Tare: 119kg Gross: 125kg

This neonatal transport module was a second generation unit built in 1982. It was designed around a two-piece adult stretcher (DH) which was in use at that time within the state Ambulance Service. The module is rigidly fixed to the top (flat-bottomed) section of the stretcher which in turn locks to the trolley 'undercarriage' component of the stretcher. In a road ambulance, the stretcher's legs were collapsible for loading.

This stretcher was designed to load into aircraft by a sliding motion using rollers and low friction surfaces. The photograph above shows it docked on a simple steel frame (storage purposes only).

It is used for newborns and young infants up to body weight 6kg and 60cm in length. It is of aluminium alloy frame construction (designed to Australian CAR). It allows intensive care technology (or equipment) to be taken to any location; most commonly a hospital where that is not normally possible.

The module incorporates tanks of medical air and oxygen (each filled to 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 using that source. Accordingly the Unit is powered entirely from the vehicle or wall supply when 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. Maintenance downtime is reduced to a minimum. Electrical wiring is designd to aircraft standards using teflon insulation.

The Unit uses a standardised pin locking system for easy and rigid fixation into road ambulance, helicopter and fixed wing.

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