FROM NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM

CONTENTS

TITLEPAGES

INTRODUCTION1OBJECTIVE2PURPOSES3BASIC PRINCIPLES3TYPE OF MOVES4PRINCIPLES FOR MOVING PATIENTS6EQUIPMENT FOR MOVING PATIENTS9GUIDELINES11CHECKLIST13DISCUSSION18CONCLUSION19REFENCES20EXAMPLES OF QUESTION21

INTRODUCTION

Thousands of patients are lifted and moved by EMTs and many EMTs are injured because they attempt to lift or move a patient improperly. A wide variety of patientconditions as well as circumstances affect how the patient is "packaged" for transport.Lifting and moving the patient is a critical skill and can range from a simple procedure to a complex operation. We must move the patient, keep the patient from beinginjured further, and protect themselves from any unnecessary injuries. Lifting and movingskills can be developed and improved through practice in a nonemergency environment, but some patient moving requires quick thinking and ingenuity. Engaging in practicalscenarios involving patient lifting and moving from a variety of emergency situations isimportant to hone a first responder’s skill level. You also need to be aware that you mayhave to devise an “out-of- the norm” plan on scene, and devise it quickly. Even the mostexceptional first responder treatment can be rendered ineffective if the patient is lifted or moved improperly.When lifting and moving, transferring or positioning patients, the most importantconsideration is safety. Any of these procedures need to be undertaken with it in mind.This safety is inclusive of both the patient and the health care worker. Communication isan important part of the lifting and moving process as the nurse should elicit informationfrom the client to find out how and when they prefer to be moved. This allows the patientto be involved in the decision making process and be fully aware of what is occurring. Bycommunicating with the client, the nurse is also aware of whether or not the patient isexperiencing any discomfort during or after the lift or move.The actions of lifting and moving, transferring or positioning need to becompleted for numerous reasons, including relief of pressure points. Due to the patient being in one position continuously, they are prone to the development of pressure areas.In terms of patient needs, being in the same position constantly is physicallyuncomfortable. However, mentally, a change in the immediate surroundings is also beneficial for the patient. It is also necessary for the patient to be moved for completion