Chapter 3 - Lifting and Moving Patients

Body Mechanics

Proper use of your body to prevent injury and to facilitae lifting and moving

Considerations before lifting and moving

• The object

• your limitations

• communication

• position properly

• use your legs, not back

• Never turn or twist

• Keep the weight close to body

• Don’t compensate when lifting with one hand

• Use a stair chair when carrying a patient on stairs whenever possible

Power lift

Lift from a squatting position and the upper body is raised before the hips. aka squat-lift position.

Power grip

Gripping with as much hand surface as possible, all fingers bent at the same angle, and hands at least 10 inches apart.

How many In. in front of your body should you avoid reaching

More than 20in (50cm)

When possible should you opt to push or pull?

Push

If the weight is above waist level, what position should you push/pull from

A kneeling position

Should you push or pull overhead?

No.

Where should you keep your arms and elbows in relation you when pushing or pulling?

Close to your sides

When an emergency move should be used

If the scene hazards, care of life-threatening conditions that requires repositioning, or other patients who requires emergency care.

The direction in which the patient should be moved

in the direction of the long-axis

long axis

the line that runs down the center of the body from the top of the head adn along the spine

types of rapid moves

drags, carries, assist

Urgent moves

done when the patient must be moved quickly for treatment of an immediate threat to life. However, are they are performed with spinal precautions if necessary.

When an urgent move may be required

When the required treatment can be performed only if the patient is moved, Factors at the scene cause patient decline.

Role of the backboard

usually used as a transportation and less as immobilization device

Non-urgent moves

Move that is done when there is no immediate threats to life. On scene assessment and treatment should be done first.

how a nonurgent move should be done

In a way that prevents injury or additional injuries and avoids discomfort and pain

Emergency one-rescuer Drags

Clothes drag, Incline drag, shoulder drag, foot drag, firefighter drag, blanket drag

Emergency one-rescuer assist and carries

Cradle carry, pack strap carry, firefighters carry, and piggyback carry.

Types of Patient-carrying Devices

Power stretcher, Portable stretcher, Scoop (Orthopedic) stretcher, Basket Stretcher, Flexible stretcher, Stair chair, Bariatric stretchers, Spine-board, and vacuum mattress

Safest level on a stretcher to transport a patient at

closest to the ground

Most power stretchers can safely lift up to ___lbs.

700

Bariatric stretchers

Stretchers that are made to transport obese patients

2 types of spine boards

Long and Short

Type of stretcher that should be used in restricitive areas or narrow hallways

Flexible/Reeves Stretcher

Lifts for patients with no suspected spinal injuries

Extremity lift, Direct ground lift

How unresponsive patients with no suspected spine injuries should be positioned

Recovery / Lateral Recumbent Position

How to position for shock

Supine and depending on situation placed in a position to restrict movement and further injury