EMT-Basic/Preparatory/Lifting

Lesson 1.6: Lifting and Moving Patients

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:

1. Define body mechanics.
2. Discuss the guidelines and safety precautions that need to be followed when lifting a patient.
3. Describe the safe lifting of cots and stretchers.
4. Describe the guidelines and safety precautions for carrying patients and/or equipment.
5. Discuss one-handed carrying techniques.
6. Describe correct and safe carrying procedures on stairs.
7. State the guidelines for reaching and their application.
8. Describe correct reaching for log rolls.
9. State the guidelines for pushing and pulling.
10. Discuss the general considerations of moving patients.
11. State three situations that may require the use of an emergency move.
12. Identify the following patient carrying devices: Wheeled ambulance stretcher, portable ambulance stretcher, stair chair, scoop stretcher, long spine board, basket stretcher, flexible stretcher.
13. Explain the rationale for properly lifting and moving patients.
14. Demonstrate the techniques for preparing patient carrying devices for use, transferring a patient to the device, and moving the patient to the ambulance using the device, along with a partner.
15. Demonstrate the techniques for the transfer of a patient from an ambulance stretcher to a hospital stretcher, along with a partner.