EMT Ch08_12e

Chapter 8: Lifting and Moving Patients

Preparation and Safety

  • NATIONAL EMS EDUCATION STANDARD COMPETENCIES: EMTs need to apply fundamental knowledge relevant to EMS, focusing on safety and patient care.

    • Safety/well-being of EMTs

    • Medical/legal and ethical issues in emergency care.

Knowledge Objectives

  1. Patient-Moving Equipment: Understand the use of stretchers and backboards (pp 274–276).

  2. Technical Skills: Skills required during patient packaging and handling (pp 276–277).

  3. Body Mechanics: Defined as the proper use of body movements to avoid injury (p 277).

  4. Prevent Work-Related Injuries: Importance of proper lifting techniques when moving patients (pp 276–277).

  5. Common Lifting Mistakes: Identify and avoid mistakes when lifting patients (pp 278–280).

  6. Lifting Techniques: Power grip and sheet methods for lifting patients (pp 280–282).

  7. Safety Considerations: Safely moving patients to prevent further harm and protecting EMTs from injury (pp 282–287).

  8. Stairs Safety: How to carry patients on stairs effectively (pp 287–289).

  9. Emergency Moves: Situations requiring urgent moves and techniques to perform them (pp 294–295).

  10. Rapid Extrication: Identify urgent moves and how to execute them (pp 295–300).

  11. Nonurgent Moves: Situations for safer, planned moves (pp 300–307).

  12. Geriatric Considerations: Special guidelines for moving geriatric patients (p 307).

  13. Bariatrics Defined: Understand term bariatrics relating to obesity (p 307).

  14. Moving Bariatric Patients: Guidelines for handling bariatric patients safely (pp 307–309).

  15. Additional Equipment: Understanding specialized moving equipment used in EMS (pp 309–312).

  16. Decontamination Importance: Preventing disease transmission through proper equipment cleaning (p 312).

  17. Proper Patient Positioning: Techniques for different medical conditions (pp 312–313).

Skills Objectives

  1. Perform a power lift for lifting patients (pp 279–280, Skill Drill 8-1).

  2. Demonstrate a power grip (p 280).

  3. Safe techniques for reaching and pulling, including log rolls (pp 280–282).

  4. Execute the diamond carry to move patients (pp 285–285, Skill Drill 8-2).

  5. Perform a one-handed carry (pp 284–286, Skill Drill 8-3).

  6. Use a stair chair to move patients down stairs (pp 287–288, Skill Drill 8-4).

  7. Use a backboard for movement down stairs (p 289, Skill Drill 8-5).

  8. Load a stretcher into an ambulance efficiently (pp 291–292, Skill Drill 8-6).

  9. Execute emergency or urgent moves (pp 294–300).

  10. Perform rapid extrication from a vehicle (pp 297–300, Skill Drill 8-7).

  11. Direct ground lift methodology (pp 300–301, Skill Drill 8-8).

  12. Execute extremity lift (pp 302–303, Skill Drill 8-9).

  13. Perform direct carry (pp 302–304, Skill Drill 8-10).

  14. Transfer patients using draw sheet method (pp 304–305).

  15. Use a scoop stretcher (pp 305–306, Skill Drill 8-11).

  16. Log roll a patient accurately (pp 307–308, Skill Drill 8-12).

Moving Patients Safely

  • Moving Dynamics: Moving patients consistently requires knowledge of physics and body mechanics to prevent injuries during lifting and transport.

  • Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with patient-moving devices and proper handling techniques is critical.

  • Common Equipment:

    • Wheeled Ambulance Stretcher: Weighs between 40-145 lb (18-66 kg), best suited for rolling, requiring proper handling during transport.

    • Backboards: Used to stabilize patients with spinal injuries, ensuring restricted movement.

  • Safety Protocols:

    • Always secure patients during transport to reduce the risk of injury.

    • Maintain spatial awareness regarding lifting and moving procedures to avoid back and body injuries.

  • Guidelines for Patient Handling: Including coordination, weight distribution awareness (head end heavier), and communication among the lifting team.

Body Mechanics Essentials

  • Importance: Good posture and body mechanics reduce potential injuries when lifting or moving patients. Regular fitness is essential for EMTs to perform these tasks safely.

  • Lifting Techniques:

    • Power Lift: Involves bending legs while keeping the back locked.

    • Power Grip: Using palms facing up enhances grip security.

  • Strategies for Safety: Minimize lifting distances, encourage team assistance, and utilize proper command sequences during moves to streamline processes while ensuring safety.

Emergency and Nonurgent Moves

  • Emergency Moves: Dragging patients from danger before assessing injuries—use only when necessary.

  • Urgent Moves: For patients in significant distress; speed and safety are critical.

  • Nonurgent Moves: Conduct with caution and pre-planning, allowing the best option for patient care without undue risk.

Specialized Moving Devices

  • Bariatric Stretchers: Designed for patients over standard weight limits, ensuring safety during transport.

  • Scoop Stretchers: Allow for patient placement under minimally invasive conditions.

  • Vacuum Mattresses: Provide secure immobilization for transferring patients, reducing the risk of pressure injuries.

  • Geriatric Considerations: Adjust approach based on age-related physical changes to minimize discomfort or injury during transport.

Conclusion

  • Practice and Knowledge: Consistent training improves proficiency and reduces injuries among EMTs.

  • Safety Measures: Prioritize the health of the EMT and patient during any move, ensuring proper technique is utilized.

Vital Vocabulary

  • Body Mechanics: The study of posture in lifting and movement to ensure safety and reduce injuries.

  • Bariatrics: Medical study related to obesity management and its effects on healthcare.

  • Power Grip: Technique to maximize lifting strength with proper hand placement.

  • Diamond Carry: Group lifting technique to distribute weight evenly while carrying.