Lifting and Transfers

Question 1

What are the reasons for correctly lifting a patient?

Answer 1

To prevent back injury as a physio and in order to correctly teach the patient or public the method of correct lifting

Question 2

Name principles of lifting and transfer

Answer 2

Assess the person to be lifted before commencing a lift

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

Never manually lift unless you have no other option

Know your own lifting capacity and never exceed it

Always select the appropriate lift and/or lifting equipment

Explain the lifting procedure to the person about to be lifted or any assisting lifter

The feet must be far enough apart

The knee should be bent, and the head and back held as straight as possible with chin tucked in

Use the palm of the hand, not just fingers

Avoid jerky movements

Lift by straightening the legs, giving the initial thrust
with the rear foot (feet placed at least hip width apart)

Never lift and twist at the same time

Question 3

What are the factors to be taken into consideration when 2 or more people lift together?

Answer 3

a) Be nearly the same height
b) Carry approximately the same weight
c) One person should give a clear signal
d) The stronger person should be at the head side

Question 4

What are the types of transfers?

Answer 4

Active, Assisted and Passive

Question 5

Name and explain the types of grips

Answer 5

Wrist Grip - Enables the lifters to take a secure grip of each other

Finger grip

Through arm lift grip - The patient should have power in at least one arm. Physio grips near the wrists (Should the pt not be able to grasp well then PT grips closer to the elbows)

Palm to palm thumb grasp - This can be used to
help the patient to stand, transfer or walk. The patient’s elbow must be kept in extension

Pelvic/Hip hold - Helper’s knees can be used to support the patient’s knee. Hands can also be placed palm up under the patient’s buttocks