1. Presented by Lisa Storie, RN Turning Point Services, Inc.
Lifting and Transfers
Presented by
Lisa Storie, RN
Turning Point Services, Inc.

2. Introduction Lifting and transfers occur frequently in our business.
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Introduction
Lifting and transfers occur frequently in our business.
Knowing correct lifting and transfer techniques will protect both you and clients from injury.
Back strains are among the most common injuries in support care.
Using this slide show, you will learn the best methods for performing safe and secure lifts and transfers.
How presentation will benefit audience: Adult learners are more interested in a subject if they know how or why it is important to them.
Presenter’s level of expertise in the subject: Briefly state your credentials in this area, or explain why participants should listen to you.

3. Training Outline Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Training Outline
Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques
Lesson 2: Transfer Techniques & Video Examples
Lesson 3: Preventing Back Injuries
Lesson descriptions should be brief.

4. Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques
Objectives
Learn proper lifting techniques.
Learn proper techniques for using gait belts.
Example objectives
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Save files to the team Web server.
Move files to different locations on the team Web server.
Share files on the team Web server.

5. Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 1: Content
Understanding and using proper lifting mechanics can help you maintain a healthy back for life.
24 bones called vertebrae separated by discs of gel-like material make up your spine.
Painful and disabling injuries can result from poor body mechanics when lifting.
To avoid muscle strains and back injuries, learn proper lifting and transfer techniques.

6. Rules for Basic Lifting - Objects
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Rules for Basic Lifting - Objects
Check it. Is it too heavy, bulky, or awkward for you to lift?
Plan it. Is the path is clear? Do you know where you will set the object down?
Sure it. Is footing stable with one foot close to the load and one foot slightly behind the other?
Straight it. Lower into a squat with your back straight. Do not bend at the waist.
Grip it. Use entire hand to grip it firmly
Lift it. Keep object close, back straight, and lift up straight with leg and back muscles.

7. 5 Reasons for Locking the Back
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
5 Reasons for Locking the Back
Locking the back straight and looking forward when lifting…
Prevents damage to discs. Discs between vertebrae are forced against the thinner back wall of the disc area when back is not locked and straight.
Maintains low disc pressure. Low disc pressure prevents damage to discs.
Protects back ligaments. Ligaments in low back are smaller and need the protection that comes from larger back muscles.
Allows back muscles to help lift. The largest and strongest muscles are in the back. Use them properly by keeping back straight and head up.
Follows successful lifting patterns. A locked back is used by Olympic weightlifters, why not you?

8. Example of Basic Lifting - Objects
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Example of Basic Lifting - Objects

9. 5 Hints for Lifting Objects
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
5 Hints for Lifting Objects
Use slow, smooth movements. Hurried or jerking movements will strain
Face the object. Twisting while lifting can cause muscle strains
Keep the object close to your body. Reaching to lift an object may hurt your back.
Allow back muscles to help lift. The largest and strongest muscles are in the back. Use them properly by keeping back straight and head up. Lift with your legs if you can straddle the object to be carried.
Try to carry the load between your shoulders and waist.

10. Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts
Gait belts help when moving someone during transfers or when assisting someone who is unsteady while walking.
Using a gait belt properly will prevent injuries to yourself and to the person you are helping.
Do not use a gait belt unless a licensed health provider has recommended one for transfers.

11. Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts
Wrap the gait belt over the clothes and around the waist of the person.
Tighten the gait belt, but leave enough space to slip your fingers under the belt.
Buckle the gait belt securely.
Grab the gait belt using the attached hand loops or by wrapping your hand around the belt.

12. Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt
Bend your knees and keep your back straight to help the person stand.
Hold the belt while the person moves to another place.
If the person starts to fall, pull her close and slowly lower her to the floor while holding the belt.
Use both hands on the belt to lower the person onto a chair, bed, etc.
Remove the belt when no longer needed for a transfer.

13. Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt

14. Basic Lifting Techniques: Wrap-up
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Basic Lifting Techniques: Wrap-up
Lifting objects and helping people stand or transfer from one place to another is often a part of this job.
Be honest about your ability to lift. Do not attempt to lift something heavier than you can safely lift.
Use a gait belt when recommended (check with your supervisor).
Keep your back straight and locked in place. Do not bend or jerk when lifting.

15. Lesson 2: Transfer Techniques
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer Techniques
Objectives
Learn the proper method for helping someone transfer from one location to another.
Observe videos of proper transfer techniques.

16. Lesson 2: Transfer techniques
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer techniques
Some jobs at TPS require the employee to transfer a client from one position to another.
Correct transfer techniques prevent injuries.
Transfers include (1) bed to chair or wheelchair, (2) wheelchair to toilet, (3) shower chair to wheelchair, (4) wheelchair to vehicle, and (5) recovery from falls.
We will review the transfer technique, then watch videos of each one.
Basic transfer techniques are used in many situations.

17. Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed Positioning
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed Positioning
Bed positioning is an important step in bed transfers.
The same techniques can be used to help position people on the floor.
Click on picture or the link below to watch how this is done:
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18. Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed to Wheelchair/Chair
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed to Wheelchair/Chair
Position wheelchair close to bed, angled toward person, lock both wheels.
Position client to sit at edge of bed.
Face person, place client knees between your legs.
Ask person to place hands on your shoulders.
Place hands behind person or at sides.
Keep your back locked and straight, lift up.
Shuffle slowly to turn the person.
Bend your knees to lower person into chair.
Click on the picture or link below to watch this lift: 5fc

19. Lesson 2: Transfer – Chair to chair
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer – Chair to chair
Let’s see some chair to chair transfers.
Watch the lifting techniques carefully.
You will see the same basic transfer techniques again.
Click on the picture at right or the link below.
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20. Lesson 2: Transfer - Toilet to Chair
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer - Toilet to Chair
Transfers in the bathroom are tricky.
Space is limited and falls are dangerous.
Watch the same basic transfer techniques being used in a bathroom.
Click the picture at right or the link below to watch toilet to chair transfers.
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21. Lesson 2: Transfer – Shower Chair to Chair
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer – Shower Chair to Chair
Shower chair to seat transfers are also tricky.
Click on picture at right or the link below:
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22. Lesson 2: Transfer - Wheelchair to Vehicle
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Transfer - Wheelchair to Vehicle
Vehicle transfers are important to help people move around the community.
Transfers to vehicles follow the same basic techniques with two additions.
First, move carefully to avoid head bangs on door openings
Second, be sure to use seatbelts
Click on the picture or link below to view the video:
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23. Lesson 2: Recovering from Falls During Transfers
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Recovering from Falls During Transfers
Even careful transfers can result in falls.
If someone begins to fall, hold them close to you and let them slide down your body and legs.
Positioning is very important for this recovery lift.
Click the picture or the link below to watch the technique:
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24. Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Wrap-up
Transfers are important to people who use wheelchairs.
Increased independence and mobility depend on the correct use of transfers.
Using correct transfer techniques, staff and clients remain safe.
Injuries are reduced when correct transfer techniques are used.
You can use similar transfer techniques in many situations.

25. Lesson 2: Wrap-up – Basic techniques for transfers
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 2: Wrap-up – Basic techniques for transfers
Position wheelchairs close to the person, lock both wheels.
Position client to sit at edge of bed, chair, seat.
Face person, place client knees between your legs.
Ask person to place hands on your shoulders.
Place your hands on the person’s back or at sides.
Keep your back locked and straight, lift up straight up.
Shuffle slowly to turn the person.
Bend your knees to lower person and finish the transfer.

26. Lesson 3: Preventing Back Injuries
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Preventing Back Injuries
Outcomes
Review risk factors for back injuries
Cover hints to keep your back healthy
Read tips to avoid back injuries
The role of exercise in back health

27. Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Risk Factors
Lifting improperly is the leading cause of back injuries.
Sitting for long periods causes back stress.
Smoking increases rates of back injuries.
Poor nutrition adds pounds and contributes to back injuries.
Stress affects general health.
Not exercising is a risk factor for back injury. Just 30 minutes of movement 3-4 times a week is helpful.

28. Lesson 3: Tips for a Healthy Back
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Tips for a Healthy Back
Don’t bend over to lift, squat and keep back straight.
Do not twist while lifting.
Push heavy objects; do not pull them.
Take breaks from long periods of sitting.
Wear shoes with flat or no heels at work.
Walking and swimming are great back exercises.
Standing for long times is stressful on the lower back.
Sleep on a firm mattress.

29. Lesson 3: Tips to Prevent Back Injuries
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Tips to Prevent Back Injuries
Warm up before lifting. Stretch legs and back.
If lifting often, take many small breaks.
Don’t lift anything too heavy for you.
Clear room around what you must lift.
Check the area of the lift and where you will move. Look around as you carry.
Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces while carrying.
Back belts do not prevent injuries, do not rely on them.
Get help for a heavy lift.

30. Lesson 3: Exercise and Back Health
Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Exercise and Back Health
Regular exercise is proven to prevent back injury and to relieve back pain.
Check with your doctor for back exercises if you have back pain.
Simple stretches before and after exercise are important.
Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, biking, or swimming reduce risk of back injuries.

31. Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Lesson 3: Wrap-up
A healthy life creates a health back. Good food, rest, and exercise will protect your back from injury.
Correct lifting techniques must be used with every lift.
Do not lift more than you can safely carry.
Sitting or standing for long times stress the lower back and increase injury risk.

32. Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014
Summary of Training
You have reviewed and observed proper methods for lifting objects.
You have seen the use of transfer techniques when helping people move from place to place.
You have learned the best ways to position people in bed (or on the floor) before a transfer.
You have seen the best way to recover from a fall during a transfer.
Now be sure to ask your supervisor about any special lifting instructions for your particular job.
Thanks for your participation. Lift safely!