Evacuation Stretcher Storage Layout for Fast Bedside Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage arrangements for evacuation sheet stretchers in hospitals are not readily accessible, secure, visible, or sanitary, and often interfere with hospital operations, leading to delays and safety risks during emergencies, as they are typically stored in closets or under beds, which can cause damage or soiling.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage arrangement with a moveable first section and a second section, featuring a locking mechanism and securing brackets, designed to be affixed to a wall or bed, allowing easy access and visibility while preventing unauthorized use or soiling, and ensuring the stretcher is moved with the patient during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If evacuation sheet stretchers are stored in storage closets or basements, then storage space is available, but access time increases and staff safety risks increase during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The storage arrangement moves the stretcher from traditional horizontal storage in closets to a vertical wall-mounted configuration. This dimensional change allows the stretcher to be stored in three-dimensional space above the patient's head, making it immediately accessible during emergencies without requiring staff to travel to distant storage locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretcher is pre-positioned in a ready-to-use state within the wall-mounted storage arrangement, above the patient's head. This preliminary placement ensures that when an emergency occurs, the stretcher is already in position and can be quickly deployed without delay for retrieval or setup.
2Ease of operation
If evacuation sheet stretchers are placed under hospital mattresses, then they are easily accessible, but patient bed sores may occur and sheets may become soiled or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage arrangement relocates the stretcher from the space under the mattress to a vertical wall-mounted position above the patient's head. This eliminates contact between the stretcher and the patient's bedding, preventing bed sores and soiling while maintaining immediate accessibility through the quick-release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall-mounted storage arrangement acts as an intermediary structure that holds the stretcher in a position that is both accessible and protective. It serves as a mediator between the need for quick access and the need to prevent contamination, allowing the stretcher to be stored above the patient rather than under the mattress.
3Device complexity
If evacuation sheet stretchers are stored in fixed locations away from patients, then storage is simple, but the stretcher is not readily available during patient transport emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted storage arrangement serves multiple functions: it stores the stretcher securely during normal operations, positions it for immediate access during emergencies, and allows quick deployment during patient transport. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage areas while ensuring rapid response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from horizontal floor storage to vertical wall-mounted storage, the system maximizes space utilization and positions the stretcher in close proximity to the patient's head, ensuring it is always within immediate reach regardless of patient position or emergency type.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If evacuation sheet stretchers are stored under beds, then they are visible and accessible, but they are unprotected and may become soiled or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The storage arrangement transitions from horizontal storage under the bed to vertical wall-mounted storage above the patient's head. This elevation protects the stretcher from floor-level contaminants and damage while maintaining visibility and accessibility through the transparent panel and quick-release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall-mounted storage unit with transparent panel acts as an intermediary that provides both protection and visibility. It shields the stretcher from soiling and damage while allowing visual confirmation of the stretcher's presence and condition, eliminating the need to store it in vulnerable locations under the bed.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary storage arrangement can be provided, which can include a first section and a second section. The first section can be moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration and can have at least one slot. The second section can be coupled to the first section and comprising at least one protrusion configured and dimensioned to mate with the slot(s) to facilitate movement of the first section. In the exemplary storage arrangement, the space formed by the first and second sections can receive a portable transportation arrangement, and at least one of the first section or the second section can be coupled to a configuration provided at or near a patient. Alternatively or in addition, the exemplary storage arrangement can include a locking mechanism which can be configured to secure at least one portion of the first section to the second section.