Chapter 3 Lifting and Moving Patients

Bariatric

Having to do with patients who are significantly over-weight or obese.

Body Mechanics

The proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving and prevent injury.

Direct Carry

A method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher, in which two or more rescuers curl the patient to their chests then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher.

Direct ground lift

A method of lifting and carrying a patient from ground level to a stretcher in which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher.

Draw-sheet method

A method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed.

Extremity Lift

A method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient's armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient's knees.

Power Grip

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

Power Lift

A lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and the back locked in. The upper body is raised before the hips. Also called the squat-lift position.