Chapter 8: Lifting and Moving Patients

Overview

• Focus on body mechanics, safe reaching, pulling, and moving techniques.
• Teamwork in moving patients effectively and safely.
• Use of patient packaging and moving equipment.
• Protect yourself from injury and understand medical restraints.

Importance of Patient Movement

• Essential in providing emergency medical care and transport.
• Proper lifting and carrying are crucial to prevent injury.
• Knowledge of body mechanics and power grip is important.

Wheeled Ambulance Stretcher

• Also known as a stretcher or gurney.
• Key Features:
  • Head and foot ends.
  • Retractable guard rails.
  • Adjustable undercarriage for height.
  • Fluid-resistant mattress.
  • Securing straps for patient safety.
• Preferred method for moving patients when possible to reduce injury risk.

Backboards

• Made of rigid, rectangular material.
• Used for supine patients with suspected injuries (hip, pelvic, spinal, etc.).
• Features handles and straps for securing patients.

Body Mechanics

• Align vertebrae over sacrum to reduce strain.
• Proper lifting position: shoulder girdle aligned over pelvis, hands close to legs.
• Use legs, not back, to lift (Power Lift).
• Lifting techniques: arms should be close, weight on balls of feet.

Safe Reaching and Pulling

• Keep back locked, use body drag technique.
• Kneel and extend arms only 15-20 inches.
• Use sheets or blankets under patients for dragging.

Patient Carrying Techniques

• Estimate patient's weight.
• For weights over 250 pounds, use four or more providers.
• Diamond carry and one-handed carry for teamwork.

Stair Chair

• Used for conscious patients on stairs.
• Features: molded seat, safety straps, and fold-out handles.

Loading and Unloading

• Wheel stretcher loading into ambulance requires proper positioning.
• Use teamwork and commands for coordination.

Emergency Moves

• Necessary when there is potential danger.
• Techniques: clothes drag, blanket drag, arm drag.

Urgent and Non-Urgent Moves

• Urgent Moves: Altered consciousness, inadequate ventilation, shock.
• Non-Urgent Moves: Use when patient and scene are stable.

Special Populations

• Geriatrics: Use vacuum mattresses, consider skeletal changes.
• Bariatrics: Special equipment for overweight patients.

Patient Positioning

• Based on chief complaint and condition (e.g., shock, pregnancy, vomiting).

Medical Restraints

• Assess for causes of combativeness.
• Use restraints safely with minimum five personnel.

Personal Considerations

• Assess physical ability and need for assistance before lifting.

Review Questions

• Key practices in lifting: keep back straight, use power grip.
• Safety in lifting and moving with appropriate equipment and techniques.

• Chapter 8 Conclusion: Focused on safe and effective patient movement, lifting techniques, and equipment usage. Ensuring personal safety and understanding protocols for various patient conditions and situations.