Emergency Medicine Chapter 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'bariatric' refer to?

having to do with patients who are significantly over-weight or obese

What are 'body mechanics'?

proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving and prevent injury

What is a 'direct carry' method?

a method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher, during which two or more rescuers curl the patient to their chests then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher

What is a 'direct ground lift'?

method of lifting and carrying a patient from ground level to a stretcher in which two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, then reverse the process to lower the patient to the stretcher Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'draw-sheet method' involve?

method of transferring a patient from bed to stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'extremity lift' method?

method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient's armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient's knees Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'power grip'?

gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted, all fingers bent at the same angle, and hands at least 10 in apart Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'power lift' technique.

lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and back locked in; upper body is raised before the hips Signup and view all the answers

What are 'emergency moves'?

maneuvers such as blanket drag, shirt drag, or armpit-forearm drag used in critical situations Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST important thing to do to prevent injury when moving patients?

know your limitations Signup and view all the answers

What is one key to preventing injury while lifting or moving?

not compensating when lifting with one hand Signup and view all the answers

What must always be present among team members when moving an obese patient over a long distance?

communication Signup and view all the answers

In an emergency move, which direction should the patient be moved to minimize spinal injury?

the long axis of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'bariatric ambulance'?

an ambulance that is specially equipped to handle obese patients Signup and view all the answers

Which patient could be transported on a stair chair?

a patient who is having difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

What position should an unresponsive patient with no spinal injury be placed in?

recovery Signup and view all the answers

Where should the weight of the object being lifted be positioned?

as close to the body as possible Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an emergency move?

to change a patient's position so that CPR can be performed Signup and view all the answers

What should NOT be done when transferring a patient from bed to a stair chair?

do not use the device for unresponsive patients Signup and view all the answers

What techniques are used for moving a patient experiencing an immediate life threat?

urgent moves Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about body mechanics is true?

use your legs to lift Signup and view all the answers

What is an indication for an emergency move?

you are unable to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care Signup and view all the answers

Which factors should be considered before lifting any patient?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is 'body mechanics'?

proper use to prevent injury; consider the object, your limitations, and communication Signup and view all the answers

What are 'emergency moves' used for?

situations where the scene is hazardous or life-threatening conditions require repositioning Signup and view all the answers

What are 'urgent moves'?

techniques for moving a patient who must be moved quickly for treatment of a serious injury Signup and view all the answers

What describes a 'non-urgent move'?

the patient is stable and can be assessed and treated in a normal way Signup and view all the answers

What are 'patient carrying devices'?

stretcher (or any device) designed to carry patient safely to ambulance or hospital Signup and view all the answers

How should you move patients onto carrying devices if they have a suspected spine injury?

immobilize head, neck, and spine before moving Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'recovery position'?

patient on side Signup and view all the answers

What is 'shock positioning'?

supine position; do not lower head nor raise legs Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Patient Transfer Techniques

Bariatric: Refers to patients who are significantly over-weight or obese.
Body Mechanics: Involves using the body properly to facilitate patient lifting, moving, and injury prevention.
Direct Carry: A method for transferring a patient from bed to stretcher, involving rescuers curling the patient to their chests before lowering to the stretcher.
Direct Ground Lift: Lifting a patient from the ground to a stretcher by kneeling, curling, standing, and reversing the process.
Draw-Sheet Method: Involves pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed to transfer a patient to a stretcher.
Extremity Lift: A technique where one rescuer lifts under the patient's armpits while another handles the knees.

Lifting Techniques

Power Grip: Optimal gripping technique using maximum hand surface contact, fingers bent at the same angle, and hands spaced at least 10 inches apart.
Power Lift: A lift from a squat position where the weight is kept close to the body, feet flat on the ground, and back locked.
Emergency Moves: Quick maneuvers such as blanket drag or armpit-forearm drag are used when immediate action is required in critical situations.

Safety and Limitations

Know Your Limitations: Essential for preventing personal injury; overestimating lifting ability can lead to accidents.
Communication: Vital during team operations, especially while lifting obese patients to ensure coordination.
Avoid Twisting: Keep your back straight and locked to prevent injury when lifting heavy objects.

Special Considerations

Spinal Injury Prevention: Move patients along the long axis of the body to minimize aggravation during an emergency.
Bariatric Ambulance: Specifically designed for transporting obese patients safely.
Stair Chair Use: Suitable for patients who are responsive but may have difficulty breathing.

Emergency and Urgent Moves

Emergency Moves: Required when environmental danger exists or when needing to access other patients quickly.
Urgent Moves: Necessary when immediate treatment can only occur after moving the patient due to life-threatening conditions.

Non-Urgent Moves

Non-Urgent Moves: For stable patients with no immediate threats; involves careful assessment before moving.
Patient Carrying Devices: Include various stretchers (wheeled, manual, bariatric), stair chairs, and spine boards designed for safe transportation.

Recovery Position

Recovery Position: Patient positioned on their side for safety and comfort, particularly important for unresponsive individuals without spinal injuries.

Shock Positioning

Shock Positioning: Refers to placing the patient in a supine position without elevating the head or legs to promote blood flow.

General Principles for Patient Movement

Always ensure the patient’s weight is kept as close to the body as possible when lifting.
Different transfer techniques are suited to varying patient conditions and environments, requiring adaptability and awareness from the rescuers.

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Description

Test your knowledge on lifting and moving patients with these flashcards from Emergency Medicine Chapter 3. Learn key terms and concepts related to proper body mechanics and bariatric considerations for patient care.