CHAPTER 6
Lifting and
Moving Patients
Body Mechanics
Lifting
Body mechanics:
The principles of effective
movement used in lifting and
moving patients.
Use of proper body mechanics
reduces the EMS provider’s
chances of being injured.
Use your legs, NOT
your back!
Proper Lifting

Use a minimum of two people

Call for additional help if necessary

Use an even number of people to maintain
balance

Know the weight limitations of equipment

If the lifting situation is unsafe, don’t move
the patient

Keep weight as close to body as possible
Improper
Lifting -Back Bent
Improper
Lifting -Torso Twisted
Proper Lifting
Technique
Squat lift
(or power-lift).
Lifting a Stretcher
Squat, bending at the knees.
Lifting a Stretcher
continued
Use the power grip.
Lifting a Stretcher
continued
Stand up while
locking your back.
Carrying
Proper position for two
persons carrying a stretcher.
One-handed technique with
multiple rescuers.
Moving a
patient
with a stair
chair.
Procedures on Stairs

Carry patients head-first up stairs

Carry patients feet-first down stairs

Use a stair chair or sturdy kitchen chair

Keep back in locked position

Flex at hips, not waist

Keep weight and arms as close to your
body as possible
Take special
care when
moving
patients up or
down stairs.
Reaching
Proper Reaching

Keep back straight while leaning
over patient

Lean from the hips

Use shoulder muscles to help

Avoid twisting while reaching

Avoid hyper-extended position when
reaching overhead
Log Roll
Log Roll continued
Log Roll continued
Log Roll continued
Pushing and Pulling
Whenever possible,
PUSH rather than pull
a patient into position.
Principles of Moving
Patients
Emergency Moves
Emergency Move Considerations

Fire or danger of fire

Explosives or hazardous materials

Inability to protect patient from hazards

Inability to access other patients requiring
life-saving care

Other situations that have the potential for
causing injury

Inability to provide life-saving care due
to patient location or position
Always suspect a spinal
injury when moving a trauma
patient...
...especially if the
mechanism suggests it!
Clothing Pull Technique
Blanket Drag Technique
Pulling the patient under
the arms.
Patients must be moved rapidly in
the event of a hazardous situation.
Urgent Moves
Urgent Move Considerations

Unresponsive or incoherent
patient

Inadequate breathing

Signs and symptoms of severe
shock
Rapid Extrication
Patient’s head is brought into
a neutral in-line position.
Rapid Extrication continued
C-collar is placed after manual
stabilization established.
Rapid Extrication continued
Patient’s legs are freed and
then rotated onto backboard.
Rapid Extrication continued
After rotation, patient is
lowered onto the backboard.
Rapid Extrication continued
Head is immobilized before
moving the patient further.
Rapid Extrication continued
Patient is slid in short
increments until in position.
Nonurgent Moves
Direct Ground Lift
Direct Ground Lift continued
Direct Ground Lift continued
Extremity Lift
Extremity Lift continued
Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer
(Direct Carry)
Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer
(Direct Carry)
continued
Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer
(Direct Carry)
continued
Stretcher-to-Bed Transfer
(Draw Sheet Method)
Equipment
Stretchers and Cots
Wheeled
Stretcher
Portable Stretcher
Scoop Stretcher
Flexible Stretcher
Basket
Stretcher
C6-2
Stair Chair
Long Backboard
Short Boards
Patient
Positioning
Recovery Position
Patients with signs and
symptoms of hypoperfusion
should be placed in the
shock position.
Shock Position
Left Lateral Recumbent
Position
Pediatric
Safety
Seat
Pediatric Safety Seat continued
SUMMARY

Body Mechanics

Principles of Moving Patients

Equipment