Lifting and Moving Patients
draw-sheet method
a method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed
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
blanket drag
a method used to move a patient by placing him on a blanket or sheet and pulling it across the floor or ground
long spine board
device to immobilize the entire body as a single unit (also called a longboard)
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
Wheeled Stretcher
the most commonly used device for moving patients (also called cot or gurney)
stair chair
transports the patient in a sitting position, which greatly reduces the length of the patient and device
KED
vest-type extrication device used when spine injury is suspected
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.
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
Firefighter's Drag
A method of moving a patient in which the patient is bound to the responder's neck and held underneath the responder; the responder moves the patient by crawling.
Emergency move
A move in which the patient is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before assessment or spinal precautions can be made.
Incline Drag
A one rescuer drag performed by moving a patient up or down a stairway. Always head first.
Foot drag
A one rescuer drag performed by pulling on the patient's feet along the long axis of the body
Firefighter's carry
A type of carry during which the patient is supported over the responder's shoulders
Pack Strap Carry
A type of carry in which the patient is supported upright, across the responder's back.
Shoulder Drag
A type of emergency move in which the rescuer drags the patient by grasping and pulling from the shoulders.
Clothes Drag
An emergency move performed by grasping the patient's clothes and moving the patient head first from the unsafe area.
firefighter's carry with assist
Have someone lift the patient. The second rescuer helps to position the patient
Manual Stretchers
Lifted using EMT's own power
extremity carry
Non-urgent move in which two responders carry the patient from his shoulders and knees
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.
One-Rescuer Assist
Place the patient's arm around your neck, grasping his/ her hand in yours with your other arm around patient's waist
two-rescuer assist
Place the patient's arms around the shoulders of both rescuers. They each grip a hand, place their free arms around the patient's waist, and help him walk to safety.
Short spine board
Primarily for removing patients from vehicles when a neck or spine injury is suspected.
Urgent move
Required when the patient must be moved quickly for treatment of an immediate threat to life. Performed WITH spinal precautions.
Spine Board
Used to support major neck and back injuries
Power stretcher
Will lift a patient from the ground level to the loading position or lower a patient from the raised position. 1. Lifts patients for 20 consecutive runs 2. Can lift up to 700 pounds.
