A clamping mechanism is provided far attaching an instrument to a litter pole. The mechanism includes a platform, a base, first and second clamps, a quick-release pin and first and second thumb screws. The platform attaches the instrument and includes an elongated plate terminating in serifs at both ends. The base disposes the platform and includes a floor bounded by corner posts that extend above the floor, a block that extends below the floor, and a flange. The flange extends below the floor opposite the block, and the flange includes a first hinge. The clamp pivots on the base between the black and the flange. The clamp includes a second hinge that engages the first hinge, a curve member that connects to the second hinge for receiving the pole, and a tang that connects to the curve member. The spacer includes a convex surface to engage a joint on the pole and a flat surface opposite the convex surface to engage the block. The quick-release pin inserts through an adjacent pair of the corner posts disposed between the serifs. The first thumb-screw passes through the tang and into the block. The second thumb screw passes through the block and against the spacer to press towards the joint.
