chapter 8

Patient Lifting and Moving Techniques

Scenario Overview

  • Incident: A call for an injured 42-year-old man in a wooded area.

  • Context: The man was cutting down a tree when it fell on him.

  • Location: Approximately 200 yards from the ambulance.

  • Patient Condition: Lying supine with a tree trunk across his upper legs and pelvic region.

  • Bystanders: Attempting to lift the tree with a jack.

  • Patient Status: Alert, reports severe pain in right hip and upper thigh.

Questions and Answers

Question 1: Best way to remove the patient once the tree is lifted?

  • Options:
    A. Power lift
    B. Clothes drag
    C. Extremity lift
    D. Direct lift

  • Correct Answer: B. Clothes drag

Question 2: Proper body mechanics during patient freeing?

  • Options:
    A. Keep your back straight.
    B. Keep your feet close together.
    C. Bend as far forward at the hips as possible.
    D. Keep your back curved.

  • Correct Answer: A. Keep your back straight.

Question 3: Considerations for spinal immobilization?

  • Options:
    A. Yes, every patient should be immobilized.
    B. Yes, there is significant mechanism of injury (MOI).
    C. No, he is not reporting neck or back pain.
    D. No, there is no significant MOI.

  • Correct Answer: B. Yes, there is significant MOI.

Question 4: How to move the patient to the backboard once freed?

  • Options:
    A. Extremity lift
    B. Direct ground lift
    C. Scoop stretcher
    D. Log roll with attention to cervical spine

  • Correct Answer: C. Scoop stretcher

Question 5: Body drag technique specifics?

  • Options:
    A. Your feet should be close together.
    B. Your arms should be fully extended with elbows locked.
    C. Your elbows should only extend just beyond the anterior torso.
    D. You should bend from the waist with your feet 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

  • Correct Answer: C. Your elbows should extend just beyond the anterior torso.

Question 6: Proper technique for lifting a backboard?

  • Options:
    A. Lateral lift
    B. Diamond carry
    C. Power grip
    D. Power lift

  • Correct Answer: D. Power lift.

Question 7: Alternate name for scoop stretcher?

  • Options:
    A. Orthopaedic stretcher
    B. Flexible litter
    C. Basket litter
    D. Ambulance stretcher

  • Correct Answer: A. Orthopaedic stretcher.

Question 8: Best carry method to the stretcher when unable to bring it to the patient?

  • Options:
    A. Diamond carry
    B. Firefighter’s carry
    C. Direct carry
    D. Emergency carry

  • Correct Answer: A. Diamond carry.

Question 9: Importance of constant communication between team members?

  • Answer: Communication is crucial to coordinate lifting and carrying movements, which helps to avoid provider injury.

Question 10: Pre-lifting self-assessment questions?

  • Answers:

    1. Am I physically strong enough to lift/move this patient?

    2. Is there adequate room to get into the proper stance before I lift the patient?

    3. Do I need additional personnel for lifting assistance?

Key Concepts in Patient Lifting and Movement

  • Safety Precautions: Always assess personal capability and scene safety before lifting.

  • Technique Importance: Proper lifting techniques can prevent injury to both patient and provider.

  • Teamwork: Effective communication ensures team coordination and safety during maneuvering of patients.

Conclusion

  • Mastery of patient lifting and moving techniques is crucial for emergency response personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of both patients and responders.