First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

Skill Descriptions: Lifting and Moving PatientsNote: All skills assume proper precautions are already taken, includinggloves and face mask if appropriate.1. Safety Precautions1. Use legs, not back, to lift.2. Keep weight as close to body as possible.2. Guidelines for Lifting1. Consider weight of patient and the need for additional help.2. Know physical ability and limitations.3. Lift without twisting.4. Have feet positioned properly.5. Communicate clearly and frequently with partner and other emergency medical serviceproviders.3. Emergency Moves1. Pull on the patient's clothing in the neck and shoulder area.2. Put the patient on a blanket and drag the blanket.3. Put your hands under the patient's armpits (from the back), grasp the patient's forearms,and drag the patient.4. Never pull the patient's head away from the neck and shoulders.4. Non-Urgent Movesa. Direct ground lift1. Two or three rescuers line up on one side of the patient.2. Rescuers kneel on one knee (preferably the same for all rescuers).3. The patient's arms are placed on his/her chest if possible.4. The rescuer at the head places one arm under the patient's neck and shoulder andcradles the patient's head. The rescuer places his/her other arm under the patient'slower back.5. The second rescuer places one arm under the patient's knees and one arm above thebuttocks.6. If a third rescuer is available, he/she should place both arms under the waist and theother two rescuers slide their arms either up to the mid-back or down to the buttocksas appropriate.7. On signal, the rescuers lift the patient to their knees and roll the patient in towardtheir chests.8. On signal, the rescuers stand and move the patient to the stretcher.9. To lower the patient, reverse the steps.b. Extremity lift1. One rescuer kneels at the patient's head and one kneels at the patient's side by theknees.First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002 289