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. The patient transport apparatus comprises a support structure and support wheels coupled to the support structure. An auxiliary wheel is coupled to the support frame to influence motion of the patient transport apparatus over a floor surface. The auxiliary wheel is movable to a deployed position with the auxiliary wheel engaging the floor surface and a stowed position with the auxiliary wheel spaced a distance from the floor surface. An actuator assembly including a lift actuator a biasing device, and a biasing load adjustment assembly. The lift actuator is operable to move the auxiliary wheel to the deployed position and to the stowed position. The biasing device configured to bias the auxiliary wheel towards the deployed position. The biasing load adjustment assembly configured to adjust a biasing force being applied by the biasing device to the auxiliary wheel.

A system is provided that comprises a patient support apparatus and a unit being independent from the patient support apparatus. The patient support apparatus comprises a support structure having a base and a patient support surface for a patient. The patient support apparatus also comprises an electrical distribution system, one or more electrical devices, and an energy storage device (ESD) configured to store energy to power the one or more electrical devices through the electrical distribution system. The unit is configured to autonomously interact with the patient support apparatus to remove the ESD from the patient support apparatus and/or to place a replacement ESD on to the patient support apparatus.

Systems for facilitating movement of a patient transport apparatus are provided and include user input control device that includes a mode switch selectable between a longitudinal transport mode and a multidirectional mode and a driving assist device actuatable between at least one engaged state and a non-engaged state. The mode switch generates signals based on the selected mode and the driving assist device generates engaged or non-engaged signals which are received by a controller. The controller is configured to generate an output signal sent to a lift actuator, swivel actuator, and/or a powered drive system to assist a user in propelling the apparatus in a desired manner.

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 patient transport apparatus including a patient litter and a litter support apparatus for supporting the patient litter from a ground surface. The litter support apparatus includes a litter support frame including a pair of litter supports spaced a distance apart to define a loading gap for receiving the patient litter therethrough. A handle system is coupled to the pair of litter supports and includes a handle assembly that is positionable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The handle assembly extends across the loading gap defined between the pair of litter supports in the closed configuration and is positioned away from the loading gap in the open configuration.

A patient transport apparatus including a patient litter and a litter support apparatus for supporting the patient litter from a ground surface. The litter support apparatus includes a litter support frame including a pair of litter supports spaced a distance apart to define a loading gap for receiving the patient litter therethrough. A handle system is coupled to the pair of litter supports and includes a handle assembly that is positionable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. The handle assembly extends across the loading gap defined between the pair of litter supports in the closed configuration and is positioned away from the loading gap in the open configuration.

A patient support apparatus supports a patient and includes a litter. A base is disposed below the litter. A lift mechanism is configured to move the litter and the base relative to one another between extended and collapsed positions. The lift mechanism includes first and second frame assemblies each including an outer frame member and an inner frame member arranged to move within the outer frame member. First and second rollers and first and second slide members are disposed between the outer and inner frame members. The first and second rollers are arranged to roll along at least one of the outer and inner frame members with a load exerted on the lift mechanism from the litter. The first and second slide members are arranged to slide along at least one of the outer and inner frame members with a load exerted on the lift mechanism from the base.

A trauma gurney includes a base connected to a frame by a vertical adjustment mechanism. The base is configured that it can be maneuvered over a receiving table. The frame holds a detachable platform suitable for the positioning of a patient thereon. Actuation of the adjustment mechanism allows the frame to be lowered and the patient platform to be detached. The patient platform is configured to be non-interfering with various procedures such as MRI procedures so the patient platform can remain with the patient after the patient has been transferred without adverse effects to the procedures. The patient platform can also be reattached to the frame after it has been removed. The trauma gurney beneficially allows a patient to be transferred from the gurney to another surface, such as for imaging, without requiring a conventional lateral transfer. Similarly, the trauma gurney allows a patient to be transferred back to the gurney.