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 spinal immobilization board (1) comprising a support body (2) adapted to support the torso and the head of a person; at least one apical anchoring strap (5) configured to secure the head of the person; and an anchoring belt (9) configured to secure a portion of the torso of the person. The board (1) further comprises a gripping means (11) comprising a first and a second lifting handle (12, 13) that are arranged in a respective perimeter portion of the board (1) and extend outwardly from the board. The first and second lifting handles (12, 13) are active on a portion of the board (1) adapted to be arranged near the armpits of the person in a handling condition of the board (1).

A spine board is provided having a skull tong anchor assembly slidably attached to the spine board where a push rod mechanism is used to apply traction force on the skull tong anchor assembly. The push rod mechanism includes a strain gauge device so that the traction force can be selected and monitored. The spine board can also include a mattress that can be attached to the spine board where the mattress includes integrated shoulder straps that can be partially detached therefrom to secure a patient to the spine board.

A patient isolation unit (PIU) for use in marine rescues. The PIU of this invention is useful to safely transport personnel exposed to, or potentially exposed to, an identified and/or known infectious agent or chemical warfare agent (CWA) on marine vessels and/or aircraft such as Coast Guard boasts, cutters and aircraft. The PIU has a generally tapered tubular shape compatible with wire rescue baskets conforming in shape to the human body and into which an injured, sick, or disabled person can be safely strapped, such as the Stokes litter rescue basket for hoisting and fit in rotary wing aircraft.

A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. An actuator system facilitates movement of the patient support surface relative to a floor surface. One or more sensors are responsive to changes in position of the patient support surface caused by the actuator system. A controller is operably coupled to the one or more sensors and the actuator system. The controller is configured to operate the actuator system to move the patient support surface and to monitor the movement of the patient support surface by sensing positions of the patient support surface over time. The controller is further configured to identify a frictional load event on the actuator system during movement in a present cycle and associate the frictional load event with a sensed position of the patient support surface in the present cycle.

A patient support apparatus comprises a support structure comprising a base and a patient support surface to support a patient. An actuator system facilitates movement of the patient support surface relative to a floor surface. One or more sensors are responsive to changes in position of the patient support surface caused by the actuator system. A controller is operably coupled to the one or more sensors and the actuator system. The controller is configured to operate the actuator system to move the patient support surface and to monitor the movement of the patient support surface by sensing positions of the patient support surface over time. The controller is further configured to identify a frictional load event on the actuator system during movement in a present cycle and associate the frictional load event with a sensed position of the patient support surface in the present cycle.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus resembling a rescue backboard for the extrication of individuals in scenarios wherein the individual requires attention, such as medical attention. In particular, the invention surrounds an apparatus and method for the extrication of an individual requiring medical attention from a water-borne environments.

A patient transfer package for laterally transferring a supine patient from one surface to another surface, where the package comprises: a first, rectangular-shaped sheet; a second, rectangular-shaped sheet; and attachment means attached to the second sheet edges and a portion of the first sheet which extends beyond the edges of the second sheet, wherein one part of the attachment means adheres to the second sheet and another part of the attachment means adheres to the first sheet. In addition, the attachment means comprises a non-adhesive channel located between said adhesive parts.

A first transport apparatus includes a deck for supporting a patient thereon and a lift mechanism supporting the deck. The deck is removable from the lift mechanism for use as a second transport apparatus or part of a second transport apparatus. The first transport apparatus further includes an electrically powered device at the first transport apparatus, and a user input device for wireless control of the electrically powered device, which is operable at or near the first transport apparatus and the second transport apparatus.

A spine board for evacuating a patient from an accident site. At least one cleat is positioned on a longitudinal edge of the spine board and having a proximal end coupled to the spine board, and a distal end disposed away from the spine board and formed in a hook shape, so that securing means, such as straps, can be quickly attached to the cleat to secure to the spine board, the head of a patient placed on the spine board, the head immobilizer placed at the sides of the head, and a cervical collar wrapped around the neck of the patient, without having to lift the spine board off the ground the spine board while the patient laying thereon, and that can be used in any weather or ambient light conditions, and can even be attached by feel. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the cleat is coupled to a groove or on an axle extending along a longitudinal edge of the spine board and positioned adjustably along the groove. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, a retrofittable cleat array includes a cleat support structure is fixed to a top plate. The cleat support structure and the cleat are insertable into a through-slot in a pre-existing board.