Chapter 8: Lifting and Moving Patients

Question 1

Wheeled stretcher

Answer 1

• Designed to be rolled; if there is an irregular surface (e.g. a lawn), carry it
• Weighs 40-145 lbs
• Usually has max weight of 650 lbs

Question 2

When moving a stretcher, where should the taller EMT stand

Answer 2

the head

Question 3

Stair chair

Answer 3

Patient must be conscious and stable

Usually has weight capacity of 350 lbs

Use for stairs or narrow hallway w tight corners

Question 4

Backboard

Answer 4

• provides support to patients who may have hip, pelvic, spinal, or lower extremity injuries

-Used to transfer patients who must be moved in a supine or immobilized position

Question 5

Parts of an order

Answer 5

1) prepatory command
2) command of execution
- NOTE: command of execution should be in a louder voice

Ex: All ready to stop (prepatory command). Stop! (command of execution)

Question 6

Emergency move

Answer 6

ONLY use if serious risk is present or you cannot properly assess the patient

• No precaution to bodily harm that may be caused w move, BUT try to drag and pull the patient along the long axis of their body regardless of the situation

NEVER lift by the belt

Question 7

Emergency clothes drag

Answer 7

Type of emergency move

Drag a patient by their clothing, ideally their shirt collar or pant legs

Question 8

Blanket drag

Answer 8

Type of emergency move

EMT drags patient lying on top of a blanket or sheet

Question 9

Urgent move + when to use

Answer 9

Time-sensitive move, but allows for some planning and safety precautions

Use when emergent condition like altered LOC or shock, cannot be properly assessed without being moved, or is blocking another seriously injured pt

Question 10

Rapid extrication technique (RET)

Answer 10

Type of urgent move used for a patient in a vehicle – pt can move from sitting in a vehicle to supine in 1 min or less

• Maintain stabilization of spine at all times
• requires 3 providers

Question 11

Non-urgent move

Answer 11

Both the scene and pt are stable, so can carefully plan how to move the pt

Question 12

Direct lift

Answer 12

Type of non-urgent move

Used for patients w no suspected spinal injury found lying supine

Lift from kneel – roll to knee

Requires 2-3 EMTs

Question 13

Extremity lift

Answer 13

Type of non-urgent move

Used for patients with no suspected extremity or spinal injuries lying suping or sitting

Question 14

Direct carry

Answer 14

Move a supine patient from bed to stretcher

Question 15

Draw sheet

Answer 15

Use the sheet they are lying on to move them

Preferred method

Question 16

Scoop stretcher

Answer 16

Designed to be split into 2 or 4 pieces for easy carry

• Both sides of a patient must be accessible to use
• Used when pelvic or femoral fracture is suspected and pt can’t be logrolled onto a backboard

NOTE: does NOT provide adequate immobilization of spinal column

Question 17

Short backboard

Answer 17

Used to immobilize the torso, head, and neck of a seated patient w suspected spinal injury until you can use full backboard

Question 18

Vacuum mattress

Answer 18

• preferred alternative to the long backboard
• more comfortable for the patients bc it conforms to the shape of their body and can relieve pressure points
• use a long backboard if removing from vehicle or time-sensitive

Question 19

Basket stretcher

Answer 19

• AKA stokes litter
• used to carry patient across uneven terrain or remote location inaccessible by ambulance or other vehicle

Question 20

How to transport neonate

Answer 20

Neonatal isolette/incubator

Question 21

What position for a patient with no suspected injury or hypotension reporting chest pain or resp distress

Answer 21

Fowler or semi-fowler

Question 22

What position for patient in shock

Answer 22

Supine

Question 23

What position for a patient in late stage of pregnancy

Answer 23

Roll over onto left side if possible

• If left supine, the weight of the growing uterus may crush her inferior vena cava and aorta

Question 24

What position for unresponsive patient with no suspected spinal, hip, or pelvic injury

Answer 24

Recovery position

Question 25

What position for nauseous/vomiting patient

Answer 25

Position of comfort, but make sure the airway stays clear

Question 26

In what age range is obesity highest in the US

Answer 26

Adults aged 40-59 (42.4%)

Question 27

Power grip

Answer 27

- Palm up for max strength -Whenever you grasp a stretcher or backboard, your hands should be at least 10" apart

Question 28

Weight distribution of horizontal patient

Answer 28

68-78% of their bodyweight is at their torso

Question 29

With proper technique, you and your partner should be able to lift a patient who weighs up to how many pounds?

Answer 29

220

Question 30

When pulling a patient, you should extend your arms no more than how many inches in front of your torso?

Answer 30

15"-20"

Question 31

Can an EMR help lift?

Answer 31

Yes

Question 32

Kendrick Extraction Device (KED)

Answer 32

used for extracting pts out of motor vehicles - takes 3+ minutes to use and extract pt, so if the pt needs to be extracted quickly, use rapid extrication technique or emergency move

Question 33

Portable stretcher

Answer 33

- Strong, rectangular, tubular metal frame and rigid fabric stretched across it - Doesn't have an adjustable undercarriage, and most models also don't have wheels - Used for pt transport in confined spaces or over uneven terrain - Weighs much less than a standard wheeled stretcher and can sometimes be folded in half for easier storage

Question 34

Flexible stretcher

Answer 34

- Most can be rolled up by their width or length --> much easier to store and carry - Forms a rigid stretcher that conforms around the pt's sides

Question 35

Binder lift

Answer 35

- Wrapped around pt's torso - Has up to 25 handles to help the EMT's move the pt to a stair chair or stretcher