DB 18-13 Gurney Safety Procedures

Question 1

To ensure operational safety, all members shall move patients secured to gurneys using a minimum of _____ Department members.

Answer 1

Two

Question 2

To ensure operational safety, all members shall secure patients to the gurney utilizing ALL provided shoulder, chest, and leg straps

What if the patient is unable to be secured using all gurney straps due to patient size, medical condition, or injury?

Answer 2

Require additional members to ensure patient safety

Question 3

To ensure operational safety, all members shall:

Prior to manipulation or re-positioning of the gurney, COMMUNICATION shall be made to all members and VISUAL INSPECTION shall be completed to ensure hands and body parts are free from any _________.

Answer 3

moving parts

Question 4

Use of the folding and extension handles when moving or lifting the gurney helps to:

Answer 4

-improve stability

-maintain proper lifting techniques

-lessens the chance of members’ fingers becoming pinched between moving parts

Question 5

When removing the gurney from the rescue ambulance, members shall ensure the gurney’s legs are fully down and in the locked position. This verification shall be VERBALIZED prior to removal of _________.

The same “wheels-down-and-locked” verification is required when lifting a gurney that had been?

Answer 5

the front loading wheels.

laid flat on the ground for patient loading

Question 6

What kind of patients are particularly at risk of injury while strapped (not “restrained”) to gurneys?

Answer 6

-Combative patients

-Patients with altered mental status

Question 7

Members assigned to rescue ambulances shall inspect gurneys how often?

Answer 7

at platoon change and after each use.

Question 8

Who shall be IMMEDIATLEY requested for investigation of any gurney accident resulting in patient or member injury?

Answer 8

-An EMS Battalion Captain

(In addition, the gurney shall be TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE and INSPECTED at the Supply and Maintenance Division. Documentation of the investigation shall be made by an appropriate entry within the Complaint Tracking System.)

Question 9

Members shall exercise due caution when operating rescue ambulance gurneys to prevent patient injury and/or damage to private property. Particular attention shall be used when engaged in any operation requiring:

Answer 9

-gurney movement

-patient repositioning

-when patients are transitioned on or off the gurney

-when the gurney is placed into or removed from rescue ambulances