Patient Lifting, Moving, and Emergency Techniques in EMS (3)

What is body mechanics?

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

What is a power lift?

A squat-lift position where the weight is kept close to the body and the back remains locked in.

What is a power grip?

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

What is the proper foot position for lifting?

Feet shoulder-width apart on a firm, level surface.

What is the most important rule when lifting?

Use your legs, not your back.

What should be avoided while lifting?

Turning, twisting, or leaning to one side.

Why should weight be kept close to your body?

It reduces strain on the back and lowers injury risk.

What is the preferred method when moving a patient on stairs?

Use a stair chair whenever possible.

How far should you avoid reaching when moving?

More than 20 inches in front of your body.

What is preferred when moving weight?

Pushing rather than pulling.

What is an emergency move?

A move performed immediately when there is danger to the patient or rescuer.

What is an urgent move?

A move requiring quick transport while maintaining spinal precautions when needed.

What is a nonurgent move?

A move performed after assessment and treatment are completed.

What are three reasons for an emergency move?

Scene hazards, life-threatening conditions requiring repositioning, or the need to reach other patients.

What is the long axis of the body?

The imaginary line running from the head down through the spine.

What is a drag?

A rapid emergency move where a patient is pulled by clothing, shoulders, feet, or a blanket.

Why are drags only used in emergencies?

They provide little protection for the neck and spine.

When is an urgent move performed?

When treatment of an immediate life threat requires moving the patient.

What is the purpose of a backboard?

Used to transport patients safely and provide a firm surface for CPR.

What is a patient-carrying device?

A stretcher or device designed to safely move patients.

What is a wheeled stretcher?

The primary ambulance stretcher used for patient transport.

What is the safest stretcher position while moving?

Lowest position possible.

What is the risk of transporting a stretcher in a raised position?

Increased chance of tipping over.

What is a power stretcher?

A battery-powered stretcher that raises and lowers patients automatically.

What is a manual stretcher?

A stretcher that must be lifted manually by EMTs.

What is a bariatric stretcher?

A stretcher designed for significantly overweight or obese patients.

What does bariatric mean?

Having to do with patients who are significantly overweight or obese.

What is a stair chair?

A device used to move seated patients through tight spaces and on stairs.

When should a stair chair not be used?

For patients with suspected neck or spinal injuries or those who are unresponsive.

What is a long spine board?

A board used to transport and sometimes immobilize patients with suspected spinal injuries.

What is a short spine board?

An extrication device rarely used in modern EMS practice.

What is a portable stretcher?

A folding stretcher useful during multiple-casualty incidents.

What is a scoop stretcher?

A stretcher that separates into two halves to slide under a patient.

Why is a scoop stretcher not recommended for spinal injuries?

It does not provide support directly under the spine.

What is a basket stretcher?

A stretcher used to move patients over rough terrain or between elevations.

What is a flexible stretcher?

A flexible carrying device useful in confined spaces.

What is a vacuum mattress?

A transport device that becomes rigid after air is removed and conforms to the patient's body.

What is manual stabilization?

Holding the head and neck to restrict spinal movement.

What is an extremity lift?

A move using one rescuer at the arms and another at the knees for patients without spinal injuries.

What is a direct ground lift?

A method of lifting a patient from the ground to a stretcher.

What is the draw-sheet method?

A method of moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher using a sheet.

What is a direct carry?

A method of moving a patient from a bed directly to a stretcher.

What is the recovery position?

A side-lying position for unresponsive patients without suspected spinal injuries.

What is the purpose of the recovery position?

Helps maintain the airway and allows fluids to drain from the mouth.

What is the Fowler position?

A semi-sitting position often used for patients with breathing difficulty.

What is the Semi-Fowler position?

A partially upright position that may improve breathing comfort.

What is the position of comfort?

A transport position chosen by the patient for maximum comfort.

What is shock positioning?

Place the patient flat on their back (supine position).

What is the supine position?

Lying flat on the back.

Why should legs generally not be elevated in trauma patients?

It may worsen injuries and offers little benefit.

What should be done before lifting a patient?

Think, plan, communicate, and assess available resources.

What is the best number of rescuers for lifting a stretcher?

An even number of rescuers.

Why should a stretcher never be lifted unevenly?

It can become unbalanced and tip over.

What is the most common emergency drag?

Long-axis drag from the shoulders.

What is the greatest danger during an emergency move?

Aggravating an existing injury.

What must always be secured before transport?

The patient and the stretcher.

What should EMTs inspect regularly?

All patient-carrying devices and equipment.

What is the purpose of spinal motion restriction?

Prevent further injury to the spine.

Why are vacuum mattresses often preferred over rigid boards?

They provide greater comfort while maintaining support.

When should on-scene treatments be completed?

Before a nonurgent move whenever possible.

What is a modified draw-sheet transfer?

A method used to move patients from an ambulance stretcher to a hospital stretcher.