title: A novel equipment bridge for helicopter transport of critically ill patients.
abstract: A three-piece equipment bridge designed to simplify transfer of critically ill patients by helicopter or land ambulance is described. A lightweight, support frame is first secured onto a standard stretcher while still allowing access to the patient. An equipment module can then be attached to the frame. Emergency access to the patient is quickly achieved by detaching the equipment module, while ventilation and monitoring continue uninterrupted. The unit is fully self-contained and has a low centre of gravity to assist stability.
authors.affiliation: Whangarei Area Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hotter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017732:Air Ambulances; D000401:Aircraft; D002648:Child; D016638:Critical Illness; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation; D013193:Stainless Steel; D014187:Transportation of Patients; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical
chemical_list: D013193:Stainless Steel