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 providing a board which permits folding for increased stowage, and directional arrest features which assist in extricating a victim from a water-borne environment by preventing the victim from sliding back into the water after partial extrication.

An apparatus includes a hydraulic circuit that is configured to selectively open fluid communication between one portion of the hydraulic circuit and another portion of the hydraulic circuit, such as a reservoir, based on the flow of the hydraulic fluid in the one portion. When the flow of hydraulic fluid exceeds a selected threshold in the one portion of the hydraulic circuit, the flow of fluid urges the opening of a hydraulic component of the hydraulic circuit to allow fluid communication between the one portion and the reservoir to discharge fluid from the one portion.

A strain gauge assembly includes a member and a strain gauge supported by the member spaced. The strain gauge further includes a bearing surface and a contact surface spaced from the bearing surface. When the member is subject to a predetermined bending force, the bearing surface contacts the contact surface wherein at least a portion of the bending force bypasses the strain gauge and instead is transferred from the bearing surface to the contact surface.

A strain gauge assembly includes a member and a strain gauge supported by the member spaced. The strain gauge further includes a bearing surface and a contact surface spaced from the bearing surface. When the member is subject to a predetermined bending force, the bearing surface contacts the contact surface wherein at least a portion of the bending force bypasses the strain gauge and instead is transferred from the bearing surface to the contact surface.

The invention relates to a transfer device with a roll cloth for transferring patients, wherein the roll cloth has a tubular sleeve with two open ends. In order to satisfy high standards of hygiene and to permit easy cleaning, the roll cloth has, at each of the open ends of the sleeve, a peripheral end profile with an inner face and an outer face, which end profile is elastic, wherein, in the ready-to-use state of the roll cloth, the inner face of an upper portion of the end profile lies on the inner face of a lower portion of the end profile.

Embodiments of an inflatable transfer device including a top panel, a bottom panel coupled to the top panel to define an inflatable chamber therebetween, and a high-friction surface coupled to the top panel are disclosed. A top edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the top panel and a bottom edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the bottom panel. The high-friction surface is configured to maintain a patient in a fixed position when the inflatable transfer device and the patient are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal support surface.

Embodiments of an inflatable transfer device including a top panel, a bottom panel coupled to the top panel to define an inflatable chamber therebetween, and a high-friction surface coupled to the top panel are disclosed. A top edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the top panel and a bottom edge of each of the stringers is coupled to the bottom panel. The high-friction surface is configured to maintain a patient in a fixed position when the inflatable transfer device and the patient are positioned at an angle with respect to a horizontal support surface.

An ambulance stretcher, which comprises: a support frame for supporting a patient; a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel; a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel; an actuation arrangement provided with a front actuator, which moves the pair of front legs and a rear actuator, which moves the pair of rear legs; and a front coupling body connected to a front end of the support frame; a control unit of the coupling body provided at least a first sensor connected to the coupling body and configured to detect a correct positioning of the coupling body in a respective support coupling of an automatic loading/unloading apparatus of an ambulance, and at least a second sensor connected to the coupling body configured to detect a load bearing on the coupling body; at least one release arrangement arranged at the front end of the support frame and configured to operate a release between the coupling body and the support coupling; and an electronic control unit operatively connected to the actuation arrangement, to the release arrangement and to the control unit and configured to actuate one between the actuation arrangement and the release arrangement as a function of a signal received from at least one between the first sensor and the second sensor of the control unit.

An ambulance stretcher, which comprises: a support frame for supporting a patient; a pair of front legs, each having a front wheel; a pair of rear legs, each having a rear wheel; an actuation arrangement provided with a front actuator, which moves the pair of front legs and a rear actuator, which moves the pair of rear legs; and a front coupling body connected to a front end of the support frame; a control unit of the coupling body provided at least a first sensor connected to the coupling body and configured to detect a correct positioning of the coupling body in a respective support coupling of an automatic loading/unloading apparatus of an ambulance, and at least a second sensor connected to the coupling body configured to detect a load bearing on the coupling body; at least one release arrangement arranged at the front end of the support frame and configured to operate a release between the coupling body and the support coupling; and an electronic control unit operatively connected to the actuation arrangement, to the release arrangement and to the control unit and configured to actuate one between the actuation arrangement and the release arrangement as a function of a signal received from at least one between the first sensor and the second sensor of the control unit.

A mobile apparatus with an integrated stretcher apparatus for patients has a base having rotatably mounted wheels on a bottom side for moving the base on the ground, a frame which is fastened to a top side of the base and which is open at least on one side, and a stretcher apparatus having segments which are mounted pivotably relative to one another, wherein the segments are configured for folding the stretcher apparatus into a first form, in which all the segments adjoin one another in a plane, and for folding said stretcher apparatus into a second form, in which the stretcher apparatus is packed down, and wherein the stretcher apparatus and the frame are configured to be complementary to one another such that the stretcher apparatus in the second form can be completely introduced into the frame.