Patient Lifting and Moving Techniques for Safe Handling

Lifting and Moving Patients 1 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Module Outcomes On completion of this topic you will be able to: List different types of patient lifting and moving equipment available Identify the dangers associated with moving a patient Safely assist in moving a patient Use correct manual handling techniques List the steps required to perform before performing a lift Demonstrate the ability to identify problems that may occur prior to lifting or moving a patient. 2 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Considerations It is important to consider a number of factors including the following: dangers weight of object/patient personal safety physical surroundings available equipment available human resources nature of illness or injury the patient s ability to help move themselves 3 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Techniques When assessing for manual handling there are techniques that need to be discussed and assessed. Never lift alone Always plan the move Use appropriate equipment Don t become the patient 4 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Techniques Specific to patients Patients can often assist themselves When lifting or moving a patient with others, co-ordinate your moves Always think about the position of the patient at the start and end if you have to lift Ensure the stretcher or wheelchair is close to the patient 5 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Principles of lifting General principles The hazards associated with lifting are reduced with correct use of these principles: 1. assess environment 2. assess the weight to be moved 3. explain techniques to be used with all involved 4. use lifting devices where available 5. position both feet slightly apart to ensure stability and balance 6. face the direction of the item to be lifted 6 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Principles of lifting General principles continued: one person gives commands but all work as a team maintain a straight back and bend at the knees with maximum use of leg muscles lift the weight close to your centre of gravity, with arms close to the body and a firm grip use less effort by using rolling, turning or pushing where possible, use body weight to create momentum and move forward as lift is made 7 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Principles of lifting Principles when moving patients The hazards associated with lifting are reduced with correct use of these principles: assess environment before lifting to ensure clear access assess the weight of the patient to be moved explain techniques to be used with all involved explain techniques to be used to the patient use lifting devices where available seek patient cooperation before proceeding position both feet slightly apart to ensure stability and balance 8 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Principles of lifting Principles when moving patients continued: one person gives commands but all work as a team maintain a straight back and bend at the knees with maximum use of leg muscles lift the weight close to your centre of gravity, with arms close to the body and a firm grip use a patient sliding device for transfers where appropriate Depending on the type of lift determines the direction faced prior to the lift 9 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Equipment Equipment for moving physical resources Trolley Stair walker Hoist Equipment for moving patients Stretchers Wheelchairs Extraction chairs Note: When moving patients we have to consider equipment attached to the patient and how that may impact on how we lift or move them. 10 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients

Stretcher A member should coordinate or lead the lifting and moving process stand at each corner of stretcher facing direction of travel carry stretcher feet first with leader at head end leader says prepare to lift all squat down and grasp handles leader says lift all lift steadily keeping arms straight and weight close to body leader says move all step off on the foot nearest stretcher September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 11

Use of a Scoop Stretcher gain consent from the patient explain procedure check that the weight of the patient does not exceed maximum load limit position prepared stretcher position members according to the patient s injuries and access, preferably one at each corner position scoop beside patient, nose lined up with middle of head section of stretcher September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 12

Use of a Scoop Stretcher adjust length at foot section beyond feet re-engage locks when desired length obtained split scoop at joins position halves as required slide halves under the patient until you can engage couplings ensure injuries are stabilised before movement secure the patient on scoop if required September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 13

Spine Board (Log roll) Explain procedure to patient Apply a cervical collar One team member holds head in neutral position Team members roll patient towards them Leader places board beside patient Patient slowly rolled back onto board Secure the patient to board Lift patient and board onto stretcher September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 14

Carry Chairs Conscious patients that are unable to move or support themselves can be moved in carry chairs over short distances If able, ask the patient to move onto the chair September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 15

Wheelchair Explain procedure to patient Place chair next to patient If able, patient can move onto chair with assistance If unable, use the fore and aft method If straps available, use to secure patient to chair September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients 16

Questions? 17 September 2013 Lifting Moving Patients