Lifting and

Moving
 Lifting and carrying are dynamic
processes. A patient can be moved to safety
in many different ways, but no one way is
best
 Emergency Move
Is the movement of a patient to a
safe place before initial assessment and
care is provided, typically because there
is some potential danger
 Non-emergency Move

Is the movement of a patient when

both the scene and the patient are
stable
 Generally, do NOT move an injured or ill person while
giving care except in the following situations:
• When faced with immediate danger such as fire, lack of
oxygen, risk of explosion or a collapsing structure. Give
care only when it can be done safely
• When there is a need to get to another person who may
have a more serious problem. In this case, a person with
minor injuries may be moved to reach
someone needing immediate care
• When it is necessary to give proper care.
Lifting and Moving
Guidelines
• Only attempt to move persons who you are sure you can
comfortably handle
• Bend your body at the knees and hips
• Lift with your legs, not with you back
• Walk carefully using short steps
• When possible, move forward rather than backward.
• Always look where you are going
• Support the victim’s head neck and back, if necessary
• If supine, lift and carry the patient’s entire body as one unit
• Avoid bending or twisting a victim with a possible
head, neck or back injury