An apparatus for moving a patient from a reclining position to an upright sitting position, and methods of using same, are described. The apparatus includes an articulating patient support platform with first, second and third panels. The first panel includes opposite first and second ends and the second panel is movably attached to the first panel first end and is upwardly pivotable from a substantially co-planar relationship with the first panel to a substantially orthogonal relationship with the first panel. The third panel is secured to the second panel in spaced-apart, substantially co-planar relationship therewith. A patient is positioned on the patient support platform with the patient's upper body supported by the first and second panels and the patient's legs supported by the third panel. The second panel is caused to pivot upwardly, thereby moving the patient to a generally upright sitting position.