Device for handling a helicopter stretcher

A device for handling a helicopter stretcher comprising:

• a platform for supporting the stretcher,
• a bearing structure of said support platform,
• handling means to carry out a translation and rotation motion of said platform,
• said handling device being suitable to be installed in a helicopter cockpit for displacing said stretcher between a patient initial transportation position, in which the stretcher is arranged horizontally and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the helicopter on said support platform, and a patient loading and unloading position in which the stretcher is at least partially removed from the helicopter cockpit substantially transversely to said longitudinal axis,
• said handling means include a vertical displacement device of the stretcher in said loading and unloading position between a raised condition and a lowered condition keeping the stretcher substantially horizontal,
• a horizontal plate movably arranged on which is said support platform, said plate comprising a movable portion,
• said translation and rotation motions of the stretcher are obtained through engagement means of the support platform suitable to be slidably coupled with curved sliding guides provided for on said horizontal plate,
• said vertical displacement device comprises said movable portion, and
• said movable portion being designed to remain substantially parallel to the initial position during the vertical displacement.