Thermal printing provides an advantageous route to producing aircraft placards able to withstand the rigorous conditions existing on aircraft exteriors. The method includes the steps of determining a battery reserve capacity within the patient monitoring unit and distributing power from the patient monitoring system to a defibrillator when the determined battery reserve capacity exceeds a threshold value. The liner links to the shade across the top of the shade and at the lift cords, with the tiers formed in the shade lifting the liner in tiers as well.