Vacuum Mattress
A vacuum mattress, also known as a vacmat, serves as a medical device
utilized for immobilizing patients, particularly in cases of spinal, pelvic,
or limb trauma, notably femur injuries. Additionally, it facilitates the
manual transportation of patients over short distances, acting as a
substitute for stretchers. Initially named the "shell" mattress (matelas
coquille in French), it was invented by Loed and Haederlé.
Constructed from a sealed polymer bag larger than an adult human body, the
vacuum mattress encases small polystyrene balls, featuring a valve, straps,
and handles. Washable and invisible to X-rays, the mattress molds when under
pressure, as the balls are free to move. Typically, the vacuum mattress is
placed on a stretcher, the patient is positioned on it (e.g., using a scoop
stretcher), and the sides are molded around the patient. Subsequently, air
is pumped out through the valve and then sealed, causing atmospheric
pressure to compress the balls, rendering the mattress rigid. Straps are
then secured to immobilize the patient.
A sheet is often draped over the vacuum mattress for several purposes: to
protect the mattress from sharp objects like broken glass or jewelry worn by
the patient, to prevent direct skin contact with the plastic surface,
especially for sweating patients, and to aid in transferring the patient in
the emergency room.
Full spine immobilization (splinting) involves employing a rigid cervical
collar, a vacuum mattress, and a stretcher beneath it, as the mattress's
longitudinal stiffness alone may not suffice.
In preparing the vacuum mattress, it is placed on a stretcher or a long
spine board, with the straps positioned underneath to avoid touching the
ground. Polystyrene balls are evenly distributed throughout the mattress by
shaking its surface, ensuring uniform rigidity. Concentrating the balls in
specific areas can enhance rigidity as needed. Finally, a folded sheet with
an S-shaped profile is draped over the mattress to facilitate wrapping the
patient.
Advantages of the vacuum mattress include comfort, adaptability to various
traumas, a sense of security for the patient, and its ability to serve as a
manual transportation device over short distances. However, it is relatively
fragile and becomes ineffective if not fully inflated, as the vacuum
necessitates a perfectly sealed envelope.
undo Medical Equipment