6: Lifting and Moving Patients

Cognitive Objectives (1 of 4) 1-6.1 Define body mechanics. 1-6.2 Discuss the guidelines and safety precautions that need to be followed when lifting a patient. 1-6.3 Describe the safe lifting of cots and stretchers. 1-6.4 Describe the guidelines and safety precautions for carrying patients and/or equipment.

Cognitive Objectives (2 of 4) 1-6.5 Discuss one-handed carrying techniques. 1-6.6 Describe correct and safe carrying procedures on stairs. 1-6.7 State the guidelines for reaching and their application. 1-6.8 Describe correct reaching for log rolls.

Cognitive Objectives (3 of 4) 1-6.9 State the guidelines for pushing and pulling. 1-6.10 Discuss the general considerations of moving patients. 1-6.11 State three situations that may require the use of an emergency move.

Cognitive Objectives (4 of 4) 1-6.12 Identify the following patient-carrying devices: Wheeled ambulance stretcher Portable ambulance stretcher Stair chair Scoop stretcher Long spine board Basket stretcher Flexible stretcher

Affective Objectives 1-6.13 Explain the rationale for properly lifting and moving patients.

Psychomotor Objectives (1 of 2) 1-6.14 Working with a partner, prepare each of the following devices for use, transfer a patient to the device, properly position the patient on the device, move the device to the ambulance, and load the patient into the ambulance: Wheeled ambulance stretcher Portable ambulance stretcher Stair chair Scoop stretcher Long spine board Basket stretcher Flexible stretcher

Psychomotor Objectives (2 of 2) 1-6.15 Working with a partner, the EMT-B will demonstrate techniques for the transfer of a patient from an ambulance stretcher to a hospital stretcher.

Moving and Positioning the Patient Take care to avoid injury whenever a patient is moved. Practice using equipment. Know that certain patient conditions call for special techniques.

Body Mechanics Shoulder girdle should be aligned over the pelvis. Lifting should be done with legs. Weight should be kept close to the body. Grasp should be made with palms up.

Proper Lifting

Performing the Power Lift (1 of 3) Tighten your back in normal upright position. Spread your legs apart about 5". Grasp with arms extended down side of body. Adjust your orientation and position. Reposition feet. Lift by straightening legs.

Performing the Power Lift (2 of 3) A power grip gets the maximum force from your hands Arms and hands face palm up. Hands should be at least 10" apart. Each hand goes under the handle with the palm facing up and the thumb extended upward.

Performing the Power Lift (3 of 3) Curl fingers and thumb tightly over the top of the handle. Never grasp a litter or backboard with the hands placed palms-down over the handle.

Weight and Distribution Patient will be heavier on head end. Patients on a backboard or stretcher should be diamond carried.

Diamond Carry Four EMT-Bs lift device while facing patient. EMT-B at foot end turns around to face forward. EMT-Bs at sides turn. Four EMT-Bs face same direction when walking.

One-Handed Carrying Face each other and use both hands. Lift the backboard to carrying height. Turn in the direction you will walk and switch to using one hand.