U.S. patent application number 14/016726 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-06 for evacuation blanket and system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Paul Harris. Invention is credited to Paul Harris.
Application Number | 20140059765 14/016726 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50185386 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140059765 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harris; Paul |
March 6, 2014 |
EVACUATION BLANKET AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A blanket used for evacuating or transporting medical patients
comprising a first side, a second side, a first outer edge, a
second outer edge and a plurality of pockets disposed on one of the
sides wherein the open end of the pocket is proximate a center of
said second side and said closed end is proximate one of said outer
edges. One or more item stored in at least one of the pockets
wherein the item of information may be patient identification
information, treatment instructions, medical supplies, or personal
items. A system for evacuating or transporting medical patients
using the blanket in coordination with one or more items of
information.
Inventors: |
Harris; Paul; (Rocheport,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Harris; Paul |
Rocheport |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50185386 |
Appl. No.: |
14/016726 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61696629 |
Sep 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62C 8/06 20130101; A61G
1/04 20130101; A47G 9/0223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/485 |
International
Class: |
A47G 9/02 20060101
A47G009/02 |
Claims
1. An evacuation blanket comprising: a first side; a second side; a
first outer edge; a second outer edge and a plurality of pockets
disposed on said one of said sides wherein the open end of the
pocket is proximate a center of said second side and said closed
end is proximate one of said outer edges.
2. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 further comprising a
pre-determined checklist disposed in one of said plurality of
pockets.
3. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 wherein said plurality of
pockets are clear.
4. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 wherein at least one of said
plurality of pockets has a label identifying the contents.
5. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 wherein said first side of
said blanket is a metallic fabric.
6. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 wherein said blanket comprises
a strap or string to secure the blanket.
7. The evacuation blanket of claim 6 wherein said strap or string
includes a fastener disposed thereon to secure the blanket around a
patient or to a gurney.
8. The evacuation blanket of claim 1 wherein said blanket includes
a centerline passing through first end and second end, wherein an
opening of said pockets is proximate said centerline and said
pocket extends away from and substantially perpendicular to said
centerline toward said first side wherein said pocket includes a
closed end proximate said first side.
9. The evacuation blanket of claim 8 wherein said pockets include a
closure flap covering said open end.
10. A system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient
comprising: an evacuation blanket comprising a first side, a second
side, a first outer edge, a second outer edge and a plurality of
pockets disposed on said one of said sides wherein the open end of
the pocket is proximate a center of said second side and said
closed end is proximate one of said outer edges; one or more item
stored in at least one of the plurality of pockets, the one or more
item being one of patient identification information, treatment
instructions, medical supplies, and personal items.
11. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 further comprising a pre-determined checklist.
12. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 further comprising an item of patient identification being
a unique barcode identifier for a patient.
13. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 12 further comprising a barcode reader.
14. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein said plurality of pockets are clear.
15. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein at least one of said plurality of pockets has a
label identifying the contents.
16. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein said first side of said blanket is a metallic
fabric.
17. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein said blanket comprises a strap or string to secure
the blanket around a patient.
18. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein said blanket includes a centerline passing through
first end and second end, wherein an opening of said pockets is
proximate said centerline and said pocket extends away from and
substantially perpendicular to said centerline toward said first
side wherein said pocket includes a closed end proximate said first
side.
19. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical patient of
claim 10 wherein said pockets include a closure flap covering said
open end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/696,629, filed Sep. 4, 2012, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to an evacuation system and blanket
to be used in evacuations of hospitals, nursing homes, other care
facilities, rescue efforts, and for transport or evacuation of
patients in other emergency situations.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In evacuations and other emergencies, time is of the
essence. However, in times of emergency and dire circumstances,
chaos and confusion can drastically affect the outcome. For
example, a hospital, nursing home, public health shelter, or other
care facility may need to be evacuated due to a tornado, hurricane,
tsunami, earthquake, fire, terrorist attack, or other similar
emergency. Similarly, an individual could need immediate transport
to obtain emergency care from an accident site or site of trauma or
other rescue location. During an evacuation process, multiple tasks
must be accomplished by hospital personnel, emergency-care
personnel, and patient caregivers. One of these tasks is the
gathering and organizing patient care items, medical information,
medication, personal items and the appropriate documentation that
must accompany the patient to ensure proper treatment during and
after the evacuation and transport to provide the most seamless
transition of care possible. One particular concern is keeping
these items with the patient during the evacuation and
transport.
[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus and system
that provides a quick and simple way to gather and organize patient
information, records, medications, personal items, or any other
material or information needed to evacuate and relocate a patient
while providing the information required, thereby ensuring the
patient adequate continuity of care.
[0007] Further, in retrospective study of past events impacting
hospital and healthcare systems, nursing homes, and public health
shelters, the accountability and protection of patients seems to
have a wide variety of solution methods which are not consistent in
the industry.
[0008] Thus, there is a need in the art for an apparatus or system
that may easily be commonly used within a geographical area so as
to provide consistency, reliability and familiarity to reduce and
perhaps eliminate errors due to interruptions in patient care due
to evacuation or transport of the patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed toward an evacuation
blanket that can be used on its own or as part of a system for
evacuating or transporting a patient. The evacuation blanket
comprises a first side, a second side, a first outer edge, a second
outer edge, a first end, a second end, and a plurality of pockets
disposed on one of the sides wherein the open end of the pocket is
proximate a center of the second side and the closed end is
proximate one of the outer edges. One of the sides of the blanket
may be a metallic fabric to help retain heat and may be used when
hypothermia is an issue. The evacuation blanket may also include a
strap or string to secure the blanket to the patient or to a
stretcher or gurney. The strap or string may include a fastener
disposed thereon to help secure the blanket around the patient or
to the gurney.
[0010] The evacuation blanket may include a centerline passing
through first end and second end, wherein the open end of each
pocket is proximate the centerline and the pocket extends away from
and substantially perpendicular to the centerline toward the first
outer edge. The pocket may include a closed end proximate the first
side. The pockets may be clear, or may be solid with a clear
window. The pockets may also have a label identifying the contents
that are to be deposit therein and may include a closure flap
covering the open end.
[0011] The evacuation blanket may be used as part of a system for
evacuating or transporting a medical patient that also includes one
or more item being stored in at least one of the plurality of
pockets, wherein the item of information may patient identification
information, treatment instructions, medical supplies, and/or
personal items. The system may include the blanket having a
pre-determined checklist disposed in one of the plurality of
pockets which gives evacuating personnel instructions of how to
install the blanket and what items are to be transported with the
patient. The system for evacuating or transporting a medical
patient may also include a unique barcode patient identifier for
each patient and a barcode reader.
[0012] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification
and are to be read in conjunction therewith, in which like
reference numerals are employed to indicate like or similar parts
in the various views.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the present
evacuation blanket constructed in accordance with the teachings of
the present invention; and
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the
evacuation blanket of FIG. 1 in use.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The following detailed description of the present invention
references the accompanying drawing figures that illustrate
specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The
embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the present
invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and
changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the present invention. The present invention is defined by the
appended claims and, therefore, the description is not to be taken
in a limiting sense and shall not limit the scope of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the evacuation blanket 10 of the present
invention includes a first side 12 and a second side 14. Blanket 10
also includes a first outer edge 16, a second outer edge 18, a
first end 20 and a second end 22. Blanket 10 has a center line 24
that is substantially parallel to the outer edges 16 and 18 and
bisects each end 20 and 22. Blanket 10 can be used in a related
evacuation system that uses clear pockets 26 on the second side 14
to place and secure necessary patient items 102. Patient items may
commonly include patient information, records, medications,
personal items, or any other material or information needed to
transport or relocate a patient. However, there are a number of
items which may be placed in pockets 26. The clear pockets 26
encourage and facilitate the use and reading of bar coded documents
and markers, such as those created by hospital admissions, or
triage tags, intended to aid in the patient tracking and
accountability.
[0018] One embodiment of blanket 10 may be a blanket made of
reflective plastic on first side 12, and a darker plastic on the
second side 14. However, any color or pattern of material may be
used. For example, a blaze orange or other florescent color may be
used when it is desirable to promote visibility. Alternatively, a
camouflaging color and pattern may be used to decrease visibility.
However, the color of blanket 10 may be any color or pattern.
Blanket 10 may be constructed of spun-bond polypropylene, other
plastics, nylon, cotton, canvas, neoprene, Mylar, any polymeric
material, or any other material now known or hereafter developed
having qualities desired. Further, one or both sides 12 and 14 of
blanket 10 may be constructed from a metallic fabric or other
reflective material now known or hereafter developed having desired
properties. The metallic fabric is desirable in some applications
as it may be used to reflect body heat and may be effective against
hypothermia.
[0019] The reason for evacuating a hospital or care facility is
often damage or impending damage to the hospital infrastructure due
to fire, severe weather, or other man-made or natural disaster.
Therefore, the patients may end up being exposed to the threatening
environments of these conditions. The protection of the patient
from the elements and environment of these conditions is a
significant concern when planning for coping with these types of
emergencies. Accordingly, embodiments of blanket 10 may be made
from water-proof, fire-resistant, and/or breathable materials, or
any combination thereof that prevent the patient from getting wet,
burned by air-borne cinders, or overheated. Moreover, the material
comprising blanket 10 may have a high abrasion resistance and
durability.
[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, blanket 10 may have a size of
about fifty-six inches wide by about eighty-two inches long
(56''.times.82''). However, a person of skill in the art will
recognize that the exact width and length are not critical to the
functionality and, therefore, blanket 10 may be any other width and
length now known or hereafter developed to perform the functions
identified herein. The length of blanket 10 is generally sufficient
to cover substantially the entire length of a normal human being
patient's body. The width of blanket 10 is generally sufficient to
wrap substantially around normal-sized persons.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of blanket 10 that is
water-repellent and has a plurality of pockets 26 made of clear or
substantially transparent material on the second side 14. One
embodiment of the present blanket 10 includes eight (8) to ten (10)
pockets made of clear plastic material. However, any number of
pockets may be utilized. An alternative embodiment (not shown)
includes pockets 26 that are solid, but have windows of clear or
substantially transparent material. Pockets 26 that are clear or
have windows allow quick visual identification of the patient items
being transported, including, but not limited to: bar coded or
otherwise designated patient identification papers or triage tags;
pill bottles, other pharmaceutical preparations, dressing supplies,
or other medical supplies; personal items such as a patient's
glasses, dentures, hearing aids, slippers; snacks, food and water;
or any other medically required or related items or other personal
items. The caregivers, responders or other personnel may use a bar
code reader to read the bar-coded patient identification items and
to verify that an item is belongs to a particular patient.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of blanket 10 includes
pockets 26 arranged in a row on the second surface 14 of blanket 10
with a pocket opening 28 adjacent to the center line 24. Pockets 26
may extend away from and substantially perpendicular to center line
24 toward outer edge 16 of blanket 10. A closed end 29 of pocket 26
is proximate outer edge 16. One embodiment (not shown) may include
a second row of pockets on the other side of center line 24 wherein
the pocket openings are also proximate center line 24 and the
second row of pockets extends away from and substantially
perpendicular to center line 24 toward outer edge 18 of blanket 10.
A person of skill in the art will appreciate that this second row
of pockets may have substantially the same construction as pockets
26 described herein. As shown in FIG. 2, the portion of blanket 10
including pockets 26 will fall to the side of the patient 100 when
draped such that edge 16 is below center line 24, thus utilizing
gravity to keep the items 102 in pockets 26. In an embodiment with
two rows of pockets 26, there will be pockets that fall on both
sides of the patient when blanket 10 is draped over the patient. At
least one pocket 26 may be sized so as to receive a patient file or
other instructions on a standard sheet of paper.
[0023] The pockets 26 may have labels 30 written or attached
thereon to indicate to evacuating personnel what items 102 should
be placed in which pocket 26. This assists personnel in organizing
the patient information and items at the time of evacuation or
transport, and also allows for quick identification of patients and
easily locating necessary medical information or supplies. One
embodiment may include a flap 32 that covers pocket opening 28 of
pocket 26 as shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2. Flap 32 may be a series
of individual flaps that cover each pocket individually, a
plurality of flaps wherein each flap covers two or more pockets, or
a single flap that covers the entire row of pockets as shown. One
or more flaps 32 and pockets 26 may include a securing mechanism
(not shown) such as a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO.RTM.), snaps,
buttons, toggle connection, ties, or any other securing mechanism
now known or hereafter developed.
[0024] Blanket 10 may also include one or more draw strings or
straps 36 proximate the four corners 34a-d of blanket 10 as shown
in FIG. 1 to wrap blanket 10 around the patient and/or secure
blanket 10 to the patient or stretcher. One embodiment of blanket
10 may include draw strings or straps 36 at the first and second
(head and foot) ends 20 and 22 of blanket 10 to facilitate keeping
blanket 10 on the patient 100 during transport. However, any number
of draw strings or straps 36 may be located anywhere along the
length of blanket 10. Simple sleeves (not shown) may be sewn inside
blanket 10 to facilitate use by the ambulatory patient. Blanket 10
may be foldable in a number of configurations for easy storage.
Grommets 38 may also be present in the corners 34, along the edges
and/or along the ends to facilitate tie-downs or to hang blanket
10, or for any other reason. Alternatively, in some situations
string 36 may not be included as it may create hazards for the
patient or transport crew. Another embodiment may include one or
more fabric straps 37 alone or in combination with the string 36.
Fabric straps 37 may be disposed along the length of the outer
edges 16 and 18. Fabric straps 37 may also use a securing
mechanism, such as a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO.RTM.), snaps,
buttons, toggle connection, ties, or any other securing mechanism
now known or hereafter developed. Fabric straps 37 may be
configured to wrap around a patient or be shorter for securing
blanket 10 to a gurney or stretcher.
[0025] The present evacuation system and blanket 10 is easy to use.
Blanket 10 of the present invention may be used for evacuations or
transports of a patient from hospitals, nursing homes, or other
care center or by emergency care providers such as paramedics, the
coast guard, or firemen. Moreover, blanket 10 may be used in
military or combat situations during the evacuation of injured
soldiers. In the case of an evacuation of a medical facility, the
administrators and/or the managers of a hospital or other patient
care facility may create a check-list of items that need to be
gathered for a patient during an evacuation. This check-list can be
created in a planning phase and provided to staff during training
or included in an employee or operations manual. A copy of the list
may also be kept in one of the pockets 26 during storage of blanket
10. This list will make gathering, storing, and filling pockets 26
of blanket 10 easier and performed more consistently. During the
chaos and confusion that are inherent in the evacuation of a
healthcare facility, blanket 10 can be applied to a patient 100 by
non-trained individuals, volunteer staff, department technicians,
orderlies etc. A pre-made check-list of required items included
with a patient 100 during an evacuation provides an excellent means
for verifying that the required items to go with the patient are
indeed with the patient. The clear plastic pockets 26 make it easy
to see items 10, including notes that may be intended for the
receiving facility so there will be minimal lapse of patient care
continuity.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, blanket 10 will be draped over a patient
100 and may also be wrapped around the patient 100 wherein one or
more drawstrings or straps 36 may be secured around the patient or
to a stretcher to secure blanket 10 to the patient. The reflective
side (first side 12) as shown may be placed next to the patient and
the reflective surface provides the ability to retain heat and
prevent the potential hypothermia.
[0027] The task of filling the pockets with items 102, including
personal items, medical supplies, prescription medication, other
desired or required information, is completed by authorized
personnel. It may be desirable to make the patient medications the
last items to be placed in the pockets. This allows support staff
to get the patient ready and allows the higher level personnel the
task of verifying the patient identification and ensuring the
patient has all medically necessary items 102. For example, a final
check for patient identification and completion of departure
checklist can be verified by having the patient's nurse and a
pharmacy representative at the medication drawer, with the MAR
(medication administration record), to pull the needed medication
as prescribed, check against the patients arm band identification
and place the meds in the pocket. After this final verification,
the patient is then ready to be evacuated or moved.
[0028] Use of the present evacuation system and blanket 10 commonly
within a geographical area among all healthcare organizations can
provide a more consistent and predictable method for management of
the items that are easily forgotten while packing up the patient
and/or misplaced during transport. Regulatory agencies such as The
Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
(JCAHO) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) look
for mitigation strategies in the Emergency Action Plans of
institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, public health
shelters and other agencies tasked with managing mass care and mass
sheltering. Blanket 10 and the associated evacuation system is an
excellent piece of equipment to stock in each patient care
department, and are ready to use in the case of emergency. Blanket
10 satisfies and is applicable to each of the four fundamental
emergency planning areas: mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery. It is an organizational tool that can facilitate the
continuity of care and ultimate system recovery adding an important
strategy for any Continuity of Care Plan (CoOP).
[0029] In addition to use in emergency and evacuation situations,
one embodiment of the present blanket 10 may be used by outdoorsmen
to store and carry equipment, maps, supplies, or other items.
Blanket 10 may be particularly useful in the backseat of a car or
truck, draped over a horse or ATV, hung as an organizer for
camping, or storage in an RV. There are many other uses for the
blanket of the present invention.
[0030] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the structure.
[0031] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
[0032] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a
limiting sense.
* * * * *