In embodiments, a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) system includes a retention structure, a compression mechanism coupled to the retention structure and a backboard. The retention structure and the backboard can be assembled together so as to form a closed loop that surrounds the patient's torso, and a piston of the compression mechanism is movable towards and away from a chest of a patient. In addition, the CPR system has a stabilizing member, and a coupler configured to couple the stabilizing member to the backboard. The stabilizing member can prevent the retention structure from tilting while the CPR system delivers chest compressions to the patient.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and comprises a litter. The litter comprises a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. A base is configured to support the litter and comprises a base lift mechanism configured to move the litter between lifted and lowered base positions. A side ramp is coupled to the patient support deck along the litter between the first and second ends and extends laterally away from the patient support deck to an engagement end. The side ramp is pivotable relative to the litter between first and second positions. In the first position, the side ramp is planar with or angled upwardly to extend above the patient support deck. In the second position, the side ramp is angled downwardly to extend below the patient support deck for contacting the floor surface with the engagement end when in the lowered base position.

A lifting system for lifting a subject (12) supported in a particular position is described. The lifting system has a platform (10) for supporting the subject (12) on an elongate platform surface (101). The platform surface (101) is selectively configurable in a flexible state allowing the elongate platform (10) to fold along a longitudinal line for positioning beneath the subject (12), and a rigid state to support the subject (12) in the desired position. The platform also has one or more attachment structures (16) and, the lifting system has a lifting device (26) for detachably engaging (18) the one or more attachment structures (16) to elevate and lower the platform (10) cantilevered from the lifting device (26).

A lifting system for lifting a subject (12) supported in a particular position is described. The lifting system has a platform (10) for supporting the subject (12) on an elongate platform surface (101). The platform surface (101) is selectively configurable in a flexible state allowing the elongate platform (10) to fold along a longitudinal line for positioning beneath the subject (12), and a rigid state to support the subject (12) in the desired position. The platform also has one or more attachment structures (16) and, the lifting system has a lifting device (26) for detachably engaging (18) the one or more attachment structures (16) to elevate and lower the platform (10) cantilevered from the lifting device (26).

A patient transport apparatus for use with a vehicle, comprising a lift mechanism between a base and a support frame to move between an extended configuration defining a first distance and a retracted configuration defining a second distance. An interface generates a user signal. A sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to force acting on the base relative to the support frame. A controller determines if the user signal corresponds to an extend or retract command; determines if the force acting on the base has exceeded a predetermined threshold value based on the sensor signal; drives the lift mechanism toward the extended configuration where the user signal corresponds to the extend command and toward the retracted configuration where the user signal corresponds to the retract command; and interrupts driving the lift mechanism to stop motion of the lift mechanism in response to the sensor signal exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

A patient transport apparatus for use with a vehicle, comprising a lift mechanism between a base and a support frame to move between an extended configuration defining a first distance and a retracted configuration defining a second distance. An interface generates a user signal. A sensor generates a sensor signal corresponding to force acting on the base relative to the support frame. A controller determines if the user signal corresponds to an extend or retract command; determines if the force acting on the base has exceeded a predetermined threshold value based on the sensor signal; drives the lift mechanism toward the extended configuration where the user signal corresponds to the extend command and toward the retracted configuration where the user signal corresponds to the retract command; and interrupts driving the lift mechanism to stop motion of the lift mechanism in response to the sensor signal exceeding the predetermined threshold value.

A transfer apparatus includes a support with first and second longitudinal sections. A port is provided for inflating the support to transfer a patient or other body. A selective coupling extends between the longitudinal sections to attach the sections together for the transfer of the body on the support, and to at least partially detach the longitudinal sections for removal after the transfer.

A transfer apparatus includes a support with first and second longitudinal sections. A port is provided for inflating the support to transfer a patient or other body. A selective coupling extends between the longitudinal sections to attach the sections together for the transfer of the body on the support, and to at least partially detach the longitudinal sections for removal after the transfer.

A reconfigurable portable load bearing structure which can be configured into an extended load bearing configuration or a collapsed configuration, comprising of a first, second and third plurality of rail segments that are each rotatably coupled together and a plurality of support segments or pads which are configured to selectively couple and latch into one of a plurality of positions on said first, second and third plurality of rail segments.