C1
Tare: 113kg Gross: 114 - 118kg
This transport module is a third generation unit, based on R4 and was commissioned in 1995 using funds raised by Child Flight Inc. The photograph shows it loaded transversely in a helicopter; from the perspective of the medical team.
It is used for newborns and young infants up to body weight 6kg and 60cm in length. It is of aluminium frame construction (designed to Australian CAR and U.S. FAR). It allows intensive care to be administered in any location; specifically a hospital where that is not normally possible.
It incorporates tanks of medical air and oxygen (each with a capacity
of 1500L), blender control oxygen concentration to both ventilator and
rebreathing bag, a double wall, proportionally-controlled incubator, a
mechanical ventilator (constant flow, time cycled, pressure pre-set using
T-piece circuit and heated humidifier), full physiological monitor, skin
surface oxygen and carbon dioxide tension monitor, FiO2
monitor, 2 infusion pumps (0.1ml/hr to 99ml/hr) and cellular phone. Fluid
taps allow rapid switching from on board gas supplies to external supplies
of oxygen and air, where available.
The Unit is designed to be 'parasitic' rather than perform to the limits of the endurance range (2 to 18 hours) required by NETS. External sources of power and medical gases are made use of; wherever available. Acceptable sources are 12 or 24-28 volt DC (using a single, dual voltage cable with a standard socket) or 240v AC. The Unit automatically senses the inbound power type and internally switches to that source. Accordingly the Unit is powered entirely from the vehicle or wall supply when those supplies are available. An intermittent (2 minute) 'beep' reminds the user that internal power is being used. While on AC power, all internal rechargeable batteries are replenished. Main battery systems are split so that the incubator is supplied separately from the monitor, pumps and ventilator. In this way, 'vital' services such as the ventilator, monitors and pumps have a quarantined source of power. In addition, the ventilator has an internal battery with 4 hours endurance.
Power systems are readily accessible to engineering staff via a rear panel. The whole power supply and control system slides out on a draw runner for easy access. This minimises maintenance downtime. Electrical wiring is rated to 2,000 degrees C.
The Unit uses a standardised pin locking system for easy and rigid fixation
into road ambulance, helicopter and fixed wing.