Lifting and Moving Patients CHAPTER 6 1

Body Mechanics Lifting 1

Body mechanics: The principles of effective movement used in lifting and moving patients. Use of proper body mechanics reduces the EMS provider’s chances of being injured. 1

Use your legs, NOT your back! 1

Proper Lifting Use a minimum of two people Call for additional help if necessary Use an even number of people to maintain balance Know the weight limitations of equipment If the lifting situation is unsafe, don’t move the patient Keep weight as close to body as possible 1

Improper Lifting -- Back Bent 1

Improper Lifting -- Torso Twisted 1

Proper Lifting Technique Squat lift (or power-lift). 1

Lifting a Stretcher Squat, bending at the knees. 11

Lifting a Stretcher continued Use the power grip. 11

Lifting a Stretcher continued Stand up while locking your back. 1

Carrying 1

Proper position for two persons carrying a stretcher. 10

One-handed technique with multiple rescuers. 10

Moving a patient with a stair chair. 1

Procedures on Stairs Carry patients head-first up stairs Carry patients feet-first down stairs Use a stair chair or sturdy kitchen chair Keep back in locked position Flex at hips, not waist Keep weight and arms as close to your body as possible 1

Take special care when moving patients up or down stairs. 1

Reaching 1

Proper Reaching Keep back straight while leaning over patient Lean from the hips Use shoulder muscles to help Avoid twisting while reaching Avoid hyper-extended position when reaching overhead 1

Log Roll 10

Log Roll continued 10

Log Roll continued 10

Log Roll continued 10

Pushing and Pulling 1

Whenever possible, PUSH rather than pull a patient into position. 1

Principles of Moving Patients Emergency Moves 1

Emergency Move Considerations Fire or danger of fire Explosives or hazardous materials Inability to protect patient from hazards Inability to access other patients requiring life-saving care Other situations that have the potential for causing injury Inability to provide life-saving care due to patient location or position 1

Always suspect a spinal injury when moving a trauma patient... ...especially if the mechanism suggests it! 1

Clothing Pull Technique 10

Blanket Drag Technique 10

Pulling the patient under the arms. 10

Patients must be moved rapidly in the event of a hazardous situation. 10

Urgent Moves 1

Urgent Move Considerations Unresponsive or incoherent patient Inadequate breathing Signs and symptoms of severe shock 1

Rapid Extrication Patient’s head is brought into a neutral in-line position. 10

Rapid Extrication continued C-collar is placed after manual stabilization established. 10

Rapid Extrication continued Patient’s legs are freed and then rotated onto backboard. 10

Rapid Extrication continued After rotation, patient is lowered onto the backboard. 10

Rapid Extrication continued Head is immobilized before moving the patient further. 10

Rapid Extrication continued Patient is slid in short increments until in position. 10

Nonurgent Moves 1

Direct Ground Lift 10

Direct Ground Lift continued 10

Direct Ground Lift continued 10

Extremity Lift 10

Extremity Lift continued 10

Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer (Direct Carry) 10

Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer continued (Direct Carry) 10

Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer continued (Direct Carry) 10

Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer (Draw Sheet Method) 10

Equipment Stretchers and Cots 1

Wheeled Stretcher 1

Portable Stretcher 10

Scoop Stretcher 10

Flexible Stretcher 10

C6-2 Basket Stretcher 1

Stair Chair 1

Long Backboard 10

Short Boards 10

Patient Positioning 1

Recovery Position 11

Patients with signs and symptoms of hypoperfusion should be placed in the shock position. 1

Shock Position 1

Left Lateral Recumbent Position 1

Pediatric Safety Seat 1

Pediatric Safety Seat continued 1

Body Mechanics Principles of Moving Patients Equipment SUMMARY 1