PATIENT SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSFERRING PATIENTS AND CONTROLLING PATIENT TEMPERATURE

摘要

Patient support systems and methods for transferring patients and controlling patient temperature. The system can include a non-inflatable and self-supporting platform that can include a first surface and a second surface separated by a distance, a plurality of supporting structures that extends at least partially across the distance between the first surface and the second surface, a plenum, and a plurality of apertures formed through at least one of the first surface and the second surface and in fluid communication with the plenum. The system can further include a fluid source configured to move fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures. A method of transferring a patient can include moving fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures to form a fluid pallet. A method of controlling patient temperature can include moving a temperature-controlled fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures.