franchise-star-trek-tng-technical-manual1

MEDICAL SYSTEMS13.2.2 Biobed and surgical support frameThese individuals are typically attached to various researchprojects, but are available to assist with medical lab assignmentson a priority basis as needed.HARDWAREA key element of the medical intensive-care unit is thebiobed sensor and support unit. This orthopedically designedhospital bed incorporates a basic array of biofunction sensorsthat can be tied into a variety of remote medical instrumentsincluding the medical tricorder (See: 13.3). Also incorporatedare a number of medical gas and fluid connect points forvarious devices, including the surgical support frame.A vital tool in nearly all surgical procedures is the surgicalsupport frame (SSF), or "clamshell" as it is sometimes called.The SSF not only maintains a sterile environment for mostsurgical procedures, but also incorporates several vital diagnosticand life support tools. These include a battery of biofunctionsensors, supplementing those provided by the biobedand by the overhead medical equipment array. The SSF iscapable of automated administration of intravenous medicationas well as cardiovascular support and emergency def ibrillation.A variety of surgical support frame types are availablefor different procedures, as well as for different lifeform types.Most biobed units are designed to accept surgical supportframes.Surgical procedures and other intensive-care proceduresare accomplished at the primary biobed, located at thecenter of each sickbay ward or surgical suite. Above thisbiobed is an overhead cluster of diagnostic and biofunctionsensors. This array also incorporates a low level forcefieldgenerator that can be used to reduce the chance of potentiallyharmful microorganisms entering or leaving the biobed area.Note that this forcefield is of relatively limited utility and is notadequate to maintain a totally sterile environment sufficientfor surgical procedures or to satisfy biohazard protocols.Medical personnel on Away Team missions or other assignmentsaway from sickbay facilities are frequently issuedany of a variety of medikits. These portable equipment13.2.3 Overhead sensor cluster