Stretcher Mechanics and Lifting Techniques Compiled on MS Power point Images compiled on adobe photo shop

Our Mission Our mission is to inform the EMS professionals and students on how to use a stretcher, and how to work with their bodies in efficient and healthy ways. This may also help others change the way they practice.

The Stretcher Part 1

Disclaimer The information and recommendations contained on this web-site have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable. The students and Inver Hills Community College make no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency, lack of copy-written materials or completeness of such information or recommendations. No animals or Andrews were hurt in the making of this project.

Our Office Inver Hills Community College EMS Education training ambulance.

The Stretcher This is a Ferno stretcher, model 35-A Mobile Transporter. This is the foot, and this is the head. Head Foot

The Main Lever This lever must be used to raise and lower the stretcher. It is located at the foot of the cot.

Side Lever Side lever is used to raise and lower the stretcher. Chad says, “Works great with one person!”

Side Rail Pull the pin to raise and lower the side-rail. Make sure that the side-rail is down when putting the patient onto the cot.

Head Lever Squeeze this lever to raise and lower the head of the stretcher. Chad says, “Make sure to use two hands when lowering the patient’s head.”

Shock Position Feet up mechanism, press the release tab on the patients’ right.

Confined Space Release To shorten the length of the cot, pull back on the slide locks to lower the front portion.

The Safety Latch Prevents the stretcher from rolling out of the ambulance by accident.

Unloading Unloading the stretcher. When unloading the stretcher with a patient make sure a person is there to grab the under-carriage, ensuring that it is fully extended and locked.

Loading Loading position. Chad says, “Make sure that two people are present, one to lift the under-carriage and one to pull the lever and push.”

The Stretcher-Traveling This is the position that the stretcher should be in when you are transporting the patient to and from the ambulance.

Lowest Position This is the stretcher in its lowest position.

Head Up Position This is the cot in the head up position. This is key in helping patients with respiratory distress. Also a position of comfort for patients suffering from many ailments.

Confined Space Confined space function. Works great in elevators

Body Mechanics Part 2

Bad Lifting Technique This will put severe strain on all the regions of your back.

Watch your positioning...

Don’t fall!

Good Lifting Proper body mechanics Feet shoulder-width apart Head up Back straight Eye contact with partner Chad says, “Remember to lift with your legs!”

Lifting Using proper lifting technique from the loading position. Chad says, “Communication is key!”

Loading Your Patient This position is used for sitting the patient onto the stretcher. The patient may or may not need assistance.

Traveling Across Terrain

Poor Pushing

Don’t let go! Can you point out all of the incident reports?

Proper Pushing Proper body mechanics equals no sore backs.

Pushing Downhill Chad says, “Word up.”

Loading with two people...

Lifting the carriage...

Lifting carriage cont..

The stabilizing horns...

Stretcher Lock This secures the stretcher while in the ambulance.

Patient care while enroute the spacious area in the ambulance.

The Authors Top Row: Deidre Jones Nick Hommez Bottom row: Andrew Hulting Chad Seiger

Dave scolding us for poor lifting Our instructor He taught us failure in the class room was the biggest success, where else can you learn to do it right?

The End This was made to inform and teach those who wish to learn about basic stretcher and body mechanics. It’s a learning tool and reference, so please feel free to make any comments and/or suggestions to the site manager. Chad says, “Learning is good.”