lifting and moving patients Flashcards
wheeled ambulance stretcher
A specially designed stretcher that can be rolled along the ground. A collapsible undercarriage allows it to be loaded into the ambulance; also called an ambulance stretcher.
backboard
a long, flat board made of rigid, rectangular material.
body mechanics
the relationship between the body’s anatomical structures and the physical forces associated with lifting, moving, and carrying.
power lift
Lifting by extending the properly placed flexed legs is the most powerful way to lift
power grip
A technique in which the stretcher or backboard is gripped by inserting each hand under the handle with the palm facing up and the thumb extended, fully supporting the underside of the handle on the curved palm with the fingers and thumb.
diamond carry
A carrying technique in which one provider is located at the head end of the stretcher or backboard, one at the foot end, and one at each side of the patient; each of the two providers at the sides uses one hand to support the stretcher or backboard so that all are able to face forward as they walk.
stair chair
A lightweight folding device that is used to carry a conscious, seated patient up or down stairs.
emergency move
A move in which the patient is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before assessment and care are provided.
rapid extrication technique
A technique to move a patient from a sitting position inside a vehicle to supine on a backboard in less than 1 minute when conditions do not allow for standard immobilization.
direct ground iift
A lifting technique that is used for patients who are found lying supine on the ground with no suspected spinal injury.
extermity lift
A lifting technique that is used for patients who are supine or in a sitting position with no suspected extremity or spinal injuries.
portable stretcher
a stretcher with a strong, rectangular, tubular metal frame and rigid fabric stretched across it.
flexible stretcher
a rigid stretcher that conforms around the patient’s sides and does not extend beyond them.
basket stretcher
A rigid stretcher commonly used in technical and water rescues that surrounds and supports the patient yet allows water to drain through holes in the bottom; also called a Stokes litter.
