chapter eight: lifting and moving patients

Question 1

backboard

Answer 1

a long, flat board made of rigid, rectangular material that is used to provide support to a patient who is suspected of having a hip, pelvic, spinal, or lower extremity injury; also called a spine board, trauma board, and longboard

Question 2

bariatrics

Answer 2

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

Question 3

basket stretcher

Answer 3

a rigid stretcher commonly used in technical and water rescues that surrounds and supports the patient yet allows water to drain through holes in the bottom: also called a Stokes litter

Question 4

body mechanics

Answer 4

the relationship between the body’s anatomical structures and the physical forces associated with lifting, moving and carrying; the ways in which the body moves to achieve a specific action

Question 5

diamond carry

Answer 5

a carrying technique in which one provider is located at the head end of the stretcher or backboard, one at the foot end, and one at each side of the patient; each of the two providers at the sides uses one hang to support the stretcher or backboard so that all are able to face forward as they walk

Question 6

direct ground lift

Answer 6

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

Question 7

emergency move

Answer 7

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

Question 8

extremity lift

Answer 8

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

Question 9

flexible stretcher

Answer 9

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

Question 10

portable stretcher

Answer 10

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

Question 11

power grip

Answer 11

a technique in which the stretcher or backboard is gripped by inserting each hand under the handle with the palm facing up and the thumb extended, fully supporting the underside of the handle on the curved palm with the fingers and thumb

Question 12

power lift

Answer 12

a lifting technique in which the EMT’s back is held upright, with legs bent and the patient is lifted when the EMT straightens the legs to raise the upper body and arms

Question 13

rapid extrication technique

Answer 13

a technique to move a patient from a sitting position inside a vehicle to supine one a backboard in less than 1 minute when conditions do not allow for standard immobilization

Question 14

scoop stretcher

Answer 14

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

Question 15

stair chair

Answer 15

a lightweight folding device that is used to carry a conscious, seated patient up or downstairs

Question 16

wheeled ambulance stretcher

Answer 16

a specially designed stretcher that can be rolled along the ground, a collapsable undercarriage allows it to be loaded into the ambulance; also called an ambulance stretcher