LIFTING AND MOVING PATIENTS

Emergency rescue A procedure of rapid moving a patient from unsafe to safer place.

Indication for emergency rescue Danger of: –Fire –Explosion –Toxic gases –Serious traffic hazards –Risk of drowning –Danger of electrocution –Collapsing wall

transfer Consideration: –Nature and severity of injury –Size of patient –Physical capabilities of the responder –Number of personnel and equipment available –Distance –Sex

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 its normal upright position. Spread your legs apart about 15". Grasp with arms extended down the side of the 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 One rescuer at head end One rescuer at foot end One rescuer on each side of the patient’s torso

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.

Carrying Backboard or Cot on Stairs Strap patient securely to the backboard. Carry patient down stairs foot end first, head end elevated. Carry patient up stairs head end first.

General Considerations Plan the move. Look for options that cause the least strain.

Wheeled Ambulance Stretcher or Cot

Patient-Moving Equipment (3 of 3) Scoop stretcher Stair chair

Backboard

Directions and Commands Anticipate and understand every move. Moves must be coordinated. Orders should be given in two parts.

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.

Methods of transfer One rescuer technique –Assist to walk –Pack strap carry –Piggy back carry –Fireman’s carry –Lovers carry Drag technique –Fireman’s drag –Blanket drag

Methods of transfer Two rescuers assist/carries –Assist to walk –Four / three hand seat –Hand as a litter –Carry by extremities –Chair as a litter Three/four/six rescuer technique –Bearer alongside –Hammock carry –Blanket carry –Improvised stretcher