An automated system and methods are provided for coordinating a transfer of a patient between patient support apparatuses. The method can include establishing communication between a transferring patient support apparatus and a receiving patient support apparatus. The method can further include adjusting a position of at least one of the receiving patient support apparatus and the transferring patient support apparatus. The method can include locating and aligning the receiving patient support apparatus adjacent the transferring patient support apparatus.

A stretcher which comprises a bed, and a frame having first and second parallel frame members coupled to first and second lateral frame members is disclosed. A securement track is define by an upper surface of at least one of the first parallel frame member, the second parallel frame member, the first lateral frame member, and the second lateral frame member, the securement track having a plurality of alternating open regions and necked down regions along a length. A bed mount configured to both support the bed and be releasably secured in the securement track in a secure condition, and configured to be repositionable along the length of the securement track in an unsecured condition.

A stretcher which comprises a bed, and a frame having first and second parallel frame members coupled to first and second lateral frame members is disclosed. A securement track is define by an upper surface of at least one of the first parallel frame member, the second parallel frame member, the first lateral frame member, and the second lateral frame member, the securement track having a plurality of alternating open regions and necked down regions along a length. A bed mount configured to both support the bed and be releasably secured in the securement track in a secure condition, and configured to be repositionable along the length of the securement track in an unsecured condition.

An inflatable rescue attachment includes at least a U-shaped bladder that is adapted to be secured around the outer perimeter of the head and side portions of a rescue backboard and can be inflated rapidly using an inflation fluid source. The rigid, inflatable backboard includes a central portion with drop stitch material enclosed in an airtight chamber which, when inflated, provides a flat, rigid surface for securing and transporting a rescuee. The inflatable rescue attachment may be used with the inflatable backboard, as well as with a standard wood, plastic, or fiberglass rescue backboard.

An inflatable rescue attachment includes at least a U-shaped bladder that is adapted to be secured around the outer perimeter of the head and side portions of a rescue backboard and can be inflated rapidly using an inflation fluid source. The rigid, inflatable backboard includes a central portion with drop stitch material enclosed in an airtight chamber which, when inflated, provides a flat, rigid surface for securing and transporting a rescuee. The inflatable rescue attachment may be used with the inflatable backboard, as well as with a standard wood, plastic, or fiberglass rescue backboard.

A space explorer rescue system including: a stretcher including: a first support pole; a second support pole, the first support pole and the second support pole each being configured to be extended from a retracted position to a deployed position; and a body support extending between the first support pole and the second support pole; and at least one wheel attached or removably attached to the stretcher.

A reconfigurable patient transport system may include a patient support apparatus and a patient transport apparatus. The patient support apparatus may include a hinge member, a left support board, and a right support board each coupled to the hinge member. The left support board may comprise a left proximal segment and a left wing segment each removably coupled to a left distal segment. The right support board may comprise a right proximal segment and a right wing segment each removably coupled to a right distal segment. The patient transport apparatus may comprise a support frame and an intermediate frame coupled to the support frame. The intermediate frame may comprise a support deck configured to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus may further comprise a left siderail bracket and a right siderail bracket each configured for engagement with one of the wing segments of the support boards.

A reconfigurable patient transport system may include a patient support apparatus and a patient transport apparatus. The patient support apparatus may include a hinge member, a left support board, and a right support board each coupled to the hinge member. The left support board may comprise a left proximal segment and a left wing segment each removably coupled to a left distal segment. The right support board may comprise a right proximal segment and a right wing segment each removably coupled to a right distal segment. The patient transport apparatus may comprise a support frame and an intermediate frame coupled to the support frame. The intermediate frame may comprise a support deck configured to support a patient. The patient transport apparatus may further comprise a left siderail bracket and a right siderail bracket each configured for engagement with one of the wing segments of the support boards.

Described is a bariatric version of foldup evacuation sled that includes a bottom sheet, a mattress disposed above the bottom sheet, and a support sheet disposed above the mattress. A margin stack including the bottom sheet and the support sheet forms a sandwiched margin left side and a sandwiched margin right side. The sled may further include a plurality of spinal boards disposed between the bottom sheet and the mattress. Wheel assemblies are mounted on each spinal board. The sled further includes a leg/torso cover coupled to the bottom sheet and dimensioned to substantially enclose legs and lower torso of the person when the leg/torso cover is folded upward over the person lying on the support sheet.

Described is a bariatric version of foldup evacuation sled that includes a bottom sheet, a mattress disposed above the bottom sheet, and a support sheet disposed above the mattress. A margin stack including the bottom sheet and the support sheet forms a sandwiched margin left side and a sandwiched margin right side. The sled may further include a plurality of spinal boards disposed between the bottom sheet and the mattress. Wheel assemblies are mounted on each spinal board. The sled further includes a leg/torso cover coupled to the bottom sheet and dimensioned to substantially enclose legs and lower torso of the person when the leg/torso cover is folded upward over the person lying on the support sheet.