Infant Incubators
An Infant Incubator is used for the transport of newborn infants and provides an insulated and warm environment with increased oxygen levels.
The RFDS in Western Australia has used the Australian designed "Thermocot" or "Atom" infant incubator for decades. They have proved simple to operate and robust and reliable in practice.
The incubator can be operated on 28V DC aircraft power, 12V DC ambulance or road vehicle power as well as from 240V AC mains power. A thermostat monitors the cots temperature and adjusts the inbuilt heater to maintain a suitable temperature for the baby. There are internal alarms for the cot heating and fan systems.
External oxygen can be connected to provide higher concentrations of oxygen for babies with respiratory difficulties.
Additional monitors are usually connected to the infant to measure vital signs. (The term "humidicrib" is no longer used.)
Approximate cost: A$ 20,000