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Questions and Answers
What is the primary reason for using good body mechanics when lifting or moving patients?
What is the primary reason for using good body mechanics when lifting or moving patients?
What should be done if a safe move of the patient cannot be accomplished?
What should be done if a safe move of the patient cannot be accomplished?
Who can you ask for assistance in a challenging situation when moving a patient?
Who can you ask for assistance in a challenging situation when moving a patient?
When moving a patient, what is important to consider about your limitations?
When moving a patient, what is important to consider about your limitations?
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In a normal situation, who should be prioritized for assistance when moving a patient?
In a normal situation, who should be prioritized for assistance when moving a patient?
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What should be the primary consideration when deciding to move a patient?
What should be the primary consideration when deciding to move a patient?
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Which body mechanics principle is recommended when lifting a patient?
Which body mechanics principle is recommended when lifting a patient?
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What is the advantage of pushing over pulling when moving something heavy?
What is the advantage of pushing over pulling when moving something heavy?
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When navigating stairs with a patient, what is an important strategy to ensure safety?
When navigating stairs with a patient, what is an important strategy to ensure safety?
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Which situation would most likely require an emergency move?
Which situation would most likely require an emergency move?
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What is a key aspect of using body mechanics effectively during patient movements?
What is a key aspect of using body mechanics effectively during patient movements?
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What strategy should be employed to maintain balance while moving a patient?
What strategy should be employed to maintain balance while moving a patient?
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How should communication be handled when moving a patient?
How should communication be handled when moving a patient?
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What is the primary function of the spinal board?
What is the primary function of the spinal board?
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Which patient movement technique involves the rescuer straddling the patient?
Which patient movement technique involves the rescuer straddling the patient?
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In what situation should an urgent move be utilized?
In what situation should an urgent move be utilized?
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What is a key characteristic of the stair chair?
What is a key characteristic of the stair chair?
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What type of patients are bariatric stretchers designed to accommodate?
What type of patients are bariatric stretchers designed to accommodate?
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What is the purpose of the blanket drag technique?
What is the purpose of the blanket drag technique?
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Which of the following is a vital consideration when using a gurney?
Which of the following is a vital consideration when using a gurney?
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What does the term 'urgent move' describe in patient transport?
What does the term 'urgent move' describe in patient transport?
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What is the main function of a power eye stretcher?
What is the main function of a power eye stretcher?
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Which situation may require the use of a single rescuer assist technique?
Which situation may require the use of a single rescuer assist technique?
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What is one main use of a scoop stretcher?
What is one main use of a scoop stretcher?
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What are blue pads on a backboard used for?
What are blue pads on a backboard used for?
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Which position is referred to as the recovery position?
Which position is referred to as the recovery position?
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What is the main purpose of a vacuum mattress?
What is the main purpose of a vacuum mattress?
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What does the semi-Fowler's position entail?
What does the semi-Fowler's position entail?
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During a patient transfer using the draw sheet method, what is essential for effective lifting?
During a patient transfer using the draw sheet method, what is essential for effective lifting?
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What does the term 'shock position' refer to?
What does the term 'shock position' refer to?
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What is a common method for moving a patient in case of no available devices?
What is a common method for moving a patient in case of no available devices?
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Why might placing a patient into full spinal precautions be less common now?
Why might placing a patient into full spinal precautions be less common now?
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What is the primary purpose of the Minto Breakaway flat?
What is the primary purpose of the Minto Breakaway flat?
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If a safe move of the patient cannot be accomplished, you should always ask passing bystanders for help.
If a safe move of the patient cannot be accomplished, you should always ask passing bystanders for help.
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Using good body mechanics is important when lifting or moving patients to prevent injury.
Using good body mechanics is important when lifting or moving patients to prevent injury.
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Working within your limitations while moving patients is not essential.
Working within your limitations while moving patients is not essential.
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Only in critical situations should you reach out for professional rescuers for assistance when moving a patient.
Only in critical situations should you reach out for professional rescuers for assistance when moving a patient.
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It is acceptable to plan how to lift or move a patient only if you feel confident in your abilities.
It is acceptable to plan how to lift or move a patient only if you feel confident in your abilities.
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Emergency moves should be utilized only when the scene is safe and stable.
Emergency moves should be utilized only when the scene is safe and stable.
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It is recommended to lift a patient with your back rather than your legs for better support.
It is recommended to lift a patient with your back rather than your legs for better support.
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When navigating stairs, communication and the use of a spotter are essential for safety.
When navigating stairs, communication and the use of a spotter are essential for safety.
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It is best to keep the weight far from your body when lifting to maintain balance.
It is best to keep the weight far from your body when lifting to maintain balance.
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Using a gurney is only necessary for patients who are mobile and require minimal assistance.
Using a gurney is only necessary for patients who are mobile and require minimal assistance.
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A closed drag technique involves pulling a patient while ensuring their head, neck, and back are aligned.
A closed drag technique involves pulling a patient while ensuring their head, neck, and back are aligned.
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Prolonged reaching should be encouraged when handling patients in order to increase efficiency.
Prolonged reaching should be encouraged when handling patients in order to increase efficiency.
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Pushing a load is generally considered to be less ergonomic than pulling it.
Pushing a load is generally considered to be less ergonomic than pulling it.
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The Long axis drag involves moving the patient with their head and neck in line with their body.
The Long axis drag involves moving the patient with their head and neck in line with their body.
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The firefighters drag method requires the rescuer to position themselves alongside the patient without any support.
The firefighters drag method requires the rescuer to position themselves alongside the patient without any support.
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Bariatric stretchers are designed exclusively for lightweight patients.
Bariatric stretchers are designed exclusively for lightweight patients.
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The stair chair can be used for patients who are alert and can maintain their balance.
The stair chair can be used for patients who are alert and can maintain their balance.
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The primary purpose of a spinal board is to secure a patient for transportation without addressing spinal immobilization.
The primary purpose of a spinal board is to secure a patient for transportation without addressing spinal immobilization.
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Urgent moves are utilized when there are no immediate life threats to the patient.
Urgent moves are utilized when there are no immediate life threats to the patient.
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Gurneys are equipped to seamlessly transition over rough terrain.
Gurneys are equipped to seamlessly transition over rough terrain.
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The blanket drag technique involves placing the patient onto a blanket before transporting them.
The blanket drag technique involves placing the patient onto a blanket before transporting them.
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The use of a power eye stretcher eliminates the need for rescuers to manually lift patients.
The use of a power eye stretcher eliminates the need for rescuers to manually lift patients.
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Assisting a patient off the football field can only be done with multiple rescuers.
Assisting a patient off the football field can only be done with multiple rescuers.
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The Stokes basket is primarily used for moving patients when they are being hoisted up into a helicopter.
The Stokes basket is primarily used for moving patients when they are being hoisted up into a helicopter.
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The scoop stretcher is not commonly used in L.A. County.
The scoop stretcher is not commonly used in L.A. County.
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The flexible stretcher is a more commonly used device compared to the Breakaway flat.
The flexible stretcher is a more commonly used device compared to the Breakaway flat.
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A vacuum mattress conforms to the patient's shape and provides support during transport.
A vacuum mattress conforms to the patient's shape and provides support during transport.
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The recovery position is also known as the right lateral position.
The recovery position is also known as the right lateral position.
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The shock position involves elevating the patient's legs 8 to 12 inches.
The shock position involves elevating the patient's legs 8 to 12 inches.
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Semi-Fowler's position means the head of the gurney is raised between 0 and 45 degrees.
Semi-Fowler's position means the head of the gurney is raised between 0 and 45 degrees.
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The draw sheet method requires coordinated effort from rescuers to lift and move a patient.
The draw sheet method requires coordinated effort from rescuers to lift and move a patient.
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The cervical collar is only mandated for patients with confirmed spinal injuries.
The cervical collar is only mandated for patients with confirmed spinal injuries.
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In a situation where a patient needs to be moved quickly, the extremity lift can be performed by a single EMT.
In a situation where a patient needs to be moved quickly, the extremity lift can be performed by a single EMT.
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Study Notes
Patient Movement Techniques in Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
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Pre-Move Considerations:
- Assess patient weight and physical limitations of EMTs/paramedics.
- Consider distance and destination; multiple moves may be needed.
- Communicate plan and roles to all involved.
- Seek additional resources (e.g., other ambulances, fire department) if needed. Consider system resources (e.g., Los Angeles County fire department response).
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Body Mechanics:
- Maintain shoulder-width stance.
- Lift with legs, not back.
- Avoid twisting or compensating with one hand.
- Keep weight close to body.
- Utilize appropriate devices for uneven terrain (stairs, etc.).
- Maintain a straight back when reaching away from the body.
- Avoid reaching more than 20 inches in front.
- Prevent prolonged reaching.
- Push rather than pull when possible.
- Keep weight centered; use kneeling position for low weight.
- Keep elbows bent and arms close to sides.
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Spotters for Safety:
- Use spotters for moving patients on stairs or uneven terrain, especially moving backwards.
- Spotters communicate steps remaining and maintain a steady pace and appropriate posture.
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Emergency Moves:
- Closed Drag (Long Axis Drag): Grab patient at the shoulder and pull along a straight line.
- Inclined Drag: Support patient under armpits and wrists, maintaining head, neck, and spine alignment.
- Firefighters Drag: Place patient on back, tie hands together, straddle, and crawl to exit; keep head low.
- Blanket Drag: Gather blanket, roll patient onto blanket, drag, keeping head lowered.
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Rescuer Assist Moves:
- Multiple rescuers support the patient for safer movement (e.g., walking or dragging out of hazardous areas).
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Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Moves:
- Urgent: Treatment only possible if patient moved; unsafe scene or life-threatening conditions. Often involves backboards.
- Non-Urgent: No immediate life threats; patient can be assessed and treated normally, with precautions.
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Moving Devices:
- Stretchers/Gurneys: For patient transport; power and manual options; bariatric stretchers for heavier/wider patients.
- Ramps: For loading/unloading patients.
- Stair Chairs: For moving patients up/down stairs; patient must be alert and able to maintain balance.
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Backboards/Spinal Boards:
- Use for spinal immobilization/motion restriction or to facilitate patient movement in tight spaces.
- Historical use focused on spinal immobilization.
- Short boards are used less often.
- Various devices like basket stretchers (Stokes basket), scoop stretchers, folding stretchers (breakaway flat) are also used.
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Vacuum Mattress: Conforms to patient's body for secure transport.
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Spinal Injuries: Use cervical collars and backboards if suspected spinal injury; complete spinal precautions are less frequent.
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Extirpatory Techniques: Extremity lifts, draw sheet method, to move patients from one surface to another with caution.
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Positioning:
- Recovery Position (Left Lateral): Appropriate for adequate breathing but unresponsive patients.
- Shock Position (Supine): Patient lay supine with no elevation or lowering of head or legs.
- Semi-Fowler's Position: Raise head of gurney to approximately 45 degrees; assists patients with breathing difficulties.
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Hospital Transfer: Use draw sheet method with multiple rescuers for safe transfer from ambulance stretcher/bed to hospital bed.
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General Guidelines:
- Plan each move, considering EMT/partner limitations.
- Prioritize patient and rescuer safety.
- Seek assistance with additional resources if needed. (e.g., bystanders if necessary)
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Description
This quiz focuses on the best practices for using proper body mechanics when lifting or moving patients. It also explores the importance of assessing personal limitations and knowing when to seek assistance in challenging situations. Ideal for nursing students and healthcare professionals engaged in patient care.
