Lifting and Moving Flashcards
Body mechanics
an expression that is used to describe the ways we move as we go about our daily lives. Body mechanics entails how we hold our bodies when we stand, sit, carry, hold, bend, and sleep.
4 components of body mechanics
Posture
Base of Support and Center of Gravity
Muscle Groups
Lifting Technique
Power grip
a grip formed with the fingers and the palm of the hand in order to move or manipulate objects.
Power lift
back straight, feet apart and abs tensed, lifting is done from the waist down. A firm “power grip” is used.
Communication when lifting a patient
Have a clear plan to move. Describe steps to ensure other providers are aware of what is expected. Orders to initiate actual lifting and directions. Counting down to lifting and stopping is leaders responsibility.
What to keep in mind when pushing and pulling:
Never extend arms fully, no more than 15-20in. Pushing is safer than pulling. Minimize reaching whenever possible. Keep back locked in slight curve. Avoid twisting. Pull by slowly flexing arms.
Urgent move
Fast, with spinal immobilization. Performed when the scene is safe, but there is an immediate threat to the patient’s life. Common in car accidents.
Rapid Extrication: Getting a patient out of a car onto a backboard while providing constant spinal immobilization.
Emergency move
Fastest, no spinal stabilization. Performed when the scene is not safe, and there is an immediate danger to both the patient and the rescuer.
The Armpit-Forearm Drag: position behind the patient, reach through and under their armpits, grab their forearms, and then drag.
The Shirt Drag: fasten the patients’ hands or wrists together, and then drag their shirt by the shoulders. Does not work for T-shirts.
The Blanket Drag: wrap a blanket beneath the patient, and then drag the blanket at the patient’s head.
Non urgent move
scene safe, patient stable. If possible, and when in doubt, always suspect spinal injury and provide full spinal immobilization onto a backboard before moving. For example, a patient out of a car crash should always be immobilized even if he or she appears well. Use the techniques below only if there is no spinal injury.
Direct Ground lift: two or more rescuers lifting a patient from the side (the way you would cradle a baby).
Extremity Lift: two rescuers lift the patient by the extremities. One rescuer in the armpit-forearm drag position and the other holding the patient behind the knees.
Direct Carry: similar to the direct ground lift, except that you carry instead of lifting because the patient is not on the ground.
Draw Sheet: similar to a blanket drag. The rescuers drag sideways the bedsheet beneath the patient so that both the bedsheet and the patient are moved.
Wheeled Stretcher
a stretcher with wheels. Commonly seen in the ER, where the patient is pushed around on beds with wheels.
Portable Stretcher
a light stretcher without wheels.
Scoop Stretcher
a stretcher that can split apart to scoop up the patient on the ground from either side.
Basket Stretcher
a stretcher with protective guards around the circumference (like a boat).
Flexible Stretcher
a stretcher that is flexible and can fold.
Bariatric Stretcher
a stretcher that can support up to 1600 pounds. For very large patients.
