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EMT NOTES – Lifting and Moving Patients (Chapter 35)

  • #1 cause of injury/disability in EMS is lifting and moving
  • shoulders in line with hips
  • lift with legs, not with back-keep back straight
  • should use strap(s) to secure patient whenever moving them

  • stretchers should not be used down stairs – stair chair used instead
  • Dragging on ground:
    • should move patient in a line (in direction of head or feet), not horizontally
    • clothes
    • blanket
    • arm
  • Know your equipment!
    • know weight limits of stretchers
  • backboard used for patients who must be transported in a supine or immobilized position
  • direct ground lift-used for patients with no suspected spinal injury.
  • flexible stretchers (Ked/Reeves)-good for moving through/out of confined spaces
  • basket stretchers (Stokes litter)- used to carry patients across uneven terrain from location inaccessible by ambulance
  • scoop stretcher (orthopedic stretcher)-designed to be split into pieces. Length is adjustable.
  • diamond carry is better than four corner carry-if one person unexpectedly drops or lets go, diamond carry keeps patient more stable
  • ***Never step over or hand objects over patient!***