Lifting and MovingLifting and Moving

Role of the EMRRole of the EMR Sometimes a victim must be rescued from a Sometimes a victim must be rescued from a

dangerous situation before care can be given.dangerous situation before care can be given. Always check a vehicle to stabilize it before Always check a vehicle to stabilize it before

providing care.providing care. Always attempt to access the victim in the Always attempt to access the victim in the

vehicle by using the simplest approach by trying vehicle by using the simplest approach by trying all doors and windows first.all doors and windows first.

Always ensure your safetyAlways ensure your safety Wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, Wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, gloves,

and protective eyewear, to keep you safe.and protective eyewear, to keep you safe. Several methods of moving a victim can be done Several methods of moving a victim can be done

simply and with little danger to you or the victim.simply and with little danger to you or the victim. Sometimes you may have to use/assist EMS Sometimes you may have to use/assist EMS

personnel in lifting and moving.personnel in lifting and moving.

Body Mechanics/Lifting Body Mechanics/Lifting TechniquesTechniques

Basic Guidelines for Moving Basic Guidelines for Moving VictimsVictims Only move a victim you can Only move a victim you can

safely handle.safely handle. Move as close to his/her body Move as close to his/her body

as possibleas possible Bend at knees and hipsBend at knees and hips Lift with your legs, not your Lift with your legs, not your

backback Take short stepsTake short steps Move forward when possibleMove forward when possible Look where you are walkingLook where you are walking Protect victim’s head, neck, Protect victim’s head, neck,

and back.and back. Communicate with helpersCommunicate with helpers

General Considerations for General Considerations for Moving a VictimMoving a Victim

The extent of damage at the sceneThe extent of damage at the scene The size of the victim(s)The size of the victim(s) Your physical abilityYour physical ability Whether other help is availableWhether other help is available The victim’s conditionThe victim’s condition Threat to lifeThreat to life

When in doubt, keep stabilized at the When in doubt, keep stabilized at the accident site until EMS personnel arriveaccident site until EMS personnel arrive

General Considerations for General Considerations for Moving a VictimMoving a Victim

Situations that might require you to Situations that might require you to move a victim move a victim beforebefore providing care providing care Immediate danger to rescuer or victimImmediate danger to rescuer or victim Access to a more seriously injured Access to a more seriously injured

victimvictim You must move victim to provide proper You must move victim to provide proper

carecare

Emergency MovesEmergency Moves Fire fighters carryFire fighters carry

Conscious and unconscious Conscious and unconscious patients – dangerous situationpatients – dangerous situation

Clothes dragClothes drag Good for head and neck Good for head and neck

injuriesinjuries Blanket dragBlanket drag

Good for head and neck – Good for head and neck – move quicklymove quickly

Shoulder dragShoulder drag Grasps the victims forearms Grasps the victims forearms

and dragand drag Pack-strap carryPack-strap carry

Conscious and unconscious Conscious and unconscious patientspatients

Keep arms crossed in front of Keep arms crossed in front of your bodyyour body

May require a second rescuerMay require a second rescuer

•Never pull the victim’s head away from the neck and shoulders

Non-urgent MovesNon-urgent Moves Direct liftDirect lift

May use more than 1 May use more than 1 rescuerrescuer

Support neck if Support neck if possiblepossible

Extremity liftExtremity lift Requires 2 rescuers Requires 2 rescuers

Direct carryDirect carry Stretcher and bedStretcher and bed

Draw sheet methodDraw sheet method

Victim PositioningVictim Positioning An unresponsive victim without trauma should be An unresponsive victim without trauma should be

moved into the recovery position.moved into the recovery position. A victim with trauma should not be moved until A victim with trauma should not be moved until

additional EMS resources arrive.additional EMS resources arrive. A victim with pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing A victim with pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing

should be allowed to assume a position of comfort.should be allowed to assume a position of comfort. EMRs should be ready to manage the victim’s airway.EMRs should be ready to manage the victim’s airway.

Familiarity with EquipmentFamiliarity with Equipment Stretchers and cotsStretchers and cots Portable stretchersPortable stretchers Stair chairsStair chairs Long and Short Long and Short

backboardsbackboards

Key PointsKey Points

Need to determine the risk of injury Need to determine the risk of injury to the patient and make a rationale to the patient and make a rationale decision on which move is the most decision on which move is the most appropriateappropriate

When there is When there is NO NO threat to the threat to the victim, victim, DO NOTDO NOT move move

Practice these every so often, so that Practice these every so often, so that you do not get rustyyou do not get rusty

Skill Practice: Emergency Skill Practice: Emergency MovesMoves

Bring your skill sheets to the practice areaBring your skill sheets to the practice area Get in groups of 3Get in groups of 3 Practice a walking assist, pack strap carry, Practice a walking assist, pack strap carry,

two-person seat carry, and clothes drag two-person seat carry, and clothes drag

AssignmentAssignment Review Chapters 1-6 in the textbookReview Chapters 1-6 in the textbook Review workbook Units 1-6Review workbook Units 1-6 Complete Assessment Exercise #1 dealing Complete Assessment Exercise #1 dealing

with Chapters 1-6with Chapters 1-6