Patient immobilization device with diagnostic capabilities

Abstract

A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient is comprised of a backboard, a structure configured to support the head of a patient on the backboard, and a pupil-sizing indicator positioned on a surface of the support structure to be visually accessible to a person that is visually evaluating the head and face of an immobilized patient on the backboard.

1 . A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient comprising:
 a backboard;   a diagnostic tool with indications reflective of a state of a physical condition of a patient mounted on the backboard, the diagnostic tool positioned to be visually accessible to a person that is visually evaluating the physical condition of an immobilized patient on the backboard.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising at least one paddle mounted on the backboard and configured to move between a storage position and a support position, to support the head of a patient on the backboard. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a diagnostic scale associated with at least one patient response from the group including eye opening, verbal response and motor response. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a Glasgow coma scale. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a diagnostic scale related to burns on the body of a patient. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a Rule of Nines burn scale. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diagnostic tool is adhered to the backboard. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diagnostic tool is removable from the backboard. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising at least one strap coupled with the paddle for securing the head of a patient, the diagnostic tool being positioned on the strap. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 2  wherein the diagnostic tool is positioned on the paddle. 
   
   
       11 . A patient immobilization device for immobilizing a patient and performing a diagnostic evaluation of such patient comprising:
 a backboard;   a head support structure configured to support the head of a patient on the backboard, the head support structure positioned proximate at least one side of a head of a patient;   a diagnostic tool mounted on an upper edge of the head support structure, the diagnostic tool positioned in the line of sight of a person staring at the face of the patient to be readily visually accessible for visually evaluating an immobilized patient on the backboard.   
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a diagnostic scale associated with at least one patient response from the group including eye opening, verbal response and motor response. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a Glasgow coma scale. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a diagnostic scale related to burns on the body of a patient. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a Rule of Nines burn scale. 
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool is adhered to the head support structure. 
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 14  wherein the diagnostic tool is removable from the head support structure. 
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 14  further comprising multiple diagnostic tools positioned on the head support structure. 
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the diagnostic tool includes a pupil-sizing indicator.