A field stretcher (102) comprising a patient carrying portion (104), a region thereof being operable to form a patient retaining pocket (150) for retaining the patient on the stretcher, in use and wherein the field stretcher further comprises attachment means operable to allow attachment of a detachable base plate. The invention also extends to a detachable base plate (202) comprising attachment means (270) operable to allow attachment of the base place to the field stretcher, a sheltering means and a field stretcher assembly (302) and field stretcher kit of such.

Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

Roll-in cots having lift assist mechanisms and lift assist mechanisms are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a lift assist mechanism includes a force application member having an actuation element, an actuation mechanism comprising a first grasp handle and a second grasp handle, and a force transmission assembly. The force transmission assembly includes a first keyway plate that is coupled to the first grasp handle, a second keyway plate that is coupled to the second grasp handle, and an actuation pin that extends through both the first keyway plate and the second keyway plate, where the actuation pin selectively applies a force to the actuation element of the force application member.

A mattress system is provided that is optimized for the hospital setting and includes a guiderail system that accepts a variety of accessories for attachment thereto. The guiderail system may have integrated data lines, power lines, gas lines, and/or fluid lines. Also provided are radioabsorbant shields, trays and other components designed for optimal use with the mattress system.

A patient transport apparatus includes a support structure. The support structure includes a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. One or more handle assemblies are coupled to the frame to maneuver the patient transport apparatus. The handle assemblies include one or more handles to be manipulated by a user. The handles are capable of being adjusted to facilitate maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, such as pushing/pulling the patient transport apparatus along a floor surface, lifting the patient transport apparatus over obstacles, loading the patient transport apparatus into an emergency vehicle, and/or unloading the patient transport apparatus from the emergency vehicle.

A patient transport apparatus includes a support structure. The support structure includes a base, a frame, and a patient support surface to support a patient. One or more handle assemblies are coupled to the frame to maneuver the patient transport apparatus. The handle assemblies include one or more handles to be manipulated by a user. The handles are capable of being adjusted to facilitate maneuvering of the patient transport apparatus, such as pushing/pulling the patient transport apparatus along a floor surface, lifting the patient transport apparatus over obstacles, loading the patient transport apparatus into an emergency vehicle, and/or unloading the patient transport apparatus from the emergency vehicle.

A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support frame. The patient support apparatus also comprises a lift assembly that operates to lift and lower the support frame relative to the base. The lift assembly comprises lift members that extend and collapse to lift and lower the support frame. A timing link is pivotally connected to one of the lift members and pivotally connected to the base. Guides operate to guide movement of the lift members during operation. In some cases guided bodies coupled to the lift members move passively in the guides. In other embodiments, driven members coupled to the lift members move actively in the guides to cause lifting and lowering of the support frame.

A patient support apparatus comprises a base and a support frame. The patient support apparatus also comprises a lift assembly that operates to lift and lower the support frame relative to the base. The lift assembly comprises lift members that extend and collapse to lift and lower the support frame. A timing link is pivotally connected to one of the lift members and pivotally connected to the base. Guides operate to guide movement of the lift members during operation. In some cases guided bodies coupled to the lift members move passively in the guides. In other embodiments, driven members coupled to the lift members move actively in the guides to cause lifting and lowering of the support frame.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and includes a litter. The litter includes a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. The apparatus includes a litter lift device coupled to the litter and configured to raise and lower the patient support deck. The apparatus includes a care station coupled to the litter adjacent one of the first and second ends. The care station includes a docking frame coupled to the litter and defining an angle between the docking frame and the axis. The docking frame is arranged to pivot relative to the litter between a folded position an upright position. The angle in the folded position less than the angle in the upright position. The care station includes a utility module configured for use by a caregiver and arranged to selectively mount to the docking frame.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and includes a litter. The litter includes a patient support deck and extends longitudinally between first and second ends. The apparatus includes a litter lift device coupled to the litter and configured to raise and lower the patient support deck. The apparatus includes a care station coupled to the litter adjacent one of the first and second ends. The care station includes a docking frame coupled to the litter and defining an angle between the docking frame and the axis. The docking frame is arranged to pivot relative to the litter between a folded position an upright position. The angle in the folded position less than the angle in the upright position. The care station includes a utility module configured for use by a caregiver and arranged to selectively mount to the docking frame.