Immobilization

Evacuation chair eases the ride
The JSA-800 Evacuation Chair from Junkin Safety Appliance Company is designed for use in confined areas. Two-inch standard automotive-style patient-restraint straps are included with each chair. Green vinyl covers are made of 18-ounce antibacterial material, which is fungus-and rot-resistant for long-lasting durability and easy cleanup.
For more: www.junkinsafety.com.

New splinting device
The CT-6 traction leg splint from Faretec, which has been extensively field-tested on the ground by the armed forces, is proven to be rugged and effective. The unit weighs less than one pound and can be applied by one person. Its main construction is carbon fiber/graphite, which is stiff and light. The 4:1 traction device effectively draws tension in a precise manner and achieves superior femur alignment over conventional splints.
For more: www.faretec.com.

New charging system for cots
Ferno Washington has released the new POWERFlexx+ICS Integrated Charging System that eliminates the need for battery management for powered cots. When charged, the POWERFlexx cot can be used to lift and lower patient loads up to 700 lbs. at the push of a button without lift assistance, reducing situations that may cause back injury. The ICS integrated charging system is connected to a standard cot fastener and an ambulance's power system. When locked into the fastener, the ICS powers off the POWERFlexx power system and begins charging the POWERFlexx battery. When removed from the fastener, power is restored and the cot is ready for action.
For more: www.ferno.com/powerflexx.

Splinting solutions for large patients
SAM SPLINT introduces the SOFT SHELL Splint XL, designed for athletes and other larger individuals. SAM Medical Products has modified the SAM SPLINT to 5.5" wide to provide stability for larger limbs. The SOFT SHELL splint has an aluminum alloy center covered with a thick, breathable, open-cell foam, encased in an absorbent terry cloth to prevent skin maceration. The splint also features a dual-strength splint core that provides users a choice of rigidity based on their splinting needs.
For more: info@sammedical.com.

New line of disposable backboards
FSI recently launched a complete range of patent-pending FSI Transporter fluid-resistant disposable adult and pediatric backboards in a number of configurations. The boards come packaged in boxes of five and store flat. Pull the zip tabs on the back of the boards and, in less than 30 seconds, a fully configured backboard is in place and ready to go to work. There is no glue or tape to dry out and fail over time. The specially coated structural cardboard can be left out in the rain overnight and still hold 500+ lbs. (225+ kg) of dead weight.
For more: www.fsinorth.com.

Scoop EXL Stretcher
Ferno Washington's Scoop EXL Stretcher provides increased comfort and safety to patients who need spinal immobilization. The Scoop EXL eliminates the need for log-roll maneuvers, which significantly decreases movement to the cervical spine. According to a new study released in the Jan-March 2006 issue of Prehospital Emergency Care, the Ferno Scoop EXL Stretcher "was found to be as effective as, if not superior to, the standard of care, a rigid long backboard" when used for spinal immobilization. The Scoop EXL Stretcher is made of lightweight, high-impact composite materials, featuring two hinged interlocking pieces that can be used to gently scoop up a patient.
For more: www.ferno.com.

Helmet hugger stabilizes athletic patients
Designed to stabilize patients wearing athletic and some motor sports helmets during backboarding, the Helmet Hugger from DFS, Inc., does just as the name implies. The inner radius snuggles most helmets, thus holding the helmet in place when taped to a backboard. Using the Helmet Hugger means no more head supports hanging over the edge of the backboard and you will not have to use head supports that aren't tall enough to support the helmet when the patient is rolled on their side. Made of lightweight rigid foam, the Helmet Hugger is covered with a rugged seamless protective coating.
For more: www.dfsinc.org.

Cervi-Roll assists immobilization
Created at the request of paramedics, the Cervi-Roll from DFS, Inc., is designed to provide maximum head and neck support even when a patient on a backboard is rolled onto his side. Designed to fit snugly against the patient's head, the Cervi-Roll allows taping or strapping of the head to provide both downward and lateral resistance to movement. The Cervi-Roll is a firm, yet comfortable foam that has a rugged seamless coating that is easily cleaned.
For more: www.dfsinc.org.

New GO stretcher has multiple uses
GO Manufacturing Innovations has introduced the disposable GO Stretcher, designed for multiple uses, such as: everyday transport, mass casualty and disaster preparedness, backboard cover and strapping support system, patient transfer system to move patients from backboard to hospital gurney or from chair to bed and back, gurney sheet, search and rescue gurney, and seated patient evacuation system. Over 500-lb. load capacity. Features 10 large handholds for easy patient handling.
For more: www.gomfginnovations.com.

Immobilizing with reflex plastic
EMS*USA offers the Reflex Adult Plastic Backboard Set, which comes complete with a Reflex plastic head immobilizer and four adjustable side-release restraint buckles. The backboard weighs just 8 lbs. and is 1-3/8" thick. It offers a 500-lb. capacity and is unaffected by water or body fluids. Measuring 72" long and 22" wide, the backboard folds ready for use in seconds. It includes head immobilizer and straps. The plastic head immobilizer offers quick and effective immobilization of patients for an economical price, and can be used on standard backboards as well. The immobilizer opens and adjusts with no assembly, comes with a 48-inch piece of two-inch-wide tape for securing the forehead, a large adjustment range that sets in fine 3/8" increments, and has deep and wide side brackets provide superior holding strength.
For more: www.goemsusa.com.

Latest concept in patient immobilization
The EMS ECONO-VAC from MDI is designed as a low-cost, disposable splint that eliminates the concern for expensive products being lost or left at the hospital. These innovative products are ideal for the emergency medical, industrial and athletic training markets. The wrist/ankle, arm and leg splints feature MDI's new T-Lock Velcro straps that provide a quick and easy method of securing the splints. Splints are 5.5" wide and 36" long and available in orange/blue, gray.
For more: www.cprmicroshield.com.

New bariatric trauma/ER stretcher
As part of its comprehensive total solutions for bariatric patient care program, Gendron, Inc., a leading manufacturer of bariatric products, has launched its new Extra Care Bariatric Trauma/ER Stretcher for acute-care facilities. The stretcher, which has a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs., is electrically operated for easy use. There are convenient push and pull handles for maneuvering the stretcher. Its patient surface size is 37 inches wide and 80 inches long for maximum comfort.
For more: www.gendroninc.com.