Protective system for a patient transport apparatus

A protective system for a patient transport apparatus, the protective system comprising:

• a patient transport apparatus including:
• a base arranged for movement along floor surfaces;
• an intermediate frame coupled to the base and supporting a patient support deck for supporting a patient;
• and
• a mattress disposed on the patient support deck;
• a keeper coupled to the intermediate frame;
• and
• a cover for protecting the patient transport apparatus, the cover having a first side configured to absorb fluid and a second side opposite the first side and configured to at least partially limit fluid from transferring through the cover towards the first side, the cover being movable by a caregiver between:
• a stowed position secured within the keeper;
• an environmental deployed position defined by the cover spanning at least a portion of the mattress with the first side facing towards the mattress and the second side facing away from the mattress to at least partially limit fluid from transferring through the cover towards the mattress and prevent absorption of the fluid by the first side of the cover;
• and
• a patient deployed position defined by the cover spanning at least a portion of the mattress with the first side facing away from the mattress and the second side facing towards the mattress for collecting fluid emitted by the patient.