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: A flat, sturdy rescue board is shaped like a sled. The long edges of the board platform have wings for attaching handles or arm hooks to the platform. A rotatable handle is attached to each wing. Each handle can rotate ninety degrees only. The handles are normally parallel to the top of the board surface but may be rotated ninety degrees so that they are perpendicular to the board. When a victim is loaded onto the board the handles may be used to extricate the board and victim from the dangerous situation. Semi-circular arm hooks may also be attached to each wing. When a victim is loaded onto the board, his arms are positioned above the hooks. When the board is pulled to safety the victim remains secured to the board by the aim hooks. The board also has lower rails attached to the bottom of the board for sliding the board along ice or on long the ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a disposable transporter that is absorbent, portable, and lightweight, and having sufficient strength to carry an injured soldier or medical patient. The transporter has a backing substrate, absorbent body, and gripping device. The gripping device permits manual carrying or insertion of poles to form a litter or portable cot. The absorbent body may have active agents that kill microorganisms to reduce the risk of contamination, infection, and odors from blood or other body fluids. The disclosure provides a process for producing base materials for the transporter. Also disclosed is a transporter kit having a transporter and a water-resistant case.

Abstract: A flexible, portable light-weight drag litter is disclosed capable of being compactly rolled for transportation and storage, having a generally planar base dimensioned to underlie a reclining individual's head, torso, legs, and feet. A torso harness is attached to the base along with groin and leg connectors are attached to the base. A dragline is attached to a head end portion of the base. When a user tugs on the dragline, the base creates a concave surface that supports and protects the patient's head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretcher having a brake mechanism that can be selectively activated to influence the movement of the stretcher supported by an inclined surface. The brake mechanism of the stretcher progressively increases the amount of friction between the stretcher and the surface of which the stretcher is supported to reduce or stop movements of the stretcher. The stretcher further includes a pulling member influencing the position or the activation of the brake mechanism on the stretcher and high friction means associated with the bottom side of the stretcher. The present invention also provides a size reduction mechanism requesting limited storage space for the stretcher when not in use and a foot restraint to secure the feet of the patient on the stretcher and offer additional volume to carry additional material with the patient. A method for braking a stretcher on an inclined plane is also disclosed.

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: A rescue device comprises a floating head support slidably attached to a back support. The rescue device can be incorporated into other rescue apparatus, such as a rescue harness. In one embodiment, the harness comprises a mantle for wrapping around a patient's arms and torso. The mantle is secured with chest straps connected across the patient's chest with a fastener. The mantle includes a pocket for holding back supports of various lengths. Leg straps form leg loops for the patient's legs. One or more lifting rings are attached to the harness for lifting the harness. The harness can also include a harness protector.

Abstract: A rescue underlay for mattresses (1), comprising a substantially rectangular underlay mat (4) consisting of a plastic flat material which has a high tensile strength, the dimensions of which approximately correspond with the dimensions of the mattress (1), pull loops (5) or the like, patient securing belts (6) and, optionally, mattress retaining bands (7) or the like, all attached to the underlay mat (4). This particular rescue underlay has an underlay mat 4 which has a flat material that itself is providing a spring travel. In a preferred embodiment the plastic flat material of the underlay mat 4 is a spacer woven fabric or, in particular, a spacer knitted fabric. A mattress can be separately combined with such rescue underlay or can even be integrated with a rescue underlay to form a rescue mattress.

Abstract: A device for rescue from the interior of a confined space via a manhole which includes at least a tray, a prying structure and two elements for tightening of a person to the tray and the prying structure respectively. The tray is elongated and includes on one of its sides at least two means of coupling where the prying structure is inserted; the other side being smooth. Also defined is a method of utilization of said device.

Abstract: The invention provides an emergency evacuation apparatus for removing a bed-ridden person from a bed in an emergency situation. The apparatus includes a base tray having at least one transverse fold line to allow the base tray to bend as two or more panels. This apparatus is therefore suitable for use with a modern adjustable bed, which can be electrically or manually operated to adjust the profile of the mattress to provide better ergonomic support for the person lying on the bed. The base tray also has mechanical locking means operable between an unlocked condition where the base tray can bend along the transverse fold line and a locked condition where the base tray is unable to bend along the transverse fold line. The mechanical locking means also provides the base tray with sufficient longitudinal rigidity to support the weight of an adult person.

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

Abstract: Emergency drag stretcher devices are provided that include a combination of a base panel formed of a flexible sheet material, and a unitary harness device coupled to the base panel, wherein the unitary harness system is adapted to securely restrain an individual and hold the base panel against the individual, and allow the individual to be dragged or vertically lifted using the emergency stretcher device.

Abstract: A restraint for holding a person atop a gurney or on a vehicle seat. A harness includes a pair of straps slidably mounted to a main frame. The straps are connected to an adjuster. A slide plate is mounted to the frame with the straps extending therethrough. A spring loaded device normally positions the plate to position the straps apart from the shoulders of a person positioned beneath the straps until the straps are pulled relative to an adjuster moving the plate and the straps adjacent the shoulders of the person.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretcher having a brake mechanism that can be selectively activated to influence the movement of the stretcher supported by an inclined surface. The brake mechanism of the stretcher progressively increases the amount of friction between the stretcher and the surface of which the stretcher is supported to reduce or stop movements of the stretcher. The stretcher further includes a pulling member influencing the position or the activation of the brake mechanism on the stretcher and high friction means associated with the bottom side of the stretcher. The present invention also provides a size reduction mechanism requesting limited storage space for the stretcher when not in use and a foot restraint to secure the feet of the patient on the stretcher and offer additional volume to carry additional material with the patient. A method for braking a stretcher on an inclined plane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient is comprised of a backboard, a structure configured to support the head of a patient on the backboard, and a pupil-sizing indicator positioned on a surface of the support structure to be visually accessible to a person that is visually evaluating the head and face of an immobilized patient on the backboard.

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

Abstract: An 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 cervical immobilizing device includes a pair of arms that can be folded to an upright position to engage and support a patient's head, an actuating device for folding the arms to the supporting position, and a locking device for locking the position of the arms in the folded supporting position. The actuating device is coupled to the outer ends of the arms for folding the arms to an upright position symmetrically and uniformly. In one embodiment, the actuator device is flexible member that passes around a guide to a position which can be gripped by the user. The locking device can be a cinching, ratcheting or clamping device, or a combination thereof, on the actuator device. In one embodiment, the folding arms include a coupling device for coupling the arms to a base in a sliding arrangement to enable the arms to slide along the base to a folded position. A blank is also disclosed that can be folded to form the cervical immobilizing device.

Abstract: This invention describes a transfer stretcher, harness and method designed to lift, transfer or support a person, more specifically a heavy weight, large size (oversize) person. Stretchers are generally used by hospitals or by rescue/emergency units to lift or carry a person from one location to another. The transfer stretcher covered by the present invention is made of a supporting canvas equipped with lifting straps and rings, a removable washable comfort cloth, and maybe used with a removable safety harness that can be used with a stretcher basket and a sling frame. The transfer stretcher can be used to move a body manually with the help of several persons, or in combination with various lifting equipment.

Abstract: A patient immobilization device comprises a backboard having a front side and a back side, and a pair of opposing paddles slidably mounted on the backboard. The paddles are configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient. Each paddle has a leg portion depending therefrom and extends through a respective slot formed in the backboard between the front and back and sides. A spanning portion of the paddle depends from the leg portion and engages the back side of the backboard to secure the paddle to the backboard. The spanning portion moves in a generally arcuate path between the storage and support positions. In one embodiment, the paddles are flexible along their height so that a portion of the paddle can flex to rotate under the force of a securing structure. In another embodiment, the paddles have multiple sections, with one of the sections being movable to a storage position to expose a portion of the head or neck of a user.

Abstract: A base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.

Abstract: A patient transfer apparatus including an inflatable mattress, alternatively with a rigid top board with a patient restraint system on which a patient can be placed, when patient immobilization is required. A portable cart is included with a chamber for storage of a plurality of mattresses. The cart also has a gas/air blower and power supply system for empowering the blower. The power system includes provision for drawing power from line AC/DC, and has a rechargeable battery and charger for maintaining the battery by connecting the supply to the line AC/DC. The mattress has a perforated bottom surface for exit of air to provide an air cushion, and is constructed with a white top surface and a dark bottom surface for optimum recognition of contamination, and identification of the bottom surface which must be placed downward. The cart is coated with an antimicrobial substance to minimize the risk of contaminants.

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: Apparatus for restraining an infant during diaper changing and for providing a protective barrier for the changing surface and/or diaper changer. More particularly, apparatus having an adjustable, quick-release strap system for restraining the upper torso (e.g. shoulders) of an infant during a diaper changing operation which preferably includes a padded fabric outer layer which houses a foldable insert barrier layer (for ease of storage or transport) which can be removed for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient removal system are provided for evacuating a patient during an emergency. The patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient while the patient is on a mattress, or the patient removal systems may be used to transport the patient without the mattress. The patient removal systems permit caregivers to transport patients out of danger or harm without requiring patient support devices to be transported along with the patients.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A sling for emergency transport of an individual comprises a blanket with straps at the head end for dragging the sling and elevating the head of a person within the sling. Additional straps are provided to retain the person within the sling and to facilitate transport of the person by means of the sling.

Abstract: A backpack includes an accommodating body, two slings, and a plurality of sliding plates. The accommodating body has a rectangular horizontal bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The front, rear, and side walls extend upwardly from the bottom wall, are interconnected removably to define an accommodating space thereamong, and are removable from one another so as to be coplanar with the bottom wall, thereby forming a stretcher. The slings are fastened to an outer side surface of the front wall. The sliding plates are attached removably to a bottom surface of the stretcher, and contact the ground.

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: 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: 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 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 base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.

Abstract: A device for emergency transport of pediatric patients that safely and efficiently transports a pediatric patient to a medical facility. To confine the patient to the device frame, it includes a child restraint in the form of a restraining belt assembly. The device accommodates children of varying size using the restraining belt assembly. The device also includes a hinge assembly that controls the relative rotation of portions of the frame. A clamp that can releasably attach to an object with a rail, such as a medical transport device is also described. To increase efficiency, the clamp includes a width accommodation feature and a universality feature. These features enable it to secure the device to objects of varying shapes and widths.

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 base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.

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: An emergency neck restraint for small children and infants. This restraint is designed to be adjustable to fit the necks of infants and toddlers. It is made from a rectangular sheet which is reinforced on its edges. Attached to the edges of this sheet are two pairs of straps. The straps from one side of the sheet connect with the straps from the other side of the sheet. Between these straps are two slits in the sheet. When the invention is used the sheet is folded. and rolled toward and up to the slits. This rolled sheet is placed behind a patient's neck and the roll is folded in a U-shaped support around the patient's neck. The ends of the roll are connected with one pair of straps. The unrolled portion of the sheet can be folded under the patient's shoulders to align the cervical spine.

Abstract: A base headboard for supporting the back of an injured person's head has an elongated slot with teeth racks disposed on either side of the injured person's head. The headboard also comprises straps for attaching to a spine board. Two side head blocks are removably attached to the headboard using plunger-type locks that engage an elongated slot on each side of a center portion of the headboard. Each lock is engaged to a slot of the headboard through a separate elongated slot in the corresponding head block. Advantageously, a head block may be adjusted by moving the engagement of the lock along each independent slot in the headboard and head block, respectively. In addition, a head block may be rotated around its lock.

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

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

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: An emergency inflatable spinal support device configured for use with a rigid backboard includes an inflatable bladder configured to be removable coupled to the backboard to conform to spaces between the backboard and the patient. Straps can be attached to the bladder to removable couple the bladder to the backboard. The inflatable bladder is expandable and collapsible between a first, uninflated configuration, and a second, inflated configuration. The bladder includes a lower surface to abut to the backboard, and an upper surface to conform to a patient's body. The upper surface may be concave when inflated. The bladder may include a plurality of elongated sections, including inner and outer sections with different heights. The bladder may be foldable and unfoldable between an initial, folded configuration, and a subsequent, unfolded configuration. A method for utilizing the bladder includes removably securing the bladder to the backboard. The patient is placed on the bladder, and the bladder inflated.