The CareFlight Stretcher Bridge: a compact mobile intensive care unit.

A mobile intensive care module has been developed for aeromedical transport of the critical care patient. It incorporates monitoring, ventilator, oxygen and suction, and infusion pumps. The device clips to a lightweight stretcher, over the patient at hip to knee level. This system is compatible with nearly all patient transport vehicles and allows monitors to be run from vehicle power. An assessment of the system after more than 500 transports is that it represents a significant advance over systems used previously. The advantages and disadvantages of the system compared with unmounted or vehicle-mounted equipment are discussed.