Adjustable Field Hospital Bed: Effects of Prototype Leg Braces on Stability, Load-Bearing Capacity, and Rough Terrain Use

The Adjustable Field Hospital Bed consists of a collapsible lightweight aluminum frame with a nylon patient support fabric. A deployable Medical Systems DEPMEDS evaluation identified three potential problems general stability, use on uneven terrain, and strength to support Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR. The USABRDL was requested to evaluate the above concerns and provide practical solutions for deficiencies found. Although the bed meets current specifications, a comparison of stability with and without simple corner braces designed by the USABRDL revealed that significant improvement could be achieved. The bed was found to accommodate moderately uneven terrain in both braced and unbraced conditions by flexing under load. Static and dynamic load-bearing tests confirmed the beds ability to withstand expected stresses during CPR. Even though the prototype braces only slightly improved the loadbearing capacity, the stabilizing effect allows the CPR administrator to more closely maintain the recommended frequency and direction of CPR actions. The results of this evaluation suggest the prototype braces be optimized for field use and be provided as an accessory package.