Lifting and Moving Patients
Lifting and Moving Patients
Information Covered:
Lifting and moving patients
A. Lifting techniques
1. Safety precautions
2. Guidelines for lifting
B. Safe lifting of cots and stretchers.
C. Power lift or squat lift position
D. Power grip
E. Back in locked-in position
F. Carrying
1. Precautions for carrying
2. Guidelines for carrying
3. Correct carrying procedure
4. One-handed carrying technique
5. Correct carrying procedure on stairs
G. Reaching
1. Guidelines for reaching
2. Application of reaching techniques
3. Correct reaching for log rolls
H. Pushing and pulling guidelines
1. Emergency move
a. Indications
i. Fire or danger of fire
ii. Explosives or other hazardous materials
iii. Other hazards at the scene
iv. To gain access to other patients in a vehicle who need life- saving care
v. Patient's location or position, e.g., a cardiac arrest patient sitting in a chair or lying on a bed
b. Technique
2. Urgent Move
3. Indications
a. Altered mental status
b. Inadequate breathing
c. Shock (hypoperfusion)
d. Technique
4. Non-urgent moves
a. Indication
i. Direct ground lift (no suspected spine injury)
ii. Extremity lift (no suspected extremity or back injuries)
5. Transfer of supine patient from bed to stretcher
a. Direct carry
b. Draw sheet method
I. Equipment
1. Stretchers/cots
a. Types
i. Wheeled stretcher
ii. Portable stretcher
iii. Stair chair
iv. Bariatric stretcher
b. Standard
2. Tracked systems
a. Backboards
i. Long
ii. Short
a) Traditional wooden device
b) Vest type device
i) Scoop or orthopedic stretcher
ii) Flexible stretcher
b. Bariatric stretcher
i. Pneumatic or electronic stretchers
ii. Neonatal Isoletes
c. Maintenance - follow manufacturer's directions for inspection, cleaning, repair and upkeep
d. Patient positioning
i. Unresponsive patient without suspected spine injury
ii. A patient with chest pain or discomfort or difficulty breathing
iii. A patient with suspected spine injury
iv. Pregnant patient with hypotension
v. A patient who is nauseated or vomiting
e. Bariatric patients
i. Patient size
ii. Specialized equipment
a) Stretchers
b) Ambulances
i) Ramps
ii) Winches
c) Personnel considerations
Content Creator: Chris Hunt
CAPCE Course Number: 17-EMTP-F3-4304
Total CE Hours: 2
Level: Basic
EMT-CE uses the NEMSES guidelines as the foundation for every course outline.
