A collapsible patient isolation pod for preventing flow of contaminants to
or from a patient is disclosed. The isolation pod is preferably
fabricated at least partially from a transparent, biochemically resistive
material and includes a flexible enclosure that is configurable to
receive a contaminated patient therein. The top is maintained spaced
apart from the bottom such that the top is maintained out of physical
contact with a contaminated patient received in the enclosure. The
isolation pod has a plurality of wide, gloved access points to allow
easy, multiple access points to a patient. A central connection manifold
for oxygen, intravenous connections, or other fluids, may optionally be
provided. Ventilation is provided within the isolation chamber with a
negative pressure ventilation system and filtration on the air input near
the patient's head, and provides filtration on output near the patient's
feet. An integral pocket underneath the isolation pod may be provided to
allow for a spine board or stretcher to be used. The invention provides a
patient isolation system that permits health care providers safe and
relatively unencumbered access to the isolated patient.