Convertible stretcher

A patient support apparatus comprising:

• a base,
• an intermediate frame coupled to the base,
• a patient support deck coupled to the intermediate frame, and having an upwardly-facing patient support surface,
• at least one collapsible sideframe movably coupled to the intermediate frame adjacent to a first side thereof, the collapsible sideframe comprising a plurality of upright assemblies having top and bottom ends pivotally coupled to top and bottom rails respectively, each upright assembly having an upright portion and an upright extension portion, the upright assemblies being staggered in two rows which are offset with respect to each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the patient support deck so that the collapsible sideframe can be raised and lowered without interference between the adjoining upright assemblies, the pivotally-coupled upright assemblies being configured for movement between (i) a first raised position, where the top rail is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a first adult patient-restraining height, (ii) a second fully-raised position, where the top rail is generally disposed above the patient support surface at a second pediatric patient-restraining height greater than the first adult patient-restraining height, and (iii) a third out-of-the-way down position where the top rail is generally disposed below the patient support surface, and
• a sideframe locking mechanism coupled to the intermediate frame for selectively locking the sideframe in the first raised position and the second fully-raised position.