EMT Chapter 3 lifting and moving parts

power stretcher

Will lift a patient from the ground level to the loading position or lower a patient from the raised position. (operated by hydraulic battery system) 1. Lifts patients for 20 consecutive runs 2. Can lift up to 700 pounds.

direct carry

a method of transferring a patient from BED to STRETCHER, during which two or more rescuers CURL the patient to their CHESTS then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher

draw-sheet method

a method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed

Fowler's position

a semi-sitting position; the head of the bed is raised between 45 and 60 degrees; not prohibit the proper use of any transportation device

basket stretcher/stroke stretcher

can be used to move a patient from one level to another or over rough terrain; the basket can be lined with a blanket before positioning the patient

blanket drag

gather half of the blanket martial up agianst the patient side. Roll him toward your knees, place the balnket under him, and gently roll him onto the blanket. During the drag, keep the patient's head as low as possible.

power grip

gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted, all fingers bent at the same angle, and hands at least 10 inches apart

Unresponsive patients without suspected spinal injuries should be placed in the:

in the recovery position -avoid transporting them in a chair-type device since the airway cannot be properly maintained

two rescuer assist

look at carries

Flexible Stretcher/Reeves stretcher

made of canvas or some other rubberized or flexible material, often with wooden slats sewn into pockets and three carrying handles on each side; can be useful in restricted areas or narrow hallways

Portable stretcher/folding stretcher

may be canvas, aluminum, or heavy plastic and usually fold or collapse

how do you avoid aggravating injuries in an emergency move:

move the patient in the direction of the long axis of the body when possible (the long axis is the line that runs down the center of the body from the top of the head and along the spine)

how do a short and long spine board work together

once a patient is secured onto a short spine board and wearing a rigid cervical collar, the patient can be moved from a sitting position in the vehicle to a supine position on a long spine board

how to position for shock

place in the supine (face up) position because this allows maximum blood flow throughout the body with minimal resistance from gravity

firefighter drag

place patient on his back and tie his hands together. Straddle hum, crotch, and pass your head through his trussed arms. Raise your body and crawl on your hands and knees. Keep the patient's head as low as possible.

firefigher's carry

place your feet against the patient's feet and pull her toward you. Bend at your waist and flex your knees. Duck and pull her across your shoulder, keeping hold of one of her wrists

two types of spine boards (backboards)

short and long spine boards

drags

the patient is dragged by the clothes, the feet, the shoulders, or a blanket -reserved only for emergency because they don't provide protection for the neck and spine

body mechanisms

the proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving and prevent injury

manual stretcher

the standard stretcher; aka the self-loading stretcher

spine boards are used for what

they are used for patients who are found lying down or standing and who must be immobilized

Patients with no suspected spine injuries may be transported in a position of comfort such as:

those who complain of chest pain, nausea, or difficulty breathing

short spine boards are used for what

used primarily for removing patients from vehicles when a neck or spine injury is suspected; they can slide between the patients back and seat back

manual stabilization

using your hands to physically hold the body part and keep it from moving

when reaching:

-keep back in a locked-in position -avoid twisting -avoid reaching more than 20 inches in front of your body -avoid prolonged reaching

Rules to follow to prevent injury

-position your feet correctly -use your legs (not back) -never turn or twist -do not compensate when lifting with one hand -keep the weight as close as possible to your body -use a stair chair when carrying a patient on stairs whenever possible

when pushing and pulling:

-push, rather than pull, whenever possible -keep your back locked in -keep the line of pull through the center if your body by bending your knees -keep the weight close to your body -if the weight is below your waist level, push or pull from a kneeling position -avoid pushing and pulling overhead -keep your elbows bent and arms close to your sides

Things to consider before lifting any patient

-the object -your limitations -communication

Urgent moves required when

-the required treatment can be performed only if the patient is moved -factors at the scene cause the patient decline

emergency moves are required when:

-the scene is hazardous -care of life-threatening conditions requires re-positioning -you must reach other patients

backboard

A device that is used to provide support to a patient who is suspected of having a spinal injury. Also called a spine board (then secured onto a stretcher)

power lift

A lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and back locked in. The upper body is raised before the hips. Also called the squat-lift position.

stair chair

A lightweight folding device that is used to carry a conscious, seated patient up or down stairs.

extremity lift

A method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient's armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient's knees.

direct ground lift

A method of lifting and carrying a patient from GROUND LEVEL to a STRETCHER in which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher

emergency move

A move in which the patient is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before assessment and care are provided. -the scene is hazardous -care of life-threatening conditions requires repositioing -you must reach other patients

foot drag

A one rescuer drag performed by pulling on the patient's feet along the long axis of the body (don't bump the head)

scoop stretcher

A stretcher that is designed to be split into two or four sections that can be fitted around a patient who is lying on the ground or other relatively flat surface; also called an orthopedic stretcher; not recommended for patients with a suspected spine injury

Pack Strap Carry

A type of carry in which the patient is supported upright, across the responder's back.

Clothes Drag

A type of emergency move that uses the patient's clothing; used for a patient suspected of having a head, neck or spinal injury.

Incline Drag

Always head first

rapid extrication technique

EMTs stabilize the spine manually as they move the patient from the car onto a long spine board

stair chairs

Excellent for stairs. Transports patient in sitting position which greatly reduces the length of the patient and device. Allows EMT to move around corners and narrow spaces; it also allows the device to be rolled like a wheelchair over flat surfaces, lessening the strain on the EMT

firefighter's carry with assist

Have someone lift the patient. The second rescuer helps to position the patient

When and when not to use a stair chair

Ideal for patients with difficulty breathing; Must not be used for patients with neck or spine injuries because these patients are usually immobilized supine on a background to prevent further injury

Non urgent move

No immediate threat to life, are carried out in such a way as to prevent injury and to avoid discomfort and pain.

Vest-Type Extrication Device

Often, a vest-type extrication device is used in place of a short spine board

One-Rescuer Assist

Patient's arm around your neck Grasping his/ her hand in yours Your other arm around patient's waist

piggyback carry

Patient's arms over your shoulder Your forearm under his/her knees

cradle carry

Place one arm across patient's back with your hand under their arm. Place your other arm under the knees and lift. Used only for light patients.

Wheeled Stretcher

Referred to as the stretcher, cot or lifter -the purpose is to safely transport a patient from one place to another, usually a reclining position -for patients with no suspected spine injury -safest level is closer to the ground

urgent move

Required when the patient must be moved quickly for treatment of an immediate threat to life. Performed WITH spinal precautions. -the required treatment can be performed only if the patient is moved -factors at the scene cause patient decline

vacuum mattress

The patient is placed on the device and air is withdrawn by means of a pump. The mattress then becomes rigid and conforming, padding voids naturally for greater comfort, reduces some of the discomfort associated with rigid backboards.

Shoulder Drag

When moving a victim, the ____ ___ technique can be used to move them regardless if the victim is supine (face up) or prone (face down)