A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, recliner, operating table, stretcher, or the like, includes a control panel with multiple controls for controlling functions of the patient support apparatus. A control system disables at least a first control and changes an illumination state of a backlight when the patient support apparatus is in a particular state. In some embodiments, the particular state is the arming of an exit detection system and/or the deactivation of a brake on the patient support apparatus. The particular state may also or alternatively be tied to a particular mode of the patient support apparatus, such as a diagnostic mode, a maintenance mode, and/or a normal mode. The control system may also never illuminate a first icon on the patient support apparatus if it was initially configured in a particular manner, such as being intended for sale in a particular geographic market.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The apparatus also includes at least one caster assembly coupled to the support structure, with each one of the caster assemblies comprising a wheel, a wheel support coupled to the wheel, and a steer lock assembly movable relative to the wheel support. An actuator is operatively coupled to the steer lock assembly to move the steer lock assembly between a non-steer locked and steer locked state to permit or prevent the wheel support and coupled wheel from swiveling about a swivel axis. The caster assemblies can also include a brake assembly coupled to the wheel, with the actuator operatively coupled to the brake assembly to move the brake assembly between a braked and unbraked state.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface and includes a support structure and a plurality of support wheels coupled to the support structure. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user interface including at least two handles coupled to the support structure, with each of the handles movable between a stowed position and non-stowed position. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user input device coupled to the user interface, and a controller coupled to the user interface. The controller is configured to electronically coordinate the movement of the handles to the stowed position upon actuation of the user input device.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure comprising base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The apparatus also includes at least one caster assembly coupled to the support structure, with each one of the caster assemblies comprising a wheel, a wheel support coupled to the wheel, and a steer lock assembly movable relative to the wheel support. An actuator is operatively coupled to the steer lock assembly to move the steer lock assembly between a non-steer locked and steer locked state to permit or prevent the wheel support and coupled wheel from swiveling about a swivel axis. The caster assemblies can also include a brake assembly coupled to the wheel, with the actuator operatively coupled to the brake assembly to move the brake assembly between a braked and unbraked state.

A patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure. The support structure comprises a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus also includes a first and a second caster assembly respectively coupled to the support structure to facilitate movement of the support structure along a floor surface, with the first caster assembly comprising a first brake assembly and the second caster assembly comprising a second brake assembly. The patient transport apparatus also includes an actuator assembly operatively coupling the first and second brake assemblies, with the actuator assembly comprising a first and second actuator respectively operatively coupled to the first and second brake assemblies. The actuator assembly further comprises a cable assembly interconnecting the first and second actuator that places the operatively coupled first and second brake assemblies in the braked state or the unbraked state.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface and includes a support structure and a plurality of support wheels coupled to the support structure. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user interface including at least two handles coupled to the support structure, with each of the handles movable between a stowed position and non-stowed position. The patient transport apparatus also includes a user input device coupled to the user interface, and a controller coupled to the user interface. The controller is configured to electronically coordinate the movement of the handles to the stowed position upon actuation of the user input device.

A powered ambulance cot and methods of raising and lowering the cot as well as loading and unloading the cot are disclosed. The cot includes a support frame and legs, each leg having a wheel. An actuator of an actuation system interconnects the frame and legs, and is configured to effect changes in elevation of the frame relative to the wheel of each of the legs. A control system controls activation of the actuation system, and detects both the actuator at a first location relative to the frame, where the first location is remote from a second location and which situates an end of the actuator that is remote from each wheel closer to the frame, and a presence of a signal requesting a change in elevation of said support frame to thereby cause the legs to move relative to the support frame.

A trolley system configured to transport a patient within an MRI environment includes a patient support portion, a base portion configured for movement relative to a floor, a lift coupled to the patient support portion and the base portion, an electric motor coupled to the lift, and an electric blower coupled to the patient transfer device. The lift is configured to change the elevation of the patient support portion relative to the base portion. The motor is mounted such that the elevation of the motor is fixed relative to base portion. The trolley system is positionable adjacent an MRI apparatus within the MRI environment and the magnetic field of the MRI does not interfere with the operation of the motor or blower. The trolley system may further include a patient transfer device having an air bearing. The blower is configured to deliver air to the air bearing.

A patient transport apparatus transports a patient over a floor surface. The patient transport apparatus comprises a base and support wheels coupled to the base. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the base to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over the floor surface to assist users. A wheel drive system is operatively coupled to the auxiliary wheel to rotate the auxiliary wheel relative to the base at a rotational speed. A throttle assembly having a throttle operably coupled to the actuator. The throttle is movable in a first position, a second position, and intermediate positions between the first and second positions. The rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel changes in a non-linear manner with respect to movement of the throttle.

A rescue device includes a support plate connected to a rescue basket. The support plate includes one or more alignment slots. One or more alignment tabs on a weight transfer member of a frame are inserted into the alignment slots to align the support plate on the frame. An extension member connected to the frame moves a set of handles away from the frame to accommodate the rescue basket. A wheel on the frame is driven by a motor to facilitate the rescue of individuals.