Chapter 8: Lifting and Moving Patients Flashcards
Define: backboard
a long, flat board made of rigid, rectangular material that is used to provide support to a pt who is suspected of having a hip, pelvic, spinal, or lower extremity injury; also called a spine board, trauma board, and long board
Define: bariatrics
a branch of medicine concerned with the management (prevention or control) of obesity and allied diseases
Define: basket stretcher
a rigid stretcher commonly used in technical and water rescues that surrounds and supports the pt yet allows water to drain through holes in the bottom; also called a Stokes litter
Define: body mechanics
the relationship between the body’s anatomic structures and the physical forces associated w lifitng, moving, and carrying; the ways in which the body moves to achieve a specific action
Define: diamond carry
a carrying technique in which one provider is located at the head of the stretcher or backboard, on at the foot, and one at each side of the pt; each of the 2 providers at the sides uses 1 hand to support the stretcher or backboard so that all are able to face forward as they walk
Define: direct ground lift
a lifting technique that is used for pts who are found lying supine on the ground w no suspected spinal injury
Define: emergency move
a move in which the pt is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before assesssment and care are provided
Define: extremity lift
a lifting technique that is used for pts who are supine or in a sitting position w no suspected extremity or spinal injuries
Define: flexible stretcher
a stretcher that is a rigid carrying device when secured around a pt but can be folded or rolled when not in use
Define: portable stretcher
a stretcher w a strong rectangular, tubular metal frame and rigid fabric stretched across it
Define: power grip
a technique in which the stretcher or backboard is gripped by inserting each hand under the handle w the palm facing up and thumb extended, fully supporting the underside of the handle on the curved palm with the fingers and thumb
Define: power lift
a lifting technique in which the EMT’s back is held upright, with legs bent, and the pt is lifted when the EMT straightens the legs to raise the upper body and arms
Define: rapid extrication technique
a technique to move a pt from a sitting position inside a vehicle to supine on a backboard in less than 1 min when conditions do not allow for standard immobilization
Define: scoop stretcher
a stretcher that is designed to be split into 2 or 4 sections that can be fitted around a pt who is lying on the ground or other relatively flat surface; also called an orthopaedic stretcher
Define: stair chair
a lightweight folding device that is used to carry a conscious, seated pt up or down stairs
Define: 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
What are the most commonly used devices to move & transport pts?
the wheeled ambulance stretcher and the backboard
What is the first rule of lifting?
To always keep your back in an upright position and lift without twisting.
What is the safest and most powerful way to lift?
The power lift
Pushing is better than pulling.
T or F?
T
What are the exceptions to carrying a pt up or down stairs/significant incline in a stair chair?
If the pt is in cardiac arrest, must be moved in a supine position, or must have his or her spine immobilized during transport
What is a key thing to make sure of when carrying a loaded backboard or stretcher up or down stairs or other inclines?
Make sure the pt is tightly secured to the device to prevent sliding
What end do you carry the backboard/stretcher in? Why?
Foot-end first so that the pts head is elevated higher than the feet
How many providers should you try to use for pt moves if possible?
4
Who is responsible for coordinating pt moves?
The team leader
When should you perform an urgent move?
If the pt has an altered level of consciousness or inadequate ventilation, if the pt is in shock, or during extreme weather conditions
