Lifting and Moving Patients Created By:

Principles of Moving Patients

What is the role of the First Responder? Whenever possible, you should not move patient. Keeping your patient at rest is the best course of action.

When do you move a patient? Only if there is an immediate danger to patient or others if not moved In order to prevent further injury To assist other EMS responders to lift and move patient

Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques

Body Mechanics Proper use of your body to facilitate lifting and moving Lift with partner whose strength and height are similar to yours. Communicate with partner and patient throughout move.

Follow these rules to prevent injury: Position your feet properly. Use your legs not back to lift. Keep back straight and bend knees. Never twist or attempt to make any moves other than lift. When lifting with one hand, do not compensate. When carrying patient on stairs, use a stair chair.

Moving and Positioning Patients

Emergency moves There are times when an emergency move is necessary. There is immediate danger to patient if not moved. Lifesaving care cannot be given because of patient's location or position. You are unable to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care. Emergency moves provide little protection to patient. Greatest danger is possibility of making a spinal injury worse. Extreme care must be taken to move the body in one

Types of emergency moves One-rescuer drags One-rescuer moves Two-rescuer moves 1) Clothes drag 1) One-rescuer assist 1) Two-rescuer assist 2) Incline drag 2) Cradle carry 2) Firefighter's carry with assist 3) Shoulder drag 3) Pack strap carry 4) Foot drag 4) Firefighter's carry 5) Firefighter's drag 5) Piggy back carry 6) Blanket drag

Non-emergency moves

Used when there is no immediate threat to life: Patient should be conscious. Initial assessment should be completed. Pulse and breathing rates and character should be stable and within normal ranges. There should be no uncontrolled external bleeding or any indications of internal bleeding. There must be absolutely no signs of neck or spinal injury. All possible fractures and extremity injuries must be immobilized or splinted.

A non-emergency move could be justified when: Factors at scene cause patient decline You must reach other patients Care requires moving patient Patient insists on being moved

Types of non-emergency moves Direct ground lift Extremity lift

Patient Lifting and Moving video http://youtu.be/D_XN2Lq4QAY

Equipment Familiarity

Types of packaging and loading devices Wheeled ambulance stretcher Portable stretcher Stair chair Scoop (orthopedic) stretcher Spine boards Long Short Vest-type extrication device Basket stretcher Flexible stretcher

Cervical Spine Immobilization Collar Use correct type Use correct size Applying to a seated patient Applying to a supine patient