What factors should you consider before lifting or moving patient?
patient weighing 250 or more needs 4 rescuers
distance moving patient to
Why is knowledge of body mechanics important when lifting + moving patient?
standing upright lifted or carried with hands
reflected in shoulder girdle, spinal column, pelvis, then legs.
BACK INJURIES occur when your back curved forward @ hips. weight supported by back muscles
RULE # 1 Always keep your back in a straight upright (vertical) position + lift without twisting.
Should you + your partner attempt to lift the patient and move hime back to his bed?
No this patient weighs 280 lbs. You need 4 rescuers to equally distribute this weight. Patient is unable to provide assistance you will be lifting dead weight.
What type of carrying device should you use for this patient?
SCOOP STRETCHER split into two sections, slide under patient on each side + reconnect. eliminates need to roll patient.
used for patients with hip fractures,brittle bones or moving patient up + down stairs.
stabilize + secure patient before moving.
What steps can you take to maximize safety while LIFTING patient?
keep your legs shoulder width apart.
keep you back in straight, locked in position.
keep weight as close to your body as possible.
bend at the knees, not at the waist, when lifting
avoid lifting + reaching at same time.
avoid twisting your body as you are lifting
lift with your palms facing up (power grip)
communicate with partner at all times
How is patient's weight distributed when she is on a carrying device?
important to know patient's weight to equally distribute it.
supine on backboard or scoop stretcher semi-sitting position weight is NOT equal
Horizontal 68% to 78% weight in torso so STRONGEST rescuer should be @ HEAD of device.
How will your team safely carry the patient DOWN STAIRS?
Use a stair chair if patient can sit up.
use a backboard or scoop stretcher foot end first.
two rescuers @ head + 2 rescuers @ feet
ensure patient's weight is equally distributed.
one rescuer @ base of stairs to guide + ensure safety.
efforts must be coordinated + communication to ensure safety
How can you minimize the risk of injury moving a patient on a WHEELED AMBULANCE STRETCHER?
make sure it is ELEVATED so you don't have to bend down, increases chance for back injury
stretcher is top heavy so hold it firmly
when guiding stretcher from FOOT END, arms are held close to your body.
do not reach keep elbows flexed + use arm muscles.
guiding stretch from HEAD END, push with your arms + bend your elbows so that hands are 12" to 15" in front of torso.
What happens if you do not have a proper hold?
You will not be able to share the weight
may lose grasp of one hand resulting in lower back injury
What must you do to carry a loaded backboard or stretcher up or down stairs?
patient is secured tightly to device to prevent sliding
How should you move a non-urgent patient?
methods that involve least lifting
When should you provide an urgent move?
extreme weather conditions
What are devices to lift + carry patients?
basket stretchers (Stokes litters)
basket stretcher or Stokes litter
used in water rescues
surrounds + supports patient
water drains through holes
rescuer @ head of stretcher
rescuer @ foot of stretcher
rescuers @ each side of stretcher face forward when walking
litter or backboard is gripped
insert each hand under the handle
palm facing up thumb extended
EMT back upright with legs bent
patient is lifting with when EMT straightens legs to raise the upper body + arms
rapid extrication technique
sitting position inside vehicle to supine on backboard for standard immobilization
scoop stretcher or orthopedic stretcher
split into 2 or 4 sections
fitted around patient who is lying on ground
lightweight folded up device that is used to carry conscious, seated patient up or down stairs
wheeled ambulance stretcher
can be rolled along ground.
collapsible undercarriage allows it to be loaded into ambulance
Describe how constant communication between team members can avoid rescuer injury.
Anticipate moves, coordinated manner.
follows direction + commands
What are three questions you should ask yourself before lifting a patient?
How much does the patient weigh?
Should I reach for that?
Should I lift using only one side?
What grip should I use?
Lifting Patient by Bed Sheet
center the patient on the sheet + tightly roll up excess fabric on each side.
Cylindrical handle that provides a strong way to grasp fabric.
What is a backboard used for?
transfer patients who must be moved in supine or immobilized position.