This invention includes embodiments which disclose patient transportation devices such as toboggans or litters, which may include adjustable handle lock and positioning systems, a handle attachment and detachment system which renders the handle readily attachable and detachable to the transportation device and/or an anchor system for securing or stabilizing rescue stretchers and rescue litters when rescuing and transporting patients.

A spinal immobilization device including a base member and a spinal support member configured to overlay the base member. The base member includes an elongate board having a curvate top surface, and a channel defined within the top surface. The spinal support member may include a bladder, a fluid housed within the bladder, a plurality of fluid absorbing members within the bladder, and a breakable barrier separating the fluid and the plurality of fluid absorbing members from mixing. The channel defines an impression within the top surface that matches a shape of a portion of the bladder.

A spinal immobilization device including a base member and a spinal support member configured to overlay the base member. The base member includes an elongate board having a curvate top surface, and a channel defined within the top surface. The spinal support member may include a bladder, a fluid housed within the bladder, a plurality of fluid absorbing members within the bladder, and a breakable barrier separating the fluid and the plurality of fluid absorbing members from mixing. The channel defines an impression within the top surface that matches a shape of a portion of the bladder.

A system and a method of treatment using a universal cage creating a coordinate method of exercise. Physical therapy or fitness exercises are provided to a patient through a system of cords, blocks and belts disposed on a plurality of grid panels through a plurality of mounting devices. Placement of the mounting devices on the grid panel is determined by which muscle groups are receiving therapy and the type of movement required. Once the placement for each movement is determined, the coordinates of the mounting device are captured so that the mounting devices can be preset consistently for each therapy session.

Load control apparatuses, systems and methods to control a location, orientation, or rotation of a suspended load by imparting thrust vectors to the suspended load or to a structure that holds the load. The load control apparatuses, systems and method may be integrated into a structure that holds a load, such as a rescue litter. The load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be modular. The modular load control apparatuses, systems, and methods may be secured to a load or to a structure that holds the load.

A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support frame. The patient support apparatus also comprises a lift assembly that operates to lift and lower the support frame relative to the base. The lift assembly comprises lift members that extend and collapse to lift and lower the support frame. A timing link is pivotally connected to one of the lift members and pivotally connected to the base. Guides operate to guide movement of the lift members during operation. In some cases guided bodies coupled to the lift members move passively in the guides. In other embodiments, driven members coupled to the lift members move actively in the guides to cause lifting and lowering of the support frame.

An ambulance cot and cot loading and unloading system for an emergency vehicle comprises a cot having a head end, a base for mounting to a deck of an emergency vehicle, a track mounted for linear movement along said base, and an arm mounted for linear movement along said track from a retracted position to an extended position. The arm is and configured to engage the cot, and wherein when the track is extended along the base and the arm is extended along the track the arm is extended from the base in an extended position and is configured for lifting the cot and providing cantilevered support to the cot while in the extended position.

An ambulance cot and cot loading and unloading system for an emergency vehicle comprises a cot having a head end, a base for mounting to a deck of an emergency vehicle, a track mounted for linear movement along said base, and an arm mounted for linear movement along said track from a retracted position to an extended position. The arm is and configured to engage the cot, and wherein when the track is extended along the base and the arm is extended along the track the arm is extended from the base in an extended position and is configured for lifting the cot and providing cantilevered support to the cot while in the extended position.

A victim retrieval apparatus for use with a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rescue basket comprises one or more wheels. The articulating head of the boom comprises a rotatable pulley for receiving the rescue line and is able to allow the vehicle to be parked in any position necessary while rescuing the victim. A knot-passing pulley enables a safety line (with emergency brake device) to be coupled to the basket thereby ensuring the safety of the victim in the basket at all times. The rescue basket comprises a remote control for controlling the winch speed that is able to be located at the winch itself, or be of a hand-held nature and attached at the rescue basket instead of at the vehicle if visual contact is problematic.

A victim retrieval apparatus for use with a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rescue basket comprises one or more wheels. The articulating head of the boom comprises a rotatable pulley for receiving the rescue line and is able to allow the vehicle to be parked in any position necessary while rescuing the victim. A knot-passing pulley enables a safety line (with emergency brake device) to be coupled to the basket thereby ensuring the safety of the victim in the basket at all times. The rescue basket comprises a remote control for controlling the winch speed that is able to be located at the winch itself, or be of a hand-held nature and attached at the rescue basket instead of at the vehicle if visual contact is problematic.