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Lifting and Moving Patients

Principles of Moving Patients

What is the role of the First Responder?Whenever possible, you should not move

patient.Keeping your patient at rest is the best

course of action.

When do you move a patient?1. Only if there is an immediate danger to

patient or others if not moved2. In order to prevent further injury3. To assist other EMS responders to lift and

move patient

Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques

Body Mechanics1. Proper use of your body to facilitate lifting

and moving2. Lift with partner whose strength and

height are similar to yours.3. Communicate with partner and patient

throughout move.

Follow these rules to prevent injury:1. Position your feet properly.2. Use your legs not back to lift. Keep back

straight and bend knees.3. Never twist or attempt to make any moves

other than lift.4. When lifting with one hand, do not

compensate.5. When carrying patient on stairs, use a stair

chair.

Moving and Positioning Patients

Emergency moves1. There are times when an emergency move is

necessary. There is immediate danger to patient if not moved. Lifesaving care cannot be given because of patient's

location or position. You are unable to gain access to other patients who

need lifesaving care.

2. Emergency moves provide little protection to patient.

3. Greatest danger is possibility of making a spinal injury worse.

4. Extreme care must be taken to move the body in one

Types of emergency moves

Non-emergency moves

Used when there is no immediate threat to life:Patient should be conscious.Initial assessment should be completed.Pulse and breathing rates and character

should be stable and within normal ranges.There should be no uncontrolled external

bleeding or any indications of internal bleeding.

There must be absolutely no signs of neck or spinal injury.

All possible fractures and extremity injuries must be immobilized or splinted.

A non-emergency move could be justified when:Factors at scene cause patient declineYou must reach other patientsCare requires moving patientPatient insists on being moved

Types of non-emergency movesDirect ground lift Extremity lift

Patient Lifting and Moving video

http://youtu.be/D_XN2Lq4QAY

Equipment Familiarity

Types of packaging and loading devicesWheeled ambulance stretcherPortable stretcherStair chairScoop (orthopedic) stretcherSpine boards

LongShort

Vest-type extrication deviceBasket stretcherFlexible stretcher

Cervical Spine Immobilization CollarUse correct type Use correct size Applying to a seated patient Applying to a supine patient