Ferno Viper Stretcher User manual

Instructions for Use
May 2023, Rev 1
Viper Stretcher
Read this Manual and Retain
for Future Reference

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
2
VIPER
USERS’ MANUALS
To request additional free users’ manuals,
contact Ferno Customer Relations, your Ferno
distributor, or www.ferno.com.
Disclaimer
This manual contains general instructions for the use, operation
and care of this product. The instructions are not all-inclusive. Safe
and proper use of this product is solely at the discretion of the user.
Safety information is included as a service to the user. All other safety
measures taken by the user should be within and under consideration
of applicable regulations and local protocol. Training on the proper
use of this product must be provided before using this product in an
actual situation.
Retain this manual for future reference. Include it with the product in
the event of transfer to new users. Additional free copies are available
upon request from Customer Relations.
Proprietary Notice
The information disclosed in this manual is the property of Ferno-
Washington, Inc., Wilmington, Ohio, USA. Ferno-Washington, Inc.
reserves all intellectual property rights, proprietary design rights,
manufacturing rights, reproduction use rights, and sales use rights
thereto, and to any article disclosed therein except to the extent
those rights are expressly granted to others or where not applicable
to vendor proprietary parts.
Limited Warranty Statement
The products sold by Ferno are covered by a limited warranty, which
is printed on all Ferno invoices. The complete terms and conditions of
the limited warranty, and the limitations of liability and disclaimers,
are also available upon request by calling your local Ferno distributor
or Ferno at 1.800.733.3766 or 1.937.382.1451.
Adverse Event Notice
In the event of an adverse event or serious incident related to the use
of this device, the end user/operator must report the incident to Ferno-
Washington, Inc. at 70 Weil Way, Wilmington, Ohio 45177 USA, 1-877-733-
0911, or via email at [e-mail]. If the incident occurred
in the European Union, report it to Ferno’s Authorized EU Representative
and the competent authority of the Member State in which the end user
is established.
Ferno Customer Relations
For ordering assistance or general information:
CANADA AND THE U.S.A.
Telephone (Toll-free) 1.877.733.0911
Telephone [phone]
Fax (Toll-free) 1.888.388.1349
Fax [phone]
Internet www.ferno.com
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS
For assistance or information, please contact your Ferno distributor. If
you do not have a Ferno distributor, please contact Ferno Customer
Relations:
Ferno-Washington, Inc., 70 Weil Way
Wilmington, Ohio 45177-9371, U.S.A.
Telephone Country Code +1.937.382.1451
Fax Country Code +1.937.382.6569
Internet www.ferno.com
Unique Device Identication (UDI)
Ferno complies with the United States Food and Drug Administration’s
(FDA), MDA & CE Unique Device Identication (UDI) regulation to
identify medical devices. The UDI label contains information in human-
and machine-readable form, which includes the serial number, date of
manufacture and Product name. The label is located on the stretcher
frame as per the photo above
MEDIROL s.r.o.
Na Strži 126/4
140 00 Prague, Czech Republic
Product Name/Model Date
Date of Manufacture
Serial Number
Manufacturer

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 3
VIPER
1  SAFETY INFORMATION
1.1 Warning
Warning safety alerts indicate a potentially hazardous situation that, if
not avoided, could result in injury or death.
1.3 Blood borne Disease Notice
To reduce the risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious
materials when using the stretcher, follow the disinfecting and
cleaning instructions in this manual.
WARNING
Untrained helpers can cause injury or be injured. Trained
operators must operate the controls and direct helpers
where to hold the VIPER stretcher to avoid pinch points.
Improper use of the stretcher can cause injury. Use the
stretcher only for the purpose described in this manual.
Improper charging can cause injury and damage. Charge
the battery only with an approved adapter and charger or
integrated charging system (ICS).
Modifying the battery can cause injury and damage. Use
the battery only as designed by Ferno.
Use only the original charging adapter. Using a non-
original adapter may cause damage to the product.
Do not connect the external charging adapter when the
stretcher is in use or with patient on it. There is a risk of
injury to the operator and patient.
When connected to an external AC voltage network, the
stretcher meets the requirements of protection class I.
To avoid the risk of electric shock, the stretcher must be
connected to a power network with protective earthing.
Improper maintenance can cause injury and damage.
Maintain the stretcher and battery only as described in
this manual.
Pushing the stretcher by the backrest may cause it
to tip and injure the patient and/or operators. It is
recommended to roll the stretcher only by holding the
main frame or telescopic frame.
Loading the stretcher to ambulance with telescoping
frame retracted can cause injury and damage. Make sure
the telescoping frame is fully extended and locked before
loading.
Do not connect the connectors to a voltage higher than
15 V. There is a risk of serious injury to the patient and
damage to the product.
Improper operation can cause injury. Operate the
stretcher only as described in this manual.
An unattended patient can be injured. Stay with the
patient at all times.
An unrestrained patient can be injured. Use patient
restraints to secure the patient on the stretcher.
Do not extend or retract the legs when tilted more than
30° relative to the horizontal plane. There is a risk of
damage to the product.
Uncontrolled movement can cause injury or damage.
Support and control the stretcher at all times.
Sheets or other objects can interfere with, or become
entangled in, the actuator or legs, which can cause injury
and/or malfunction, including unexpected retracting
of the stretcher legs. Tuck sheets between the mattress
and the patient surface. Keep other articles above the
mattress.
1.2 Notice
Notices emphasise important but not hazard-related information.
Failure to follow Notices could result in product or property damage.
NOTICE
WARNING
Rolling the stretcher sideways can cause it to tip and
injure the patient and/or operators. Roll the stretcher
only toward the control end or loading end.
Trained operators must consider the environment and
terrain before rolling. Rolling the stretcher in a lowered
position will minimise the potential of a stretcher tip.
Failure to load the stretcher within the loading height
range can cause injury or serious damage to the product.
Operators must ensure the stretcher is locked and
captured by the VIPER Loading System before trying to
retract the legs.
When unloading do not press the release button
before the legs have touch the ground and has stopped
automatically. Failure to do so can cause injury or serious
damage to the product.
Never put your ngers in the sliding grooves, there is a
risk of injury.
Improper maintenance can cause injury and damage.
Maintain the stretcher and battery only as described in
this manual.
The battery can be damaged if not charged for a long
time. The battery must be fully charged at least once
every two months.
Attaching improper items to the stretcher can cause
injury. Use only Ferno-approved items on the stretcher.
Modifying the stretcher can cause injury and damage.
Use the stretcher only as designed by Ferno.
Do not use the stretcher in areas with active high-
frequency equipment (eg RF surgical instruments) and
high EM interference (eg shielded MRI rooms where EM
interference is high).

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
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VIPER
1.4 Symbol Glossary
The symbols dened here are used on the stretcher and/or in this manual. Ferno uses symbols recognized by the International Standards
Organization (ISO), American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the emergency medical services industry.
Symbol Denition
General warning of potential injury
Pinch point. Keep hands clear
No hands area. Do not remove nger guard
Read the users’manual
Two trained operators required
Lubricate
Do not lubricate
Lock
Unlock
705 lb
320 kg Load Capacity/Safe Working Load
Type B applied part
Temperature limit
IP rating
Duty cycle
E8 homologation certicate

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 5
VIPER
1.5 Safety and Instruction Labels
Safety and instruction labels place important information from the
users’manual on the stretcher. Read and follow label instructions.
Replace worn or damaged labels immediately.
Symbol Denition
A
Ratings Label: Duty cycle, IP rating, General injury
warning, Read the users’manual, Stretcher load
capacity
BManual override release handle (Non-powered
lower/raise legs)
CControl buttons
DDirectional wheel locks
EMinimum and maximum load height indicator
FBackrest adjusting
GLeg positioning platform adjusting
HKnee gatch adjusting
1.6 Compliance
When properly installed and used with appropriate Ferno products, the stretcher meets or exceeds the following specications and standards
listed below. Standards and specications are updated periodically. Current standards are available from these organizations.
STANDARDS MET
● IP66: Ingress Protection rating. Tested in compliance with dust and water inltration standards
● IEC 60601-1-2: Temperature and vibration testing
● EN 1789 and EN 1865: Vehicle, fastening system, and crash-test standards
52058 revA
52060
52063
A
B
C
D E
FGH

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
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VIPER
2  OPERATOR FOCUS
2.1 Operator Training
Operator using the stretcher:
● Must read and understand this manual
● Must have training on proper use of the stretcher (and loading
system)
● Must have a training on emergency-medical service and
emergency patient-handling procedures
● Must have the physical ability to assist the patient
● Must practice with the stretcher before using it with a patient
● Must keep training records. For a sample training record sheet,
see “Training Record”on page 38
2.2 Daily Operator Duties
It is good practice for operators to check equipment at the start of
each work shift. To check the stretcher and loading system prior to
use, follow the procedures described in this manual:
● Unload the stretcher from the ambulance. Visually inspect the
stretcher for readiness
● Conduct the Daily Electrical Inspection and also check the
function of the manual override release handle. See “Inspecting
the Stretcher” on page 30.
● Rotate the stretcher in a circle to verify it rolls easily.
● Load the stretcher into ambulance and secure it in the VIPER
Loading System.
● Verify the stretcher is being charged by the integrated charging
system. Refer to the VIPER Loading System users’ manual.
2.3 Terms
The following terms are used in this manual.
● CONTROL END (Foot End): The end of the stretcher with the
operator controls.
● EXTEND (Legs): Movement of the patient surface away from the
transport wheels. Extend the legs to increase the overall height
of the stretcher.
● HELPER: A trained helper works under the direction of the
trained operators. Trained operators direct helpers where to
stand and how to hold the stretcher.
● INTEGRATED CHARGING SYSTEM (ICS): The ICS charges the
battery each time the stretcher is secured in the VIPER Loading
System. (Power to the ICS from the ambulance must be ON).
● LIFT-ASSIST: Under extreme loads, the operators may need to
provide lift-assistance. Use additional trained helpers if needed.
See “Using Additional Help” on page 7.
● LOAD: The overall weight placed on, or attached to, the stretcher
(patient plus equipment).
WARNING
Untrained helpers can cause injury or be injured. Trained
operators must operate the controls and direct helpers
where to hold the VIPER to avoid pinch points.
● LOAD CAPACITY: The amount of weight the stretcher is
designed to hold, including patient and accessories such as IV
poles, debrillators, bags, etc.
● LOADING END (Head End): The end of the stretcher with the
backrest and telescopic frame.
● LOADING HEIGHT: The level at which the stretcher will roll into
and load onto the VIPER Loading System. Extend the stretcher to
the loading height when loading it into an ambulance or unload
it from an ambulance. Users can program a loading height for a
designated ambulance. See“Set the Loading Height”on page 34.
● RETRACT (Legs): Movement of the patient surface closer to the
transport wheels. Retract the legs to reduce the overall height of
the stretcher.

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 7
VIPER
2.4 Operator Height and Strength
The stretcher is designed to minimize the need for lifting. Whenever
possible, use the powered hydraulic system.
A non-powered operation, may require the operators to lift a portion
of the load. Use additional trained help as needed.
● Ambulance: When not using power, both operators must lift
and hold the weight of the stretcher, patient, and equipment
until the stretcher is held by loading system during the process
to enter the ambulance with no power.
● Rolling: Operators/helpers must keep both hands on the main
frame, support and balance the load, and maintain control of the
stretcher at all times. Use caution on rough or uneven terrain.
2.5 Using additional help when available
Operating the stretcher requires a minimum of two trained
operators. They may need additional trained helpers when working
with heavy loads (patient plus equipment), or when operating the
stretcher manually.
● Two trained operators stand at the loading end and control end
of the stretcher, maintain control of the stretcher, operate the
controls, and direct helpers on where to stand and how to hold
the stretcher.
● Side helpers may need to walk sideways under some
circumstances. Follow local protocols.
● Ferno recommends helpers work in pairs to help maintain
stretcher balance from side to side
NOTICE
If the ambulance is parked on an uneven surface, the
operators (and any helpers) may need to raise or lower the
legs from the user-set loading height to allow the stretcher to
be loaded into and out of the loading system.
Refer to the chart for suggested placement for operators and helpers.
● Supporting Weight: Supporting the weight of the stretcher,
patient and equipment requires greater strength from short
operators than from tall operators, because short operators must
raise their arms higher relative to their shoulders.
● Manual Override: When using Manual Override to move the
stretcher legs, an assistant operator must retract or extend the
stretcher legs. See“Manual Override”on page 26.
WARNING
Untrained helpers can cause injury or be injured. Trained
operators must operate the controls and direct helpers
where to hold the stretcher to avoid pinch points.
Load Capacity
Inspect the VIPER if the load capacity
has been exceeded. See “Inspecting the
Stretcher” on page 30.
705 lb
320 kg
50 st
Helpers Changing Levels Rolling Loading/Unloading
2
Operators
+
2
Helpers
2
Operators
+
4
Helpers
Key: O = Operator H = Helper P = Patient
O
O
Using Additional Help when Available

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
8
VIPER
3  ABOUT THE STRETCHER
3.1 Description
The Ferno® VIPER Stretcher is an emergency patient-handling device
designed to transport a patient in a ground-based ambulance.
The stretcher is for professional use by a minimum of two trained
operators and is designed for use with VIPER Loading System only.
The hydraulic power-lift system helps reduce the risk of back injury
to medical service personnel by raising and lowering the stretcher,
reducing the amount of lifting and bending for the operators. A
manual override system is available for non-powered operation to
allow the stretcher to be loaded and unloaded without power, by
overriding the actuators and moving the legs manually.
3.2 Compatible Products
The stretcher is compatible only with manufacturer-approved
restraint systems and VIPER Loading System. Contact your Ferno
representative for the most recent cross-compatible stretcher,
stretcher fastener and patient restraint system information.
WARNING
Improper use of the stretcher can cause injury. Use the
stretcher only for the purpose described in this manual.
FEATURES
● Hydraulic actuator
● Integrated battery with battery management system
● Manual override for non-powered operation
● Height-control buttons
● Patient surface height range 380 mm-1330 mm (15”-52.3”)
● Programmable loading height up to max 950 mm (37.4”)
● Telescopic frame, shortening from 2000 mm to 1600 mm
● Lift bar and rubberized hold surfaces
● Battery status lights integrated into control panel
● Adjustable pneumatic backrest and leg positioning platform
● 150 mm swivel transport wheels
● Wheel locks (at foot-end)
● Directional wheel locks at head-end, operated at foot-end
● Patient harness and 2 leg straps
● Loading-end scuff guards
● Bolster mattress
CONFIGURATIONS
● Accessories. Your stretcher may be shipped with accessories
per your order, such as 3-stage telescoping IV pole, PacRac
equipment platform, and stretcher side Medical rail. These
items are also available separately. Please refer to user manual
supplied with these accessories for operating procedures.

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 9
VIPER
3.3 General Specications
Dimensions Metric Imperial
A) Wheels 150 x 50 mm 6” x 2”
B) Length (Minimum-Maximum) 1600 mm - 2000 mm 64” - 79”
C) Width of stretcher / with SX cotsides extended horizontal 600 mm / 950 mm 24” / 37.4”
D) Width (Patient Surface) 460 mm 18”
E) Height 1(Minimum-Maximum) 380 mm - 1330 mm 15” - 52”
F) Backrest Adjustment 0° - 90°
G) Leg Positioning Platform Adjustment 0° - 30°
Loading Height (User-Programmable) Max 950 mm 37.4”
Load Capacity (Unassisted) 320 kg / 50 stone 705 lbs
Stretcher Weight 275 kg 165 lbs
including SX cotsides, knee contour, mattress and harness 82 kg 181 kg
Max angle of incline (stretcher angle versus loading arm) when loading -5° to + 7°
Max angle of lateral incline (side-angle) when loading 7°
Power System
Charger Operating Range -30°C to 70°C / -22°F to 158°F
Charger Output 48V, 3.34 A
Battery Operating Range 0°C to 65 °C / °32F to 149°F
Battery Output 37 VDC, 5Ah
Recommended Max Operating Duty Cycle <24 sec ON; >120 sec OFF
Charging Time 4Constant charging when in
vehicle
Charging Time when fully depleted Approx. 4.5 hrs
Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2.0A
Soft Goods
Mattress 1884 x 458 mm / 74.17” x 18.03”
Construction
Frame, Legs, Bed Surface Aluminum
Wheels Stainless steel bearings
General specications are rounded. Metric conversions are calculated before rounding.
Ferno reserves the right to change specications without notice.
1Stretcher height is distance from the ground to the patient surface at the seat panel.
2Weight includes battery but without SX cotsides, leg knee contour, mattress, patient
restraints, or any optional features.
4Integrated charging system maintains the battery charge when the stretcher is secured
in the VIPER Loading System. Stretcher goes into sleep mode after 10 minutes to preserve
battery charge when stretcher not being used and awoken by pressing the up or down
button. Sleep time interval congurable in Service App.
B
F
G
A
E
C
D

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
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VIPER
4  FEATURES AND OPTIONS
Control End
HEIGHT CONTROL BUTTONS
RELEASE BUTTON
DIRECTIONAL WHEEL LOCK
WHEEL BRAKE LOCK 2
MATTRESS
MANUAL OVERRIDE HANDLE
INDICATOR LIGHTS
LEG PLATFORM
p.14
p.17
p.26
p.13
p.12
p.12
p.19
p.19

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 11
VIPER
Loading End
SX SIDEARM 2
BACKREST
TELESCOPIC FRAME
p.16
p.16
p.15

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VIPER
4.1 Control End
The stretcher has height-control push buttons and a manual over-
ride handle for non-powered operation.
NOTE: The stretcher is ready for use whenever the battery is charged,
and automatically goes into Sleep Mode when not in use to preserve
the battery. Pressing either up and down button will bring the
stretcher out of sleep mode.
STRETCHER HEIGHTCONTROL / LEGCONTROL
BUTTONS
Stretcher height-control / leg-control buttons are located on the
foot-end of the stretcher (Figure 1).
The arrow above the horizontal line on the button denotes the
movement of the trolley (up or down) when out of the vehicle and
the button is pressed.
The arrow below the horizontal line on the button denotes the
movement of legs (raise or lower) when loaded onto into the
loading arm, prior to loading/unloading in and out of the vehicle.
EXTEND: Extends the legs (raise the stretcher when on the
ground / lower the legs when stretcher is on the loading arm)
RETRACT: Retracts the legs (lower the stretcher when on the
ground / raise the legs when the stretcher is on the loading arm)
The buttons can also be used to set the load height of the stretcher.
Hold both height-control buttons (A) together for 5 seconds to
set the automatic loading height stop position for a designated
ambulance. See “Set the Loading Height” on page 34.
RELEASE BUTTON B
This button unlocks the stretcher from VIPER Loading System.
This function operates only when unloading the stretcher from
ambulance.
MANUAL OVERRIDE RELEASE HANDLE C
This handle overrides the stretcher’s powered actuator system
allowing operators to be able to raise or lower the stretcher
manually and load/unload the stretcher into/out of the vehicle if
for whatever reason the stretcher battery is depleted and unable
to recharge the battery. To use the manual override system, see
“Manual Override” section on page 26. Use additional trained
helpers as needed. See “Using Additional Help” on page 7.
NOTICE
Pressing extend or retract button while the stretcher is locked
in a VIPER Loading System can damage the stretcher and
fastening system. Do not press buttons while the stretcher is
in ambulance.
1
2
A
B
C

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 13
VIPER
VIPER STRETCHER BATTERY E
The integrated 37 V battery is a rechargeable battery with capacity
of 5000 mAh and a battery management system (BMS) to extend
its life.
When secured in the VIPER Loading System with a powered
integrated charging system, the stretcher hydraulic system is
disabled, ensuring it cannot be moved up or down when loaded.
Battery Features:
● Press any height control button to display the approximate
battery charge (1 to 5 bars)
● (D) Charging indicator lights (5): When the control height
button is pressed, the number of lights illuminated indicates
approximate battery charge. Lights flash green when the
battery is charging in the vehicle on the loading system or
when charging with the supplied external mains battery
charger when outside the vehicle.
● (E) Temperature icon: A blue flashing symbol indicates a
low battery temperature. A red flashing symbol indicates a
high temperature of one of the electronic components. If the
problem persists, inspect the stretcher.
● Sleep Mode: After a period of inactivity, the stretcher will
enter Sleep Mode to conserve battery power. Press any height-
control button on the transporter to wake the transporter
from Sleep Mode.
● Charging: The integrated charging system (ICS) uses power
from the ambulance electrical system to automatically
charge the battery while the stretcher is secured in a VIPER
Loading System. Alternatively, it is possible to charge the
stretcher outside of the vehicle using the supplied external
mains charger which connects to the connector under the
backrest (Figure 4). The recommended ambient temperature
for charging the battery is 0°C - 25°C. Charge the battery in a
stable temperature environment.
● Balancing: During balancing the voltages on the individual
cells of the battery are equalized. This process starts when
the battery has been fully charged and may take several tens
of minutes. Battery Balancing is indicated by flashing all five
indicator lights.
WARNING
Improper charging can cause injury and damage. Charge
the battery only with an approved adapter and Ferno
charger or integrated charging system (ICS).
Modifying the battery can cause injury and damage. Use
the battery only as designed by Ferno.
Use only the original charging adapter. Using a non-
original adapter may cause damage to the product.
Do not connect the charging adapter when the stretcher
is in use or with patient on it.There is a risk of injury to the
operator and patient.
When connected to an external AC voltage network, the
stretcher meets the requirements of protection class I.
To avoid the risk of electric shock, the stretcher must be
connected to a power network with protective earthing.
When the battery capacity drops below 20%, start
charging as soon as possible. There is a risk of the
electronic system shutting down when battery charge
drops below 20%
Fully charge and balance the battery at least once every
2-4 weeks, depending on how often you use the stretcher.
There is a risk of battery failure if this is not followed.
Improper maintenance can cause injury and damage.
Maintain the stretcher and battery only as described in
this manual.
3
4
NOTICE
Fully charge the battery immediately upon receipt of the
stretcher and before using the stretcher. Shipping regulations
require the battery to be shipped with a maximum 30%
charge. Failure to charge the battery in a timely manner can
damage the battery.
To charge a battery inside an vehicle, use a VIPER Loading
System with integrated charging system.
Charge Ferno batteries only with a compatible Ferno charger.
NOTICE
A fully charged new battery allows approximately 50 lifts
cycles with a load of 100 kg. This value is indicative only.
As the battery ages and the number of charge cycles increases,
the number of lifts per fully charged battery decreases. This is
a natural process.
D
E

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
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VIPER
4.2 Patient Surface
The Viper bolster mattress is designed for maximum patient comfort
and safety. It is designed to remain in place during patient transfer on
or o of the stretcher and is easy to remove for cleaning.
The telescopic frame at head-end shortens the stretcher frame when
space is limited.
Adjustable leg positioning platform and ratcheting SX surface
extender sidearms are included as standard.
LEG POSITIONING PLATFORM
The leg positioning platform elevates the patient’s feet or knees
for patient comfort or for various medical requirements. Follow
local protocols when deciding which position to use.
A pressurised gas spring aids raising and lowering of the leg
platform. With a heavy patient, support the leg platform while
making any adjustments. With a lighter patient, control the
upward movement of the leg positioning platform so it does not
move too quickly.
Leg positioning platform (F) with Knee-Gatch (Knee contour
bend) (I):
1. Hold the frame with hand. Support the weight of the patient
on the leg positioning platform.
2. Squeeze leg elevation or knee-bend control handle (G, H)
toward the frame to unlock the gas spring, then raise or lower
the leg platform (Figure 5) or knee-bend (Figure 6) accordingly
to the desired position.
3. Release the control handle to lock the gas spring.
5
6
NOTICE
Leg positioning platform is designed to carry the weight of
patient’s legs. Patient must not sit on this part of the stretcher
(especially when elevated) to avoid damage of gas spring and
subsequent potential injury.
F
I
G
H

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1 15
VIPER
BACKREST J
The backrest (J) adjusts between 0°-90° to elevate the patient’s
torso for comfort or for medical requirements. Follow local
protocols when deciding to change positions, and always operate
the backrest from behind the backrest at the loading end of the
stretcher, ensuring to hold the backrest at all times.
The backrest incorporates a gas spring to aid raising and lowering.
With a heavy patient, always support the backrest whilst making
any adjustments. With a lighter patient, ensure to control the
upward movement of the backrest to avoid it moving too quickly.
1. Unfasten or loosen the restraints before changing positions.
2. Working from the loading end of the stretcher positioned
behind the backrest, hold the backrest frame (J) with both
hands. Support the weight of the patient and any equipment
on the backrest.
3. Squeeze the control handle toward the backrest frame to
unlock the backrest (Figure 7), then raise or lower the backrest
to the desired position.
4. Release the control handle to lock the backrest.
5. Fasten and adjust the restraints after changing positions.
WARNING
Pushing the stretcher by the backrest may cause it to tip
and injure the patient and/or operators. Roll the stretcher
only by holding the main frame or telescopic frame.
7
NOTICE
Backrest is designed to carry the weight of patient’s torso.
Patient must not sit on this part (especially when elevated) to
avoid damage of gas spring.
J

© Ferno / May 2023, Rev 1
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VIPER
SX SURFACE XTENDER COTSIDES K
The SX surface extender cotsides provide added patient security
and comfort, and increases the width of the patient surface allowing
exibility for large patients. SX cotsides also provides a location to
place a patient’s arm to start an IV etc. Each side locks individually.
There are ve locking positions and an unlocked, ‘down’ position.
(Figure 8).
The SX cotsides has a safety feature which prevents the release
mechanism from being overloaded. If the release handle is operated
while there is weight on the cotside, the lock will not release. Lift up
on the SX cotside to support the weight and release the lock before
lowering.
To raise the SX cotside: Rotate the SX up to the desired position.
There is no need to use the lock release.
To lower the SX cotside: Lift the SX slightly and move away fro you
to `take the weight o the locking mechanism, then squeeze the red
lock release (Figure 8) and lower the cotside to the desired position.
TELESCOPING FRAME
Use the telescoping frame (Figure 9) to shorten the stretcher and
improve maneuverability in tight spaces (Figure 10). There are two
locked positions: fully extended and retracted (retracts the frame to
shorten the stretcher to its minimum length when used with a raised
backrest).
● Use only a locked position when lifting the stretcher.
● The telescoping frame must be locked in the fully extended
position before loading the stretcher into an ambulance or
unloading the stretcher from an ambulance
Using the telescopic frame:
1. Loosen or unbuckle the waist strap if needed.
2. Raise the backrest.
3. Adjust and fasten the pelvis strap.
4. Hold and squeeze the telescoping frame release handle
(Figure 9) towards the cross-bar and begin pushing or pulling
the frame, then release the handle. Continue pushing or
pulling the frame until it locks at the new position (fully in
or out).
8
9
10
WARNING
Loading the stretcher to ambulance with telescoping
frame retracted can cause injury and damage. Make sure
the telescoping frame is always fully extended and locked
before loading.
K

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VIPER
MATTRESS L
The mattress is designed to provide patient security and comfort.
The VELCRO® pads on the mattress bottom (M) attach to the patient
surface (Figure 11). The head section includes restraint slots to allow
the restraints to be routed over the patient’s shoulders.
• To Attach: Lower the backrest and/or leg positioning platform.
Place the mattress on VELCRO® pads (Figure 12).
• To Remove: Disconnect the VELCRO® pads with both hands and
remove the mattress.
12
11
L
M
M
MM

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VIPER
4.3 Stretcher Monobloc Frame
The Viper stretcher is raised and lowered using a hydraulic system,
used also to extend and retract the legs when loading and unloading
on the Viper Loading System (VLS). The stretcher has a 320 kg (705 lb)
load capacity, the VLS rated at 400 kg. The rigid design of the stretcher
frame provides advanced stability during rolling.
The fastening-system posts allow the stretcher to be secured safely in
VIPER Loading System. The stretcher includes foot-end wheel brakes
and head-end directional wheel locks that are actuated at the foot-
end.
INTEGRATED CHARGING SYSTEM
The Integrated Charging System (ICS) uses power from the
ambulance electrical system to automatically charge the battery
while the stretcher is secured in a VIPER Loading System, using a
12v input.
BUTTON LOCKOUT
Button function is locked out to prevent accidental use when the
stretcher is being charged.
NOTICE
Pressing or while the stretcher is locked in a fastening
system can damage the stretcher and fastening system.
Do not press buttons while the stretcher is in the fastening
system.
13
WARNING
Do not connect the connectors to a voltage higher than
15 V. There is a risk of serious injury to the patient and
damage to the product.

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VIPER
WHEEL BRAKES N
The foot-end wheel brakes help keep the stretcher from moving
during patient transfer and certain medical procedures. Wheel
brakes are on the foot-end (control-end) transport wheels (Figure
14). To engage the lock, press the lever down. To unlock, press the
top of the lever (or lift the lever from below)
DIRECTIONAL WHEEL LOCKS O
• Directional wheel locks (Figure 15), (O) allow the operators to
lock the direction of both head-end (loading-end) transport
wheels in line with the length of the stretcher.
• To lock, press the top of lock lever located at the foot-end of the
stretcher. The directional wheels will lock automatically when
they align with the length of the stretcher when start to move
the stretcher. To unlock, press the opposite end of the lever to
disengage and allow 360° swivelling of the head-end wheels.
NOTICE
Wheel brakes are not a substitute for operator control. The
operators must remain with the stretcher and keep control of
it at all times. Never leave the patient unattended.
Verify that directional wheel lock lever is in locked position
before you push the stretcher inside the ambulance to avoid
the risk of the wheels colliding during unloading.
Wheel locks are not brakes. Do not use wheel locks to slow a
moving stretcher.
14
15
N
O

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VIPER
5  USING THE STRETCHER
5.1 Before Placing the Stretcher in
Service
• Before use, personnel who will work with the stretcher must read
and understand this manual. Appropriate skills and training are
required. See “Operator Skills and Training”on page 6.
• Prepare the stretcher for use, including setting the loading
height for the designated ambulance. Refer to“Initial Setup”and
“Set the Loading Height” on page 34.
• Conrm the stretcher operates properly. See “Inspecting the
Stretcher” on page 30.
• The ambulance must have a VIPER Loading System installed.
5.2 General Guidelines for Use
• Medical advice is beyond the parameters of this manual.
• It is the operators’ responsibility to ensure safe practices for
the patient and themselves.
• Talk to the patient. Communicate before making changes to
the stretcher height, and during the loading and unloading
procedures.
• A minimum of two trained operators is required.
• Follow standard emergency patient-handling procedures
when operating the stretcher.
• Operators work together and maintain control of the
stretcher at all times.
• Operators must communicate with one another and use
coordinated movements to operate the stretcher.
• Operators must stay with the patient at all times.
• Always use patient restraints to secure the patient on the
stretcher.
• Use additional trained helpers when working with heavy
loads (patient and equipment). See “Using Additional Help”
on page 7.
• Use only VIPER Loading System for loading/unloading
and fastening the stretcher in the ambulance. Read the
VIPER Loading System users’ manual for instructions on using
the loading and fastening system.
• Sleep Mode: After a period of inactivity (default setting 10
minutes which can be changed using the Service App), the
stretcher will enter Sleep Mode to conserve battery power.
Press any button to wake the stretcher from Sleep Mode.
• The operating temperature range is 0 °C to +65 °C. The stretcher
can be used for a short time (maximum 30 minutes) even in very
low temperatures down to -30 °C. The system is equipped with a
thermal fuse that protects important product components from
damage due to low or high temperatures.
WARNING
Improper operation can cause injury. Operate the
stretcher only as described in this manual.
An unattended patient can be injured. Stay with the
patient at all times.
Avoid long-term exposure to low or high temperatures.
There is a risk of damage to the product.
An unrestrained patient can be injured. Use patient
restraints to secure the patient on the stretcher.
Load Capacity
Inspect the VIPER if the load capacity
has been exceeded. See “Inspecting the
Stretcher” on page 30.
705 lb
320 kg
50 st