First Responder EMS Curriculum for Training Centers in Eurasia

2. Prepare stretcher by unbuckling the straps and removing other items.3. Both rescuers stand between the bed and stretcher, facing the patient.4. The first rescuer slides one arm under the patient’s neck and cups the patient’sshoulder, sliding the other arm under the patient’s back.5. The second rescuer slides one hand under the hip and lifts slightly, then placeshis/her arms under the patient’s hips and calves.6. The rescuers then slide the patient to the edge of the bed.7. The patient is lifted and curled toward the rescuers’ chests.8. The rescuers carefully rotate and place the patient gently onto the stretcher.9. Always remember to use your legs, not your back, to lift the patient.10. Always remember to keep the patient’s weight as close to your body as possible.Draw Sheet Method1. Loosen the bottom sheet of the bed.2. Position the stretcher next to the bed.3. Prepare the stretcher by adjusting the height and unbuckling the straps. Lower therails, if present.4. Reach across the stretcher and grasp the sheet firmly at the patient’s head, chest,hips, and knees.5. Slide the patient on the sheet onto the stretcher.e. Patient PositioningThe First Responder also should follow certain guidelines when positioning patients.The first rule is to always suspect a spine injury in any trauma patient. Cervical-spineimmobilization and full-spine stabilization are the rule. If a patient is suspected ofhaving a traumatic injury to the head or back, or there is a significant mechanism ofinjury, the patient should not be moved until additional EMS resources arrive (cervicalcollar, backboard).In general, an unconscious patient without suspected trauma should be moved into therecovery position. The First Responder does this by rolling the patient onto his/her side(preferably the left). This position optimizes airway patency and circulation. A patientwho is experiencing pain or discomfort, or difficulty breathing, should be placed in aposition of comfort. Most patients having difficulty breathing will try to assume a sittingposition. A patient who is nauseated or vomiting also should be allowed to assume aposition of comfort. In all cases, the First Responder should be positioned appropriatelyto manage the patient’s airway.6. Equipment FamiliarityA vast array of EMS equipment may be used to lift and move patients. The First Respondershould be familiar with the equipment used in his/her local EMS system. The mostcommon equipment used by EMS systems includes stretchers/cots, portable stretchers,scoop stretchers, stair chairs, and long and short backboards. The First Responder mustpractice with the equipment used in the EMS system before using it in the field.48First Responder EMS Curriculum/AIHA, July 2002