Operation
It consists of a sealed polymer bag (bigger than an adult human body) that encloses small polystyrene balls, with a valve, straps and handles. It is washable and invisible to X-rays.
When the mattress is under pressure, the balls are free and the mattress can be moulded. Usually, the vacuum mattress is put on a stretcher, the patient is put on the mattress (e.g. with a scoop stretcher), and the sides of the mattress are moulded around the patient. Then, the air is pumped out through the valve and the valve is closed. The atmospheric pressure presses the balls together and the mattress becomes hard and rigid. The straps are then tied to secure the patient.
A sheet is usually put on the vacuum mattress, for three reasons:
- to protect the mattress. The casualty might have broken glass on their clothes or be wearing jewelry that might puncture the mattress,
- to avoid direct contact of the skin with plastic, e.g. for a sweating casualty,
- to help the patient transfer at the emergency room.
Read more about this topic: Vacuum Mattress
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