EMS backboard

A backboard includes a body that has length that is sufficient for extending under a person. The body further has an upper side for supporting a person thereon and a lower side for resting on a generally flat surface, with the body forming multiple pivot points between the upper side and the lower side. The body supports a movable contact surface to provide lateral support to and increase the contact area between the backboard and the person supported thereon.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

A common lifting situation in the EMS industry is picking a person up from the floor or ground using a backboard. Typically, a person is first “log rolled” onto the backboard, and then the backboard is lifted and moved onto a patient handling apparatus, such as an emergency cot. Log rolling refers to when a person is rolled upwardly, after which a backboard is positioned alongside the person and then tilted up about the edge closest to the person so that the person can then be leaned against the backboard. Thereafter, the person and backboard can be lowered together onto the floor or ground surface by tilting the backboard about the edge that is located under the person. Once the person is lowered to the floor, EMS personnel typically lift the person and the backboard and place it onto a cot. Because the backboard is typically lying flat on the floor or ground surface, it is particularly hard for EMS personnel to get into a proper lifting position, which can result in stress and strain on EMS personnel.

Further, conventional backboards can be uncomfortable, and when loaded onto a cot can make a person feel unstable. This is especially true while being transported, which can cause a person to tense up and potentially strain muscles that are already injured.

Accordingly, there is a need to reduce the stress and strain on EMS personnel when handling a person who needs to be moved from a lying position on a floor or ground surface to a cot and to make the backboard more comfortable, but without compromising its function—to keep a person in a supine position.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a backboard is disclosed that reduces the effort needed to log roll a patient onto backboard.

In one embodiment, a backboard includes a body with a length sufficient for extending at least partially or under the full length of a person in a supine position. The body further has an upper side for supporting a person thereon and a lower side for resting on a generally flat surface. In addition, the body supports a movable contact surface to increase the contact area between a person supported thereon and the backboard.

In one aspect, the body includes a pair of the movable surfaces, with each movable surface being adjacent a respective longitudinal edge of the backboard.

In another aspect, the movable surface is formed by a plate that is mounted to the body. For example, the plate may be hinged to the body and is movable between a deployed position, wherein the plate increases the contact area between a person supported on the body and the backboard, and a retracted position.

In yet another aspect, the plate is flush with the upper side of the body when the plate is moved to the retracted position.

According to yet other aspects, the body includes a support to hold the plate in the deployed position. For example, the support may be an actuator, which moves the plate to its deployed position.

According to other aspects, the body is a hollow body. For example, the body may be formed from a thermoplastic material.

In another embodiment, a backboard includes a body with a central longitudinal axis and a length extending along the central longitudinal axis sufficient for extending under at least a portion or the full length of a person in a supine position. The body further has an upper side for supporting a person thereon and a lower side for resting on a generally flat surface. The body is configured to form a first fulcrum below its upper side for pivoting the body about a first pivot axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis over a first range of motion. The lower side includes a second fulcrum for pivoting the body about a second pivot axis parallel and closer to the central longitudinal axis than the first pivot axis.

In one aspect, the backboard also includes a retaining device to help retain a person on the backboard when the body is pivoted about one of the pivot axes.

In a further aspect, the retaining device comprises a movable surface, which is deployable to provide lateral support to the person supported thereon and to increase the contact area between a person supported thereon and the backboard.

In yet another aspect, the body is hollow, which forms a space beneath the upper side to form a compartment.

According to another aspect, the body has a height in a range of 2-5 inches, and optionally about in a range of 3-4 inches.

In yet another embodiment, a backboard includes a body with a length sufficient for extending under at least portion or the full length of a person in a supine position. The body further has an upper side for supporting a person thereon, a lower side for resting on a generally flat surface, a first fulcrum for pivoting the body about a first pivot axis, and a second fulcrum for pivoting the body about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis. The upper side has a trough-shaped surface to provide lateral support to a person lying on the backboard to increase the contact area between the backboard and the person supported thereon.

In one aspect, the upper side is reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, with the second configuration forming the trough-shaped surface. Optionally, the first configuration is a planar configuration.

In one aspect, the body is hollow and includes an accessible compartment.

In a further aspect, the body is formed from a thermoplastic.

According to yet another aspect, the body includes a pair of movable surfaces, which forms the trough-shaped surface.

Accordingly, the backboard disclosed herein can help reduce the stress and strain on EMS personnel when handling a person who needs to be moved from a supine position on a floor or ground surface to a patient handling apparatus, such as an emergency cot, and further may improve the comfort for a person supported thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, the numeral10generally designates an EMS backboard, which can be used to transport a person in a supine position. As will be more fully described below, backboard10is configured to make it easier for EMS personnel to log roll a person, who is in a supine position on a planar surface, such as a floor or ground, and further to make it more comfortable for a person supported on backboard10. In the illustrated embodiment, backboard10has a cross-section (orthogonal to its central longitudinal axis) that includes multiple fulcrums to form multiple pivot axes to facilitate use of the backboard and handling of a patient supported thereon.

As best seen inFIG. 1, backboard10includes a body12with an upper side14, for supporting a person thereon, and a lower side16for resting on a generally planar surface, such as a floor or ground. Upper side14is generally wider than lower side16and may have a multisided cross-section, such as a trapezoidal shaped cross-section (4 sided) or an irregular hexagon to thereby form multiple fulcrums, as described below. Further, upper side14has a trough-shaped surface15, which helps retain a person on backboard10by providing lateral support to a person lying on backboard10. Further, the trough-shaped surface15increases the contact area between the person and the backboard. As will be more fully described below, in the illustrated embodiment, upper side14may be reconfigurable between two configurations—with one configuration being trough-shaped surface15and another configuration where the movable structure forming the trough shaped surface is no longer deployed. For example, the second configuration may provide a planar surface to facilitate storage (e.g. stacking of backboard10on another similar backboard) and/or to facilitate transfer of a person supported on backboard10off backboard10, for example, onto a stretcher.

Further, although illustrated as a rectangular upper side, the shape of the upper side may vary. For example upper side14may be curved or have curved portions or may have an irregular geometric shape with multiple sides. Further, upper side14may be formed from separate discrete sections. As such, the outer edges of the upper side may be non-linear and, further, may be discontinuous.

In one embodiment, backboard10includes movable surfaces that form the trough-shaped surface15. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable surfaces are formed by panels or plates18, described below. Although illustrated as planar, it should be understood that plates18may be non-planar and, for example, may be curved or contoured and have curved or contoured portions, for example to generally follow the shape of a person's body. As would be understood from the above, trough-shaped surface15can provide increased comfort to a person supported on backboard10by in effect cradling the person supported on backboard10, which is especially comforting during transport in a vehicle.

Again referring toFIG. 1, body12has a central longitudinal axis12aand a length along the central longitudinal axis12asufficient for extending under at least a portion of a patient's body and, optionally, under the full length of a person lying in a supine position. In the illustrated embodiment, trough-shaped surface15extends along the full length of body12and is formed by a pair of opposed panels or plates18. Plates18may be movably mounted to upper side14of body12so that each plate18may be moved between a deployed position (such as shown inFIGS. 1-5) and a retracted, flat position. In one embodiment, plates18are pivotally mounted along their proximal edge18ato upper side14of body12to thereby form flaps. Optionally, when plates18are moved to their retracted positions, e.g. flat positions, the outer distal edges18bof plates18may extend beyond outer sides or edges14a,14bof upper side14or may align with or be immediately adjacent outer edges14a,14b. Alternately, distal edges18bof plates18may be inward of outer edges14a,14b. Thus, the outer edges14a,14bof body12may also be used as fulcrums to pivot the backboard10, as more fully described below.

As noted above, plates18may be movable between retracted positions and deployed positions. For example, each plate18may include one or more supports19(seeFIGS. 1 and 5), which are configured to support each plate18in its deployed position, but then release each respective plate when support is removed. For example, the supports may include manually operable mechanical supports or actuators, such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric actuators. Suitable actuators may include hydraulic cylinders, including double acting cylinders, to move the plates18to and from their deployed positions. Other actuators may include electrically powered actuators, including linear motors, electromagnets, shape memory wires, or the like.

In one embodiment, the supports are pneumatic and may include one or more bladders positioned beneath the respective plates18, which when inflated raise the plates to their deployed position. Once deflated, the plates are allowed to return to their retracted position, for example, under the force of gravity. Alternately, the plates may be coupled to the bladders, so that when the bladders are deflated or evacuated of air, the bladders will assist in returning the plates to their retracted positions. In another example, the supports may include one or more kickstand type structures, which are mounted underneath a respective plate and manually moved between its deployed support position and its retracted position beneath the respective plates.

As best understood fromFIG. 2-5, plates18are mounted to body12inwardly from outer edges14a,14b. For example, plates18may be mounted inwardly from outer edges14a,14bin a range of 2 to 7 inches, optionally in a range of 3 to 5 inches, and further have a lateral width in a range of 2 to 7 inches, optionally in a range of 3 to 5 inches. It should be understood the size and lengths of plates18may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, plates18extend the full length of body12. However, the plates18may extend over only a portion of the length of body12. Further, multiple plates18may be provided along each side of body12, and independently movable between their deployed and retracted position.

In addition, as noted above, the support or supports under plates18may provide sufficient support to plates18so that their outer distal edges18bmay be used as fulcrums for pivoting backboard10over at least an initial range of motion. Having a sharper pivot point (provided by the edges of plates18) reduces the chances of the backboard10sliding when rolling the patient.

In this manner, referring toFIGS. 3-5, when plates18are moved to their deployed positions, plates18apply a retaining force on the person supported on backboard10. As noted, the resulting trough-shaped surface formed by plates18also increases the comfort for the person, especially when the person and backboard10are mounted on a cot and are being transported.

Optionally, body12has a geometry that can reduce the effort needed by an attendant to log roll a patient using backboard10. As will be described below, the body is configured with multiple fulcrums to provide multiple pivot axes to facilitate the pivoting of backboard10. The fulcrums can be formed by edges, surfaces, or points.

As best seen inFIGS. 1-5, lower side16of body12is the lower facing side bounded between opposed outer edges14a,14bof upper side14and has a lowermost surface24bounded by opposed second longitudinal edges26,28. In the illustrated embodiment, additional longitudinal edges20,22may be provided beneath outer edges14a,14b, respectively, which are spaced outwardly of longitudinal edges26,28and can be used as fulcrums for pivoting the body about pivot axes20a,22a(FIG. 1) parallel to the central longitudinal axis12aover one range of motion. Each of longitudinal edges26or28can also be used as fulcrums for pivoting the body12about pivot axes26a,28a(FIG. 1) over another range of motion. Pivot axes26a,28aare parallel to the central longitudinal axis12abut spaced inwardly from pivot axes20a,22a, respectively, and closer to the central longitudinal axis of the backboard10so that less effort is needed by an attendant to guide a person's rotation. Further, as noted above, plates18may be used to initially pivot backboard10. In addition, as noted, either outer edge14aor14bmay be used as a fulcrum when plates18do not extend beyond the respective outer edges14aor14b.

Although illustrated as having three longitudinal edges on either lateral side of body12, body12may include fewer longitudinal edges or additional longitudinal edges, and further may have curved portions or have virtual edges, as described in reference toFIGS. 8 and 9. Optionally, lower side16may be a single curved side extending from edge14ato14bor may include multiple curved sections to thereby again provide multiple fulcrums and multiple pivot axes. In addition, as more fully described in reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, the fulcrum or fulcrums may be provided by two points instead of edge(s) or surface(s)—which form the virtual edges.

In the illustrated embodiment, each plate18is hinged to the body12so that each plate is movable about it proximal edge18abetween its deployed position, wherein the plate increases the contact area between a person supported on the body, and its retracted position. In one embodiment, each plate18maybe integrally formed with body12, with its hinge formed by a living hinge. Alternately, each plate18may be rigidly mounted to body12. Further, plate18may be segmented into two or more independent segments, with one or more segments independently hinged and independently moveable or rigidly mounted to body12.

In a further embodiment, each plate18may be mounted in a recess formed in upper side14of body12so that the plates18may be returned to a stowed position, and optionally flush with the upper side14, when the plates18are moved to their retracted positions.

In another embodiment, body12is a hollow body with walls that form the respective sides of the backboard. For example, body12, as well as plates18, may be formed from a polymeric material, including a thermoplastic. Plates18may instead be formed from metal or a composite material or a combination of metal and plastic. For example, plates18may be formed from metal frames (e.g. wire or tubular frames) that are molded over with a plastic.

Suitable methods of forming body12include molding, such as blow molding. Additionally, as described in reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, the backboard may be formed or assembled from frame members and one or more plates or panels to include one or more open sides. For example, the wall may be virtually nonexistent or made up at least partially by a frame member. Further, because body12can be hollow or has a space under the upper side, body12may be formed with one or more storage spaces, such as compartments12b,12c. For example, compartments12b,12cmay be accessible through the outer surface of body12. In the illustrated embodiment, compartment12bis accessible through the upper side14of body12, while compartment12cis accessible through the end wall of body12. It should be understood that the number, the location, and the size of the compartments may be varied. Further as noted, one or more sides of the backboard may be open to allow access to storage space under upper side14.

Each compartment12b,12cmay include a cover or an access door to close the compartment. For example, the access door may be slidably mounted or pivotally mounted to body12by a hinge. Other designs of access doors are possible. In this manner, the compartments may be opened when items inside the compartment are to be retrieved or used and then closed. Alternately, the compartments may have an open side so that they are quickly accessible. In other embodiments, one or more compartments may be movably mounted in body12so that the compartment may be slidable, extendible, or otherwise deployable, e.g. like a drawer, from body12. Further, the compartment may be removable for replacement. In other embodiments, the storage space may be configured to receive an accessory for storage in backboard10.

In this manner, the cavity of body12can be used to store or house one or more components or accessories. For example, body12may be used to house a medical device or equipment, for example, for treating or testing a person, such as a CPR device, or an inflatable mattress or cover that can be used on backboard10to increase comfort for the person supported on backboard10. These devices or equipment may be the type of devices or equipment normally carried by EMS personnel and, hence, separate structures from the structure of the backboard itself before being stowed away.

In one embodiment, the medical device comprises a thermal management device, which can be stored in one of the compartments, which can then be retrieved for use with the person supported on backboard10. In yet another embodiment, the thermal management device may be incorporated or integrated into the body12so that body12warms or cools the person supported thereon. As noted below, other devices may be stored in the body of backboard10, including bearings to facilitate transporting the backboard across the ground or floor. Further, any of these devices or accessories may either essentially form part of the backboard or become part of the backboard when stowed in the backboard and, therefore, may provide a fulcrum point.

In one embodiment, body12has a height (as measured from its lowermost surface to its upper side) in a range of 2-5 inches and, optionally, about 3-4 inches. As noted above, body12may be formed as a hollow body, and formed, for example, by blow molding. Body12may be filled with a fluid, such as a gas or liquid, which can provide buoyancy to backboard10so that it can be used as a flotation device. In another embodiment, body12is formed as a monolithic or solid body, such as from foam, with cavities optionally formed in the monolithic body to form the one or more compartments noted above.

Further, the upper side14(and/or plates18) of body12may be covered or coated with a cushioning layer, such as foam or gel or, as noted, by an inflatable mattress. The cushioning layer may be permanent, such as in the case when it is formed by coating or when applied using an adhesive, or the cushioning layer may be removable, and optionally held in place by releasable fasteners, such as snaps or Velcro strips are patches.

In addition, body12may include handles or hand holds40(FIG. 1) formed therein or mounted thereto to ease handling and/or lifting of body12. For example, recesses40amay be formed at discrete locations around the sides of body12to form hand holds. Alternately, or in addition, straps may be mounted to body12to form hand holds. Further, body12may incorporate straps13(FIG. 1) to restrain a person supported on body12. For example, body12may be formed with through openings to allow the straps to be threaded through the openings and thereby mounted to the body12, or the straps may be fastened to body12using fasteners, including rivets or the like, or an adhesive.

Referring toFIG. 6, the numeral110designates another embodiment of an EMS backboard. In the illustrated embodiment, similar to the previous embodiments, backboard110includes a body112. At least a portion of body112may be formed from one or more bladders112a. In this manner, at least a portion of body112may be inflated and transformed between a rigid state (when fully inflated) and a non-rigid inflated state wherein the body112(or portion of body112) is bendable or pliable to wrap around at least a portion of a person's body. For example, body112may be formed from multiple bladders, with a right set of bladders and a left set of bladders. Further, each set of bladders may include foot end and head end bladders.

Once one or more bladders are in their non-rigid inflated state, the bladder or bladders may be wrapped around a portion of the person's body (or the person's whole body). Then, the pressure in the bladder or bladders may be increased to form a vacuum splint. For example, bladders112amay be separately and independently inflatable.

In one embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the top side of body112may include one or more bladders118, which may be inflated to form the trough shaped upper surface described above. Again the bladders may be independently and separately inflated to a rigid state to form a cradle for a person supported thereon. An additional bladder layer may be then provided on top of bladders118to form a vacuum splint around a portion of the person's body, such as a leg, or the person's full body.

The bladder or bladders may be inflated by a pneumatic system120(FIG. 6), which includes one or more conduits122, a flow control unit124, with one or more fans or pumps, one or more electrically controlled valves, such as solenoid valves, and a microprocessor based controller, which powers the fan or blower and valves (to control the flow of air to the bladders from the fan or pump) to control inflation of the bladder or respective bladders. In the case of multiple bladders, a valve manifold may be provided to control the flow of air from the fan or pump to each of the bladders so that the bladders may be individually and separately controlled. The microprocessor based controller may receive input signals from and be controlled by a user interface126, such as a keypad or touchscreen, which may be a local interface (e.g. hardwired to the flow control unit124) or a remote user interface, for example, a wireless hand-held user interface or a wireless user interface mounted in an emergency vehicle.

Referring toFIGS. 8 and 9, the numeral210generally designates another embodiment of an EMS backboard. Backboard210is also configured to make it easier for EMS personnel to log roll a person onto the backboard, who is in a supine position on a planar surface, such as a floor or ground, and further to make it more comfortable for a person supported on backboard210. Similar to the previous embodiments, backboard210has a cross-section (orthogonal to its central longitudinal axis) that includes multiple fulcrums to form multiple pivot axes to facilitate use of the backboard and handling of a patient supported thereon. As will be more fully described below, one or more of the fulcrums may be formed by virtual edges.

As best seen inFIG. 8, similar to the previous embodiment, backboard210includes an upper side214, for supporting a person thereon, and a lower side216, which is configured to rest on a generally planar surface, such as a floor or ground. Also similar to backboard210, upper side214may include a trough-shaped surface215, which helps retain a person on backboard210by providing lateral support to a person lying on backboard210. Trough-shaped surface215may also be formed by movable surfaces, such as a pair of plates218. For further details of plates218and how they may be constructed, supported, and/or mounted, reference is made to the previous embodiment.

As noted above, in the illustrated embodiment, backboard210may have one or more open sides. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the body of backboard210is constructed from a frame212with a panel212aprovided or formed thereon, which forms upper side214. For example, panel212amay be molded onto or attached to the frame. Panel212aforms the upper outer edges214a,214bof upper side214, which may form pivot axes to be used as fulcrums to pivot the backboard210, as described above. Similarly, the outer edges of plates218may be used as fulcrums. Further, although illustrated as a rectangular upper side, similar to the first embodiment, the shape of the upper side may vary. For example, the panel212aforming upper side214may be curved or have curved portions or may have an irregular geometric shape with multiple sides. Further, panel212amay be formed from separate discrete sections. As such, the outer edges of the upper side may be non-linear and, further, may be discontinuous.

As best seen inFIGS. 8-9, lower side216of backboard210includes a first pair of downwardly depending frame members212b, which extend downwardly from edges214a,214b, and a second pair of downwardly depending frame members212cthat extend downwardly from frame212inwardly of edges214a,214bto thereby form supports at the head end and foot end of backboard210. The size, shape, number, and location of these supports may be varied, and, for example, need not be located at the ends and instead located inwardly from the ends, as noted below. Further, a single support may be provided.

The lower ends or corners220,222of frame members212bform pivot points or surfaces, which can also be used as fulcrums for pivoting the backboard210about pivot axes parallel to the central longitudinal axis of backboard210over one range of motion. In this manner, the pivot points form a virtual edge there between for pivoting frame212.

In the illustrated embodiment, downwardly depending frame members212cmay be T-shaped. In this manner, the lower corners224,226of frame members212ccan also be used as fulcrums for pivoting backboard210about respective pivot axes (over another range of motion), which are parallel to the central longitudinal axis of backboard210and are spaced inwardly from the pivot axes formed by downwardly depending frame members212b. The pivot axes formed by downwardly depending frame members212care closer to the central longitudinal axis of the backboard210so that less effort is needed by an attendant to guide a person's rotation. Further, as noted above, plates218may also be used to pivot (at least initially) backboard210.

Although illustrated as having three pivot axes on either lateral side of backboard210, backboard210may include fewer pivot axes or additional pivot axes, and further may have curved portions. Optionally, lower side216maybe formed from a single curve frame member or may include multiple curved sections to thereby again provide multiple fulcrums. Additionally, intermediate downwardly depending frame members may be provided along the length of backboard210, between the head end and the foot end. Further, although shown as being located at the head end and the foot end of backboard210, downwardly depending frame members212cmay be located inwardly from the foot end and the head end (e.g. located at a ¼ of the length and ¾ of the length of the backboard), and further may be closer to the middle of the backboard provided they provide sufficient stability. As noted above, additional intermediate or fewer depending frame members212cmay be provided. Additionally, although shown as being orientated in a plane that is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the backboard, the downwardly depending frame members may be arranged in an angled plane so that they are diagonal to the central longitudinal axis. Further, their shape may be varied.

As noted above, backboard210may be constructed of a frame212with panel212aforming upper side214. Panel212amay be formed from a polymeric material, including a thermoplastic, which is over molded or attached to frame212. Frame212may be formed from tubular members, such as metal or composite material tubular members, which can be welded or assembled using fasteners, to form an open framed body. Further, because frame212is open and hollow, it forms a space under the upper side214for storage.

The space may include recesses, rails, or other structures formed or mounted therein to allow accessories to be mounted therein.

In this manner, the cavity of backboard210may also be used to store or house one or more components or accessories. Examples of components or accessories that may be mounted therein reference is made to the first embodiment.

In one embodiment, backboard210has a height (as measured from its lowermost surface to its upper side) in a range of 2-5 inches and optionally about 3-4 inches. While the upper side of frame212is closed by panel212a, it should be understood that additional plates or panels may be mounted to frame212to close one or more sides of backboard210.

Further, similar to the first embodiment, the upper side214and/or plates218may be covered or coated with a cushioning layer, such as foam or gel or, as noted, by an inflatable layer or mattress. The cushioning layer may be permanent, such as in the case when it is formed by coating or when applied using an adhesive, or the cushioning layer may be removable and, optionally, held in place by releasable fasteners, such as snaps or Velcro strips or patches.

Accordingly, the backboard disclosed herein has a geometry that facilitates handling of the backboard and the person supported thereon. The thicker backboard allows for multiple fulcrums to be formed to provide multiple pivot axes, which can reduce the effort to log roll the patient. The angled surfaces of the trough-shaped surface on the upper side of the backboard reduces the opportunity for the patient to slide off the backboard during transfer. Further, as noted having a sharper pivot point (in the case of the plates being used as the initial fulcrum) reduces the chance for the backboard to slide while rolling the patient.

In addition, the backboard may be used with or incorporated into a lifting apparatus, such as disclosed in U.S. Prov. Pat. application Ser. No. 62/369,417 entitled MULTI-FUNCTION PERSON HANDLING EQUIPMENT and U.S. Prov. Pat. Application Ser. No. 62/369,423 entitled PERSON SUPPORT APPARATUS SYSTEM, both filed by Applicant Stryker Corp. on Aug. 1, 2016, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Further, bearing assemblies or a lifting apparatus may be stored in the cavity of the backboard body, so that they or it may be deployed to facilitate handling of the backboard and then returned, either fully or partially, inside the backboard for storage. For example, the lifting apparatus may include support legs with gears or any mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic mechanism to move the legs between a deployed position and a folded or stored position. Suitable bearings may include casters, wheels, tracks, or skis, which can be stowed at least partially in the backboard, and then deployed for use. Given the thickness of the backboard, the bearing assemblies or lifting apparatus may be fully enclosed inside the backboard, as noted, or may be folded or collapsed into one or more recesses formed in the lower side of the backboard. Further, the backboard may have notches or recesses or couplers for receiving and, optionally, engaging a patient transport lifting device. For example, the patient transport lifting device may include arms, e.g. forklift-like arms, which can extend into and are received in the notches or recesses provided or formed in the backboard so that the backboard may be lifted by a powered lifting apparatus.