If you're a nurse, occupational therapist or physical
therapist, lifting and moving patients is a big part of your job. You
need to use proper techniques to ensure your back's safety of your patients.
Try some of the following techniques when performing your on the job lifting
and moving tasks.
Turning the
patient over with a draw sheet:
(Draw sheet is placed under patient).
The patient's bed is positioned no
higher than your thigh region.
Lower bed rails if the patient
is safe enough.
Place the patient's crossed arms over
chest and cross patient's legs.
Place your knees on the bed near the
patient's shoulder.
Use the draw sheet and your
whole body to turn the patient toward you. Your back is in balance and
knees are bent.
Transferring the Patient from the bed to a wheelchair:
Set the bed to its lowest height
Lock the wheelchair's wheels
Use your knees to support the
patient's weak knees.
Keep your back balanced and knees
slightly bent. Rock the patient forward to a standing position.
bend your knees to turn the lower the
patient into the wheelchair.
The patient can hold onto your
shoulder or waist, not your neck, for support.
Pulling The
Patient Up From the Bed It's not easy as it looks. Use these tips to keep your back aligned to
prevent injuries:
The patients bed is positioned below
your waist.
Stand alongside the bed with knees
bent, feet wide apart and facing the direction you'll move patient.
Reach under the back and shoulders to
slide the patient up.
An able patient can push against
mattress with elbows or feet to help you.
Transferring The Patient from The Bed To A Gurney
Get a partner to help.
The bed and gurney must be next to
each other, locked in place, and adjusted to the same height.
To slide the patient more easily,
place a plastic bag under the draw sheet.
Put your knee on the gurney. you may
need to get on the bed to move the patient closer to the gurney.
Keep your back's three natural curves
aligned as you move the patient to the edge of the gurney and then into
the middle.
Dr. Monte Venis
2737 State Road 580
Clearwater, Fl, 33761
727-726-4743
(Across for the Countryside Highschool)
