Lifting & Moving Flashcards
What principles of body mechanics should you follow when lifting and moving an ill or injured person?
- Keep your back straight. Lift with the legs, not the back. Use the muscles in the legs, hips and buttocks and contract the muscles of your abdomen.
- If using a device like a stretcher or wheel chair to move an ill or injured person, maintain a firm grip on the device or the person including any other pieces of equipment being used to move the person being sure to never let go. Keep the person’s weight as close to your body as possible and maintain a low center of gravity. o
- Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions for the device you are using.
- Avoid twisting your body as you lift.
- Maintain a firm footing and walk in small measured steps.
- When possible, move forward rather than backward.
- Use good posture. Poor posture can fatigue your back and abdominal muscles, making you more prone to injuries.
There are a number of different techniques to move an ill or injured person to safety; no single technique is best. What moves are acceptable (providing that you can move a person without injuring yourself or causing further injury to the person)?
- Back in Locked-In Position
- Power Grip
- Power Lift
- Squat Lift
- Reaching
- Pushing and Pulling
- Carrying
What are some reminders on how to perform the Back in Locked-In Position method?
Always begin your lift facing the person or object and with your back in a locked-in position.
Keep your legs shoulder-width apart, head up, back straight and shoulders square.
Keep the weight of the person or object as close to your body as possible.
Tighten the muscles in your back and abdomen and keep your back straight while you lift.
Keep your arms locked and avoid twisting while carrying.
What are some reminders on how to perform the Power Grip method?
The power grip allows for maximum stability and strength from your hands.
To perform the power grip, grab the object so that both palms and fingers come in complete contact with the object.
All of your fingers should be bent at the same angle.
The power lift technique provides a stable move for the injured person while protecting you from serious injury. What are some reminders on how to perform the Power Lift method?
To perform the power lift correctly, remember to keep your back locked and avoid bending at the waist.
Position your feet, making sure they are on a flat surface and are a comfortable distance apart (usually shoulder width), and turned slightly outward to provide maximum comfort and stability.
Bend your knees. You should not feel like you are falling forward. o Tighten your back and abdominal muscles. Keep your back as straight as possible and do not twist or turn. Make sure your feet are flat and your weight is evenly distributed.
Position your hands. Use the power grip once your hands are in position. Grip the object in the way that is most comfortable and stable. For most people, that is approximately 10 inches apart.
Lift, keeping your back locked, and make sure your upper body lifts before your hips do.
Reverse the process to lower.
The squat lift is an alternative to the power lift, and is useful if one of your legs or ankles is weaker than the other. What are some reminders on how to perform the Squat Lift method?
Remember to avoid bending at the waist when performing this lift.
Stand with your weaker leg slightly forward. The foot on the weaker side should remain flat on the ground throughout the lift sequence.
Squat down until you can grasp the object. Use the power grip.
Push yourself up with your stronger leg. Keep your back locked and lead with your head, lifting your upper body before your hips.
Reverse the procedure to lower.
Responders will often have to reach for equipment or persons. To minimize the risk of injury, try to reposition the object to avoid reaching and lifting. If that is not possible, reach no more than 20 inches in front of your body. What are some reminders on how to perform the Reach method?
When reaching, keep your back in the locked position and do not twist.
Support your upper body with your free arm. When reaching overhead, do not lean back from the waist (hyperextending).
When Log Rolling a person, keep the following reaching principles in mind:
o The log roll is usually performed when a person is suspected of having a spinal injury. Ideally, four people working in tandem perform it.
o One responder is located at the person’s head, while two or three others perform the actual move.
o The person’s arms should be at their side with the legs straight and together.
o The responder at the person’s head directs the movement and maintains spinal motion restriction until the person is secured on the backboard (or other extrication device). The other responders roll the person onto the side, and onto the backboard.
o When performing a log roll, keep your back straight and lean from the hips, not the waist. Use the shoulder muscles whenever possible.
What are some reminders on how to perform the Push & Pulling method?
There may be instances when you will need to push or pull an object.
Push rather than pull whenever possible.
If pulling an object is necessary, keep your back locked and bend your knees slightly.
Keep the load between your shoulders and hips and close to your body. This will keep the pull line centered with your body.
If you need to push an object, try to push from the area between your waist and shoulders whenever possible.
If the weight is below waist level, push from a kneeling position, keeping your elbows bent and your arms close to your body. This will increase the force you can apply.
Avoid pushing or pulling objects overhead, as there is an inherent risk and likelihood of injury.
To minimize injury both to yourself and to ill or injured person, what guidelines do you need to follow when carrying a person?
Before lifting or carrying, estimate the total weight to be lifted or carried. Do not forget to include the weight of any equipment used in addition to the weight of the person.
Know your own physical abilities and limitations. Do not overestimate your abilities or those of your team members. Call for additional assistance if required. Do not proceed with a move until you can do so safely, regardless of your first instinct.
Communicate clearly and frequently with individuals you are working with and the ill or injured person.
When you carry, keep the weight as close to your body as possible, with your back in the locked-in position.
Bend and flex at your hips and knees rather than at your waist.
