Chapter 6 Lifting and Moving Patients

Question 1

Describe the technical skills and general considerations that are required of the advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT) during patient packaging and patient handling. (pp 216-217)

Answer 1

Often, you will have to move the patient into a different position or location. These moves will likely involve the use of a stretcher, backboard, or other devices.

Question 2

Describe how following proper patient lifting and moving techniques helps prevent work-related injuries. (pp 217-218)

Answer 2

When you are lifting, spread your legs approximately 15 inches (38 cm) apart (shoulder width) and place your feet so your center of gravity is properly balanced between them.

Question 3

Describe the guidelines for properly lifting a patient, using a power grip, a draw sheet, or blanket. (pp 219-221)

Answer 3

If you do not have proper hold of the stretcher or of the patient in a body lift, you will not be able to bear a proper share of the weight, and there is an increased chance that you can suddenly lose your grasp with one or both hands. If you tem- porarily lose your grasp with one or both hands, the position and weight distribution of the stretcher changes suddenly, and the other members of the team must quickly reach beyond a safe distance to avoid dropping the patient. As a result, sudden ex- cessive force may be placed across each one’s spine, causing lower back injury.
Use the power grip to get the maximum force from your hands whenever you are lifting a patient

your hands should be at least 10 inches (25 cm) apart. Each hand should be inserted under the handle with the palm facing up and the thumb extended upward. Then, advance the hand until the thumb prevents further insertion and the cylindrical handle lies firmly in the crease of the curved palm. Curl your fingers and thumb tightly over the top of the handle.

Question 4

Summarize the general considerations required to safely move patients without causing them further harm while simultaneously protecting the AEMT from injury. (pp 221-225)

Answer 4

Giving direct directions and commands and making sure they are followed. If the patient is on the stretcher make sure they are strapped down. when moving a patient is in the house make sure not to hurt them.

Question 5

Describe the guidelines and safety precautions AEMTs should follow when lifting and carrying a patient on a stretcher or backboard, and how to avoid common mistakes. (pp 225-228)

Question 6

Describe specific situations in which emergency moves or urgent moves (rapid extrication) may be necessary for moving a patient; include how each move is performed. (pp 228-235)

Question 7

Describe specific situations in which nonurgent moves may be necessary for moving a patient; include how each move is performed. (pp 235-241)

Question 8

Discuss special considerations when moving and transporting geriatric patients and the guidelines to follow when lifting and moving geriatric patients. (pp 241-242)

Question 9

Define the term bariatrics; include the guidelines for lifting and moving bariatric patients. (p 243)

Question 10

Name 11 patient-moving devices; include how each one is used to move a patient. (pp 243-253)

Question 11

Explain the importance of equipment decontamination in the prevention of disease transmission. (p 253)

Question 13

Discuss situations that may require the use of medical restraints on a patient; include the guidelines and safety considerations regarding use. (pp 254-255)

Question 13

Describe proper patient positioning with the following medical conditions: (pp 253-254)
Unresponsive patients without suspected spine injury
Patients with chest pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing
Patients with suspected spine injury
Pregnant patients with hypotension
Patients who are nauseated or vomiting