Chapter 8: Lifting and Moving Patients

Question 1

Define: backboard

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Define: bariatrics

Answer 2

a branch of medicine concerned with the management (prevention or control) of obesity and allied diseases

Question 3

Define: basket stretcher

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Define: body mechanics

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Define: diamond carry

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Define: direct ground lift

Answer 6

a lifting technique that is used for pts who are found lying supine on the ground w no suspected spinal injury

Question 7

Define: emergency move

Answer 7

a move in which the pt is dragged or pulled from a dangerous scene before assesssment and care are provided

Question 8

Define: extremity lift

Answer 8

a lifting technique that is used for pts who are supine or in a sitting position w no suspected extremity or spinal injuries

Question 9

Define: flexible stretcher

Answer 9

a stretcher that is a rigid carrying device when secured around a pt but can be folded or rolled when not in use

Question 10

Define: portable stretcher

Answer 10

a stretcher w a strong rectangular, tubular metal frame and rigid fabric stretched across it

Question 11

Define: power grip

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Define: power lift

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Define: rapid extrication technique

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Define: scoop stretcher

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Define: stair chair

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Define: wheeled ambulance stretcher

Answer 16

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

Question 17

What are the most commonly used devices to move & transport pts?

Answer 17

the wheeled ambulance stretcher and the backboard

Question 18

What is the first rule of lifting?

Answer 18

To always keep your back in an upright position and lift without twisting.

Question 19

What is the safest and most powerful way to lift?

Answer 19

The power lift

Question 20

Pushing is better than pulling.
T or F?

Answer 20

T

Question 21

What are the exceptions to carrying a pt up or down stairs/significant incline in a stair chair?

Answer 21

If the pt is in cardiac arrest, must be moved in a supine position, or must have his or her spine immobilized during transport

Question 22

What is a key thing to make sure of when carrying a loaded backboard or stretcher up or down stairs or other inclines?

Answer 22

Make sure the pt is tightly secured to the device to prevent sliding

Question 23

What end do you carry the backboard/stretcher in? Why?

Answer 23

Foot-end first so that the pts head is elevated higher than the feet

Question 24

How many providers should you try to use for pt moves if possible?

Answer 24

4

Question 25

Who is responsible for coordinating pt moves?

Answer 25

The team leader

Question 26

When should you perform an urgent move?

Answer 26

If the pt has an altered level of consciousness or inadequate ventilation, if the pt is in shock, or during extreme weather conditions