Chapter 6: Lifting and Moving Patients

Vocabulary flashcards covering body mechanics, patient move categories, lifting techniques, and transport equipment from Chapter 6.

Body Mechanics

The safest and most efficient methods of using your body to gain a mechanical advantage.

Lordosis

An abnormal posture condition commonly referred to as swayback.

Kyphosis

An abnormal posture condition commonly referred to as a slouch.

Power Lift

A lifting technique where feet are placed shoulder-width apart and flat on the ground, the back remains locked, core muscles are tightened, and the upper body rises before the hips.

Power Grip

A gripping technique where the palms and fingers come in complete contact with the object being lifted and fingers are bent at the same angle.

Emergency Move

A category of patient move performed when there is an immediate environmental danger to the patient or rescuer, or when lifesaving care cannot be provided in the current location.

Urgent Move

A category of patient move performed when there is an immediate threat to life, requiring rapid movement while attempting to keep the head, neck, and back aligned.

Nonurgent Move

A category of patient move performed when there is no immediate threat to life, allowing rescuers time to choose the best equipment and movement method.

Armpit-Forearm Drag

An emergency move where the rescuer slides hands under the patient's armpits, grasps the forearms, and drags the patient along the long axis of their body.

Direct Ground Lift

A nonurgent move method (not recommended for heavier patients) where rescuers position arms under the patient, lift to their knees, roll the patient toward their chests, and stand.

Extremity Lift

A nonurgent lift performed by two rescuers, where one rescuer reaches under the armpits to grasp the patient's wrists and the second slips hands under the patient's knees.

Direct Carry Method

A nonurgent carry method where rescuers position arms under a patient on a bed, slide them to the edge, lift and curl them toward their chests, and rotate to place them on a stretcher.

Draw Sheet Method

A nonurgent transfer method where rescuers reach across a stretcher, grasp the bottom sheet under the patient firmly, and slide the patient onto the carrying device.

Wheeled Stretcher

The standard primary patient-carrying device used in prehospital care, also known as a stretcher or gurney.

Portable Stretcher

A soft carrying device useful for removing patients from tight or narrow spaces.

Stair Chair

A specialized carrying device designed to transport a patient safely up and down stairs.

Scoop Stretcher

A rigid patient-carrying device that splits into two halves horizontally/vertically to allow rescuers to scoop up a patient without rolling them.

Basket Stretcher

A specialized carrying device (also known as a Stokes basket) capable of completely immobilizing a patient and carrying them across rough or uneven terrain.