pivotally connected with each other in series by means of hinges there between; handles pivotally connected to outermost of the plane members; and, at least two pluralities of props. The stretcher further comprises at least two pairs of sufficiently stiff wires. Each pair of the wires arranged along a corresponding long side of the stretcher; each the wire is mechanically connected to the stretcher at least two connection points; the handles adapted for actuating a tautening of at least one of the wires of each pair of wires by fixation of the handles when the stretcher is in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A collapsible litter carrier apparatus, system and method. Generally, the litter apparatus includes a frame assembly having a plurality of hingedly connected, longitudinally adjacent sections that are foldable or collapsible, accordion-like, into a compact arrangement when the carrier is not in use or being stored. Releaseably attached to the frame assembly is a body-supporting bed or sheet. Additionally, the frame assembly is provided with a plurality of foldable handles that are hingedly connected to the outer corners of the extended frame.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: An oblong hoop formed of six tube pieces fitted together end to end has tube junctions at each of four beveled corners. A pair of telescoping side junctions preferably connects side tubes together to make the oblong hoop extendable and retractable in length. The hoop can be used in three ways during three stages of learning—first, with the pupil supported in the front region of the hoop and an instructor within the hoop and close behind the pupil, second, with the pupil remaining forward in the hoop and the instructor moving to a rear region of the hoop, and third, with the pupil remaining in the forward region of the hoop, and the instructor moving outside the hoop to hold onto a rear region of the hoop.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transporting device for patients who are to be transported from a first site to a second site using low force. For this purpose is provided a firm board which can also be resilient, wherein this board is encompassed by an endless band. This endless band is adapted to the shape of the board and can slide around the board. The outer ends of the board are provided with caps which, on the one hand, lend the board high rigidity at the ends and, on the other hand, prevent body fluids from penetrating into the interspace between board and endless band.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible and portable stretcher for effective use under extreme circumstances such as use in disaster and war affected terrains. The stretcher includes a wheel assembly having an alternative use as a container for the collapsible stretcher. The invention has particular advantages in military or disaster environments in that it allows one person, a carrier, to perform an evacuation of an injured person, whereas prior art stretchers require two or more persons to effectuate an evacuation of an injured person. Additionally, the carrier person can utilize the stretcher to transport or pull an injured person while reserving independent functions of his or her hands. Accordingly, the lightweight collapsible and portable stretcher can be operated hands-free by a single carrier person.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable transport surface capable of supporting an individual when carried by one or more assisting personnel utilizing hand hold components. The transport surface includes a primary body support surface and a secondary leg extension support surface that are connected together. The primary body support surface incorporates an array of straps extending across the back side thereof to form loop based hand holds positioned on the side edges of the transport surface. A set of longitudinally oriented straps are positioned on the support surface and extend from a top edge to form two loop based hand holds which further together terminate into a single loop hand hold at the opposite edge. The secondary leg extension support surface includes a smaller array of straps that extend across the extension support surface forming additional hand holds on either side. The secondary leg extension surface may be retained against the primary support surface when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ambulance cots, cot systems and methods of using the same. In particular, the present invention provides an ambulance cot comprising a hydraulic system and a tip angle monitoring, recording and alert system, and methods of using the same (e.g., to transport subjects and/or to detect and/or record operational data related to cot usage).

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a pack is disclosed. The pack may include a portable bag, package or case and may come in a variety of sizes. The pack may be made of a suitable material, for example, canvas, vinyl or plastic. The pack may have, for example, straps, handles, grips or the like. The pack may contain a variety of first aid products and medicine for humans or animals. The pack may also contain a stretcher. The stretcher may be a collapsible stretcher that may fit within at least on storage compartment of the pack.

Abstract: An extendable-length, spine immobilizing backboard is disclosed. The backboard is collapsible to the length of a standard backboard for ease of storage and for use in supporting and transporting patients of average height, and a lower portion is telescopically extendable from an upper portion so as to adjustably accommodate patients of above average height. The upper and lower portions are joined by side shafts that telescopically insert into hollow tubes so as to form hand rails on either side of the backboard, and by a flat, rigid central extension that is slidably insertable into a central cavity so as to provide patient support across a gap between the upper and lower portions. The backboard can be collapsed to a length that is six feet, and extended to a length of eighty inches. In some embodiments, the backboard is wider than a standard backboard, being preferably 21 inches wide.

Abstract: Provided is a method for using a patient rescue bag, particularly for extreme wet weather use. A substantially rectangular upper portion is sized wider than a substantially rectangular lower portion such that longitudinal edges of the upper portion are folded downwardly and inwardly so that an inner layer of the upper portion is releasably attached to an outer layer of the lower portion. A patient is placed within the patient rescue bag such that the patient rests upon the lower portion and the upper portion is above the patient. The longitudinal edges of the upper portion are folded downwardly and inwardly to extend under the longitudinal edges of the lower portion. In this manner, the exposed edges of the connection between upper and lower portions are not subject to accumulated rain or snow seeping into the patient chamber or being forced in by helicopter downdraft.

Abstract: One embodiment of this patient transferring device is that it remains flexible. This flexible, split apart stretcher provides a way to convey patients from one location to another. This application has flexible rubber tubing 22 for a frame to help the materials used keep its shape while remaining flexible. This application provides reliable handgrip openings 20 that allow users to hold directly onto the rubber tubing frame 22 sewn into the lateral edges. This application utilizes a low density polyethylene center spline 14 that gets inserted through alternating loopholes 16 off of the left 10 and the right 12 sides of the application. The center spline 14 going through the alternating loopholes 16 allow for this application to be split apart and removed from under a patient. Removal of this application is done by withdrawing the center spline 14 from the loopholes 16 and pulling both the left 10 and the right 12 sides of the application out from its respective side.

Abstract: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

Abstract: A foldable frame includes two tubes, a rectangular tube and two base parts. The two tubes are pivotably or fixedly connected to the base parts. Two ends of the rectangular tube are connected to two respective extension portions of the two base parts by two pins so that the two tubes are pivotable about the two pins. The frame can also be structured as one tube directly connected to the rectangular tube and the other tube is pivotably connected to the base part. The extension of the base part is pivotably connected of the rectangular tube by a pin to form single-point folding feature. An outer tube is rotatably movable between one of the tubes and the rectangular tube, the outer tube hides the rectangular tube when the two tubes are arranged linearly.

Abstract: An evacuation sled for non-ambulatory patients preferably includes a plastic sheet having a plurality of handholds disposed about left and right side edges of the sheet, each handhold comprising an opening with a plastic reinforcement above the opening. A plurality of patient retention straps are coupled to the plastic sheet and are configured to secure a patient in the plastic sheet when the plastic sheet is curved upward about the patient. A pull strap is coupled through a head of the plastic sheet and is configured to permit a person to drag the patient strapped to the plastic sheet. Preferably, a foot strap is affixed to the head pull strap and coupled to a foot of the plastic sheet. The foot strap is configured to cause, when tension is applied to the head pull strap, at least one portion of the plastic sheet foot to raise upward and at least partially enclose the feet of the patient.

Abstract: A universal evacuation pod is deployed either from a storage location on top of a mattress of a bed or from a canister mounted on a wall. The pod includes straps to hold it in place on top of a mattress, and a chamber accessible by opening opposed side zippers which, when open, facilitate access to portions of the pod that are laterally deployed in advance of inflation. The pod is inflated by a small gas cylinder. The portions of the pod pulled laterally outwardly from the chamber include straps that may be pulled over a person between them to hold the person in place. They may also include handles allowing the pod to be easily gripped for transport. Additional straps may be provided to facilitate carrying or dragging the inventive pod.

Abstract: A collapsible, foldable transport surface capable of supporting an individual when carried by one or more assisting personnel utilizing hand hold components. The transport surface includes a primary body support surface and a secondary leg extension support surface that are connected together. The primary body support surface incorporates an array of straps extending across the back side thereof to form loop based hand holds positioned on the side edges of the transport surface. A set of longitudinally oriented straps are positioned on the support surface and extend from a top edge to form two loop based hand holds which further together terminate into a single loop hand hold at the opposite edge. The secondary leg extension support surface includes a smaller array of straps that extend across the extension support surface forming additional hand holds on either side. The secondary leg extension surface may be retained against the primary support surface when not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a frame assembly comprising a first side member and a second side member, and at least one spreader member. The spreader member comprises a first triangular member, a coupling member and a second triangular member. The first and second triangular members each comprise a vertex end and a base end. The coupling member comprises first and second end portions. The first triangle member is coupled to the first side member along the base end of the first triangular member. The second triangle member is coupled to the second side member along the base end of the second triangular member. The vertex end of the first triangular member and the vertex end of the second triangular member are respectively coupled to the first and second end portions of the coupling member.

Abstract: A support platform having a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration on a floor. The support platform is related to stretcher devices that are used for transporting, confining, or conducting medical procedures on medical patients in medical emergencies. The support platform typically includes a work surface that has a geometric extent. A base that typically includes a plurality of frame members is provided, and the frame members are disposed across the geometric extent of, and proximal to, the work surface in the stowed configuration. The frame members are typically disposed on the floor in the deployed configuration. There is a foldable bracing system engaged with the work surface and engaged with the base. At least a portion of the foldable bracing system is disposed substantially inside at least a portion of the plurality of frame members in the stowed configuration.

Abstract: A field stretcher comprising a subject transporting portion, the subject transporting portion comprising a region capable of forming a subject retaining compartment for retaining a subject positioned within the subject transporting portion, is disclosed and described. A method of transporting a subject generally horizontally, is provided, the method comprising providing a field stretcher comprising a subject transporting portion, positioning a subject in the subject transporting portion, and drawing at least a portion of the subject transporting portion about at least a portion of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inflatable stretcher. The stretcher is stored in a deflated state within a frangible outer covering. A lanyard is connected to the internal gas vessel via an “external to internal” mechanical link which does not violate the vacuum seal of the stretcher's outer covering. Pulling the lanyard activates the vessel to rapidly inflate the stretcher. This inflation causes an overpressure condition within the covering that results in a progressive tear and the eventual separation of the outer covering. The stretcher can thereafter be used to transport a patient.

Abstract: A device for manually transporting a carcass 8 or similar sized object includes a transport member 12, at least one hauling member 18 for manually pulling the transport member 12 with a carcass 8 therein, the hauling member 18 being secured to the transport member 12, at least one carcass member 20 for securing the carcass 8 to the transport member 12, and at least one closing member 22 for wrapping the transport member 12 about the carcass 8.

Abstract: There is provided a foldable, portable, trauma treatment and monitoring patient platform. The patient platform includes an upper housing body including a top surface and an upper patient support surface. The patient platform also includes a lower housing body including a rear surface and a lower patient support surface. The upper and lower patient support surfaces are cooperative to collectively support a patient. The lower housing and upper housing are in pivotal communication to enable selective articulation about a pivoting axis between a closed orientation and an open orientation. In the closed orientation, the upper patient support surface is substantially flush with the lower patient support surface. In the open orientation, the upper patient support surface and lower patient support surface are substantially co-planar. A bay capable of receiving at least one medical monitoring/treatment unit is located within at least one of the upper and lower housing bodies.

Abstract: A combination patient support table and stretcher assembly having a patient support surface including at least first and second planar sections convertible between first end-to-end secured and second collapsible arrangements. A plurality of legs extend from corner locations associated with the planar support sections, the legs are convertible at least between first downwardly supporting and second outwardly pivoting positions. The assembly operates in a selected configuration as a ground supported and elevated table, and which can further be reconfiguring through actuation of the legs to reconfigure as a patient transportable stretcher.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved Stokes-type basket stretcher constructed to permit its upper and lower units to be reassembled to hold rescue equipment for storage or transport to a rescue site. The lower unit frame includes one or more rail members having affixed thereto a series of rib members. The top rail member is generally U-shaped having a coupler support structure extending vertically upward and provided with either the male or female mating coupler member. The upper unit frame is similarly constructed except the other coupler mating member is affixed to align with its corresponding lower unit mating member to form a pocket of predetermined size.

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: An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.

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 collapsible litter carrier apparatus, system and method. Generally, the litter apparatus includes a frame assembly having a plurality of hingedly connected, longitudinally adjacent sections that are foldable or collapsible, accordion-like, into a compact arrangement when the carrier is not in use or being stored. Releaseably attached to the frame assembly is a body-supporting bed or sheet. Additionally, the frame assembly is provided with a plurality of foldable handles that are hingedly connected to the outer corners of the extended frame.