CHAPTER

6The Role of the Emergency Medical

Technician

Lifting and Moving Patients Safely

Lifts, Drags, Takedowns, and Carries

Transporting Patients Safely

Transportation Equipment

This chapter focuses on the correct tech-niques, equipment, and positioning for mov-ing a patient safely and effectively in a vari-ety of situations and locations. ■

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After completing this chapter, the EMT student will be able to do the following:

1 Define body mechanics.2 Discuss the importance of safety in lifting or moving a patient.3 Identify the situations in which an emergency move is indicated.4 Identify the situations in which a nonemergency move is indicated.5 Understand the importance of patient positioning, the various types of

patient positioning, and the indications for each type.6 Discuss the importance of patient safety restraints.7 Discuss the various types of transportation devices used in moving patients

in the prehospital environment.8 Demonstrate the various emergency moves.9 Demonstrate the various nonemergency moves.

10 Demonstrate patient positioning based on the patient’s condition.11 Discuss the importance of patient safety restraints.12 Select and demonstrate the use of the various types of equipment used to

move patients in the prehospital environment.

6

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Lifting andMoving Patients

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■ THE ROLE OF THEEMERGENCY MEDICALTECHNICIAN

The goal of emergency medical services interventionis the delivery of the patient to definitive care. There-fore the emergency medical technician (EMT) mustpossess the knowledge and ability to perform thelifts, moves, carries, and drags necessary to meet thisgoal. This chapter focuses specifically on emergencymoves, nonemergency moves, patient positioning,

and the equipment used by the EMT in lifting andmoving patients. Understanding, practicing, andmastering this miniarsenal of skills will go a long wayin protecting the patient and the rescuers from un-necessary additional injuries or worse.

■ LIFTING AND MOVINGPATIENTS SAFELY

Body MechanicsOne of the most common injuries incurred by emer-gency medical services responders while on the job isback strain. Often such injuries are the result of im-proper lifting and moving techniques. The safest andmost effective way to use your body while lifting ormoving a patient is referred to as using body me-chanics. Using proper body mechanics and consider-ing a few simple questions can help protect you andyour partner when you attempt to move a patient:

• Is the patient accessible?• Can my partner and I lift or move the weight of

the patient?• Can my partner and I safely overcome the obsta-

cles or terrain while we are moving the patient?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” orif the EMT feels unsure, it is always best to get addi-tional help for moving a patient.

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“How will you get me down those stairs?” Louiseasked Elizabeth, her voice filled with fear andpain.

Elizabeth smiled and patted Louise’s hand.“You let us worry about that, Mrs. Greenbaum. Wehave equipment that will help us get you downthose stairs safely.”

Louise had fallen earlier in the day, stumblingover a loose rug in the hallway. Landing on herright side, she could feel her hip pop and a sud-den searing pain that went down her right leg. Shetried to sit up, but the pain only got worse. Thedownstairs neighbor heard her calling out for help

and called 911 and then helped the ambulancecrew enter the apartment by using a key. Once in-side, Elizabeth quickly determined that Mrs.Greenbaum apparently has dislocated her right hipduring her fall. They would need to extricate thepatient down two flights of narrow stairs while thepatient had to remain lying flat.

Question: Will Mrs. Greenbaum need to be movedurgently? Given the situation, what would you con-sider using to bring Mrs. Greenbaum safely downthe stairs as comfortably as possible?

You and your partner are dispatched to a homefor a patient with difficulty breathing. You findthe patient, a 60-year-old man who weighs ap-proximately 240 lb (110 kg), sitting on a chair inthe tripod position and complaining of shortnessof breath that started about 15 minutes ago. Youcomplete your patient’s medical history, assess-ment, and treatment and wish to move the pa-tient to your collapsed wheeled stretcher, whichyou have placed next to the patient. What tech-nique would you use to move this patient? Inwhat position would you place the patient? Whyis patient positioning important?

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Principles of Lifting and MovingTo protect himself or herself and safely move a pa-tient, the EMT should always follow these guidelineswhile lifting or moving patients:

• Avoid reaching more than 20 inches in front ofyou.

• Avoid reaching for a prolonged amount of time.• When possible, push something, rather than pull

it.• Use your legs and not your back to lift. Bend at the

knees and use the stronger muscles of the legs in-stead of the weaker back muscles (Fig. 6-1).

• Keep the weight of what you are lifting as close toyour body as possible (Fig. 6-2).

• Move your body as a single unit.• When carrying a patient up a flight of stairs, carry

the patient head first. While going down stairs,carry the patient feet first.

• If possible, have backup help available to maneu-ver a patient through difficult terrain, past obsta-cles, or up or down stairways.

■ LIFTS, DRAGS,TAKEDOWNS,AND CARRIES

Wheeled Stretcher OperationsThe wheeled stretcher (Fig. 6-3) is the most commonmeans of transporting the patient to definitive care.

Hand position plays an important role in control-ling the stretcher while hoisting or lowering. Thepower grip is the most effective way to accomplishthis control. To hoist or lower the stretcher, place thehands approximately 10 inches apart, with the palmsup and the fingers completely wrapped around thelift bar (Fig. 6-4).

CHAPTER 6 ■ Lifting and Moving Patients 123

Fig. 6-1 Bend at the knees and remember to lift withthe leg muscles and not the back muscles.

Fig. 6-2 Keep the weight of what you are lifting asclose to your body as possible.

Fig. 6-3 Wheeled stretchers.

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The power lift is the safest and most effective wayto lift a heavy object using proper body mechanics.While performing the power lift, it is important to re-member to do the following:

• Keep your back locked and tighten your abdomi-nal muscles.

• Feet should be shoulder-width apart and com-fortably secure.

• Keep the lift as vertical as possible to avoid bend-ing at the waist.

Skill 6-1 details the step-by-step process of thehead and foot method using the power grip andpower lift to hoist the stretcher from its down posi-tion. Skill 6-2 shows the side-to-side method for lift-ing a stretcher using the power grip and power lift.This same technique can be used while lifting or low-ering a backboard or other similar device. These toolswill be discussed later in this chapter.

Emergency MovesJust as the name implies, emergency moves are tech-niques designed to move a patient from an unsafeenvironment in which additional injury to the pa-tient, or injury to the EMTs, could result. Situationsthat merit an emergency move include the following:

• Fire or threat of fire• Violence or threat of violence• Explosives or the danger of explosion• Imminent collapse of a structure• Other hazards such as traffic, electrical, or chemical

The EMT also could encounter situations that arenot immediately dangerous to the patient or himselfor herself but still require an emergency move to pro-vide adequate care:

• A patient in critical condition in a confined spacein which there is not enough room to work.

• A patient in critical condition positioned in such away as to prevent effective care. For example, a pa-tient in cardiac arrest sitting in a chair needs to bemoved to a hard, flat surface in a supine position.

• A patient in noncritical condition who must bemoved in order to gain access to a patient who isin critical condition. This usually occurs at thescene of a motor vehicle collision.

These situations, and possibly others, require theEMT to make quick decisions regarding moving thepatient. The EMT must remember that these movesare not designed to protect the patient from injuryand may cause additional pain to the patient. Rather,these moves are designed only for situations in whichthere is a threat to life unless the patient is moved toa safer environment.

DragsEmergency drags can be modified for one- or two-rescuer use depending on the circumstances. For ex-

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Fig. 6-4 Power grip for hoisting a stretcher.

The crew carefully moved Mrs. Greenbaum onthe orthopedic stretcher, after padding it withsheets and blankets. It took some time to fit thestretcher around the patient, but because shehad stable vital signs and no other major injurythat required rapid transport, Elizabeth decidedthat it was critical to minimize the patient’s painand fears before and during the extricationprocess.

With the final straps in place, the crew pre-pared to lift Mrs. Greenbaum and maneuverthemselves down the stairway.

Question: If you were part of the crew, what aresome lifting techniques to keep in mind as youmove down the stairway?

continued

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SKILL 6-1Power Lift: Head and Foot Method

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1. Emergency medical technicians using properbody mechanics and power grip to hoiststretcher. Remember to lift with your LEGS andnot your BACK.

2. Simultaneously lift the stretcher until you hear itlock into place.

3. One emergency medical technician pushes thestretcher into the ambulance while the otherguides it to the locking mechanism.

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SKILL 6-2Power Lift: Side-to-Side Method

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1. Some stretchers require the emergency medicaltechnicians to be positioned on the sides of thestretcher instead of the head and foot.

2. Remember to lift with your legs and not yourback.

3. While loading the stretcher into the ambulance,use a “shuffle step” and do not cross one leg overthe other because this will cause twisting of theback.

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ample, in the event of multiple patients, each EMTmay be required to move a patient on his or her own,whereas a single patient could be moved by twoEMTs. In either case, it is important to stabilize thehead and neck of the patient as much as possible dur-ing the drag. Time may prohibit the use of a cervicalcollar and long backboard. Thus the EMT must re-member to move the body as a single unit as much aspossible. While moving the patient, the EMT alsomust remember to move along the long axis (length)of the patient. Skill 6-3 demonstrates several emer-gency drags one or two EMTs could use.

CarriesA carry, as the name implies, involves supportingpart or all of the patient’s weight while moving himor her. For this reason, it is recommended that tworescuers carry the patient. Granted, a patient could becarried by a single rescuer, provided that rescuercould support the weight of the patient adequatelyand safely while moving. Skill 6-4 demonstrates a va-riety of one- and two-person carries.

Standing Backboard TechniquesThe standing backboard techniques can be qualifiedas emergency moves and as nonemergency moves,depending on the presenting situation. For example, apatient found standing in the middle of an area thatjust sustained an explosion needs to be removedquickly while protecting the patient’s spine. This qual-ifies as an emergency move. However, the patientfound out of his or her vehicle, walking around thescene of a motor vehicle collision but complaining ofhead and neck pain, would not fall necessarily intothe category of a true emergency move. In this in-stance, the patient may have sustained a spinal injury.To have the patient sit or lie on the wheeled stretcherwhen he or she is found standing is inappropriate.Asking a patient to sit or lie changes the patient’s cen-ter of gravity and could transform a minor injury intoa major one. For this reason, any patient found stand-ing after a motor vehicle collision and complainingof head, neck, or back pain or with signs of a positionmechanism of injury should be placed on a back-board while standing.

The concept and skills of complete spinal immo-bilization will be covered later in this text. In the con-text of this chapter, however, when simply movingthe patient from one point to another, the EMT mustremember that his or her primary consideration is toremove the patient from the dangerous environmentfirst and then to immobilize the patient completely

once he or she is in a safe area. The EMT must realizethat the skills shown in this chapter only minimallyprotect the integrity of the spine. The technique forapplying a backboard to a patient who is standing isdemonstrated in Chapter 29.

Rapid ExtricationOccasionally, the EMT is faced with having to care fora patient in critical condition in a confined space (e.g.,inside a vehicle). The extrication devices, shown laterin this chapter, are time-consuming to apply andshould be used only on a stable patient. When facedwith an unstable patient when time is critical, when asafe scene is becoming unsafe, or when a stable pa-tient must be moved to attend to a more seriously in-jured patient, the EMT should rely on rapid extrica-tion. Rapid extrication is the quick but safe manner toremove a patient from an area to provide meaningfulintervention. Rapid extrication can be performed withtwo or more rescuers. The technique for three-personrapid extrication is shown in Chapter 29.

Nonemergency MovesNonemergency moves are performed when there isno immediate threat to the patient’s life or the safetyof the patient and the rescuers. Nonemergencymoves are those used most often by EMTs in thecourse of their work. These moves include transfer-ring a patient from his or her own bed to thestretcher, from the ground to the stretcher or back-board, and from the wheeled stretcher to the hospi-tal gurney. The decision of which move to use, onceagain, depends on the presenting situation. If theEMTs feel that the patient’s spine has not been com-promised, then the direct ground lift or logroll with-out spinal precautions should be used, dependingon whether the patient is prone or supine. Skills 6-5,6-6, 6-7, and 6-8 demonstrate the various nonemer-gency moves. If the potential for spinal involvementexists, then the logroll using spinal precautionsshould be used. See Chapter 29 for additional skillsinvolving spinal precautions.

■ TRANSPORTINGPATIENTS SAFELY

Once definitive prehospital care has been given, thenext goal of emergency medical services is the safedelivery of the patient to an appropriate facility. Notonly should the EMT be aware of the medical needs

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SKILL 6-3One- and Two-Rescuer Emergency Drags

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One-person clothing drag. Two-person clothing drag.

One-person blanket drag. Two-person blanket drag.

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SKILL 6-3One- and Two-Rescuer Emergency Drags—continued

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One-person upper extremity drag. One-person modified upper extremity drag.

Incline drag. Firefighter’s drag.

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SKILL 6-4One- and Two-Person Carries

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Pack strap carry. The emergency medical techniciangrasps the patient’s arms around his or her neck andpulls the patient onto his or her back.

One-person cradle carry. This carry should be usedon children and lighter adults.

Piggyback carry. Firefighter carry.

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SKILL 6-4One- and Two-Person Carries—continued

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One-person assist. Support and steady the patient bygrasping the patient’s hand and supporting the pa-tient with the emergency medical technician’s otherarm.

Two-person cradle carry. Not only can this carry beused to move a patient to safety, but also it can beused to move a patient from a sitting position.

Two-person assist. Each emergency medical techni-cian must have a firm grasp of the patient’s wrist.

Two-person extremity carry. In an emergency situa-tion, a patient can be carried down a flight of stairs oran incline. Remember to carry the patient feet first.

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SKILL 6-5Direct Ground Lift*

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1. Two or three providers line up on one side of thepatient. Providers kneel on one knee (preferablythe same for all providers).

2. The provider at the head places one arm underthe patient’s neck and shoulder and cradles thepatient’s head while placing the other arm underthe patient’s lower back. The second providerplaces one arm under the patient’s knees and theother under the patient’s lower legs. The thirdprovider places arms above and below the waist.

3. On signal, the rescuers lift the patient to theirknees and roll the patient in toward their chests.

4. On signal the rescuers stand and move the patient.

5. To lower the patient, the steps are reversed.

*NOTE: The direct ground lift should be used only on lighter patients who have no suspected spinal injury. A minimum of threeproviders is necessary.

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SKILL 6-6Extremity Lift

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1. One provider kneels at the patient’s head and an-other kneels at the patient’s side by the knees. Theprovider at the head places one hand under eachof the patient’s shoulders and grasps the patient’swrists. The provider at the foot slips his or herhands under the patient’s knees. Both providersmove up to a crouching position.

2. The providers stand up simultaneously and movewith the patient.

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SKILL 6-7Draw Sheet Transfer

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1. Two emergency medical technicians positionedon each side of the patient roll the edges of thesheet.

2. Lifting together on a three count, the technicianslift and move the patient to the adjacent bed orstretcher.

3. The patient is lowered gently onto the adjacentbed or stretcher.

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SKILL 6-8Logroll with No Suspected Spine Injury

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1. The three providers line up on the same side ofthe patient and are down on one or two knees.The provider at the head grasps the patient’s armsand shoulders. The middle provider grasps thepatient’s torso and upper leg while the provider atthe feet grasps the patient’s feet and hips.

2. On the count of the person at the head, theproviders roll the patient as a single unit towardthemselves. From this position the patient’s ante-rior can be assessed or the patient can be rolledcompletely over to a supine position.

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of the patient, but also he or she should be aware ofthe patient’s need for comfort and safety during thetransport phase of the call. Patient positioning, de-pending on the patient’s particular needs, and the useof safety restraint devices fulfill those needs.

Patient PositioningThe position in which a patient is found, the patient’slevel of consciousness, the type of mechanism of ill-ness or injury, and how the patient feels most com-fortable will determine how the EMTs will transportthe patient. The EMT must know how to position apatient for transport because it is an important partof the documentation record on the narrative portionof the patient run sheet. For example, “Transportedthe patient in the position of comfort,” tells the nurseor physician that the patient not only was cared forproperly but also was made as comfortable as possi-ble during transport.

Position of ComfortUnless a patient has a specific condition that war-rants transporting in a particular way (e.g., an immo-bilized patient), the best way to transport a consciouspatient is in the position of comfort. The EMT mustpossess effective communication skills in order to as-sist the patient in finding that most comfortable po-sition. Fig. 6-5 shows a patient with an isolated wristinjury that has been splinted, and the patient is beingtransported in the position of comfort.

Recovery PositionWhen treating an unconscious patient, protecting thepatient’s airway is of primary concern because the pa-tient is not capable of protecting it. The recovery po-

sition (Fig. 6-6) is the best method for the EMT to ac-complish this protection. The recovery position al-lows the EMT access to the patient’s airway and willassist in removing possible obstructions, such asblood or vomit.

Fowler’s and Semi-Fowler PositionsPatients in respiratory distress, nauseated or vomitingpatients, or patients experiencing dizziness or othermedical problems are most often comfortable sittingupright in varying degrees while being treated andtransported. For patients being treated and trans-ported in the Fowler’s position, the head of thewheeled stretcher is elevated to 45 to 60 degrees. Thisis the most common position for transporting pa-tients in respiratory distress. Fig. 6-7 shows a patientbeing transported in the Fowler’s position.

The semi-Fowler position is for those patientswho wish the head of the stretcher to be lower for in-creased comfort. In this position, the head of thewheeled stretcher is raised to 30 degrees. Fig. 6-8shows a patient in the semi-Fowler position.

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Fig. 6-5 Placing a patient in the position of comfortmay make an unpleasant situation more tolerable andless painful.

Fig. 6-6 Recovery position.

60°

45°

Fig. 6-7 Fowler’s position.

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Laterally Recumbent PositionCertain medical conditions, discussed later in this text,require a patient to be transported on his or her side,with the head of the stretcher flat. Often patients alsowill feel more comfortable while lying on their side, of-ten with their knees bent upward. This position oftransport is called the laterally recumbent position.This position is documented by the side on which a pa-tient is lying: left laterally recumbent or right laterallyrecumbent. Fig. 6-9 shows a patient being transportedin the left laterally recumbent position.

Patient Safety RestraintsMost states require some form of safety restraint de-vice while transporting adult and pediatric patients,whether they are on the wheeled stretcher or thebench seat of the ambulance. Wheeled stretchersshould have three restraint straps: one for the chestthat should be secure but not so tight as to preventadequate expansion of the patient’s chest, one at thewaist, and one at the legs (Fig. 6-10).

Pediatric patients should be transported in an ap-proved child restraint seat (Fig. 6-11). If a child is foundin a restraint seat (e.g., at the scene of a motor vehiclecollision), it is appropriate for the EMT to remove theseat from the vehicle with the child in it to transporthim or her, provided the seat is not damaged.

CHAPTER 6 ■ Lifting and Moving Patients 137

30°

Fig. 6-8 Semi-Fowler position.

Fig. 6-9 Left laterally recumbent position.

Fig. 6-10 A patient safely secured for transport.

Fig. 6-11 Approved child restraint seat.

In most states, child restraint laws do not ex-clude ambulances. When transporting achild who falls within the scope of the law,the child must be in an approved car seatunless the child cannot be seated because oftreatment or immobilization issues. A carseat can be belted onto the stretcher or theattendant seat. Many ambulances carry aninflatable car seat for this purpose, or youalso can use a car seat the child’s family mayhave in their car.

Pediatric Consideration

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■ TRANSPORTATIONDEVICES

Emergency medical technicians have a variety ofequipment available to them to assist in lifting andmoving patients. Local protocol generally dictateswhat equipment is available and in what situationsthe equipment can be used. The EMT should be-come familiar with the operation and use of all the

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Whenever possible, first place an open blan-ket in the stair chair, and then place the pa-tient onto the chair. Wrap the blanket aroundthe patient with the patient’s arms under theblanket before strapping the patient in thechair. This will prevent the patient from“helping you” by grabbing the railing andalso will help you lift the patient from thechair to your stretcher.

When moving patients who are immobilized,remember to cover and protect their facefrom rain, snow, and bright sun.

Fig. 6-12 Wheeled stretcher.

Fig. 6-13 Scoop stretcher.

Fig. 6-14 Portable stretcher.

Fig. 6-15 Basket stretcher.

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CHAPTER 6 ■ Lifting and Moving Patients 139

Inside the ambulance, Mrs. Greenbaum relaxednoticeably. Although her hip still hurt, it wasbetter than before and she realized that the crewworked hard at making her feel as comfortableand safe as possible while being carried downthe stairs. The crew even made sure that theapartment was locked and let the neighbor knowto which hospital she was being transported. ■

conclusion

Teamwork is essential in the lifting and movingof patients. Whether a single patient is beingtransported by two EMTs or multiple patients arebeing transported by several ambulances, evenfrom different agencies, working together is crit-ical in maintaining the safety of the rescuersand the patients. Assistance from fire or policepersonnel, or even bystanders on the street,could greatly aid the EMTs responding to a situ-ation. The responding EMTs must remember,though, that they are responsible for the pa-tient’s care. Therefore they should exercise duecaution in assigning roles to anyone who is nottrained to their level.

Fig. 6-16 Stair chair.

Fig. 6-17 Long backboard and straps.

Fig. 6-18 Short backboard and straps and vest-typeextrication devices.

equipment available, not only during the initialtraining but also once the EMT has been in thefield for a time. Frequent review and training withequipment will increase the confidence of the EMTin using the equipment. Review and training alsowill ensure that the patient receives the best possi-ble care during transport in times of need. Figs. 6-12 to 6-18 show common equipment. Duringthe skills labs associated with the EMT training, theinstructor will demonstrate the use of each piece ofequipment.

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Critical Points

Think before you move! Ask yourself, “Is thescene safe?” “What is the patient’s condition?Critical? Noncritical?” “Can my partner and Isafely and effectively move this patient by our-selves? If so, how should we move the patient?”The ultimate goal of emergency medical servicesis to deliver the patient safely, stabilized to thebest of the EMTs’ abilities, to an appropriate fa-cility. As such, the EMT has many responsibilitiesin caring for patients. Knowing if, when, and howto move a patient and deliver him or her to ap-propriate care is an integral part of the overalloutcome of the patient. The EMT must be able toanswer these questions and use the appropriatemethods and equipment to accomplish this goal.

Learning Checklist

❑ The EMT must be able to identify whether ascene is safe for entry.

❑ An accurate initial assessment is crucial indetermining whether the patient is critical ornoncritical. A patient in critical conditionmust be moved in a more expeditiousmanner than one in a noncritical condition.

❑ Knowledge of proper body mechanics isessential in order to protect the EMT frominjuring himself or herself while on a call.

❑ The most frequently used piece of trans-portation equipment is the wheeledstretcher. The EMT must be familiar withwhatever product he or she is using. TheEMT must know how to raise and lower thestretcher. In addition to the operation of thestretcher, the EMT must know how to useproper body mechanics in operating it.

❑ The EMT can choose from a variety of lifts,carries, and drags. The EMT must be able todetermine which one to use and how toexecute each one effectively and safely. Thedecision of which one to use is based on thesituation. The EMT must decide whether anemergency move is indicated, or if there is noimminent danger, whether a nonemergencymove should be used. The EMT also mustdecide whether the patient should be extri-cated rapidly from the vehicle. The EMT must

be able to make those determinations andexecute the appropriate corresponding actions.

❑ To transport the patient safely and effec-tively, the EMT must know the position inwhich to transport the patient and how tosecure the patient safely before transport.

❑ The EMT must be familiar with and profi-ciently use all the transportation equipmentavailable to him or her. The EMT must knowwhich device to use and its indications andcontraindications.

Key Terms

Body mechanics The most effective way to useyour body to lift or move a patient.

Carry Supporting all or part of the patient’sweight while moving him or her.

Contraindication A reason or factor that pro-hibits administration of a drug or use of amethod of treatment or transportation.

Emergency drags Using the patient’s clothing orextremities to pull him or her along the flooror ground in a critical situation.

Emergency moves Any lift, drag, or carry toremove a patient from a potentially dan-gerous environment.

Fowler’s position Placing a patient on a wheeledstretcher with the head of the stretcher raisedto 45 to 60 degrees.

Head and foot method Hoisting or lowering atransportation device where one emergencymedical technician is at the patient’s headwhile the other is at the patient’s feet.

Indication Conditions in which administering aspecific drug or using a specific treatment ormode of transportation may benefit thepatient.

Laterally recumbent position Placing the patienton his or her side. A patient lying on his orher left side is said to be “left laterallyrecumbent.”

Nonemergency moves Any lift, drag, or carryused when the scene is safe or the patient isnot in critical condition.

Position of comfort Placing the patient in his orher most comfortable position when there isno need for emergency procedures such asimmobilization.

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Power grip The correct hand placement forhoisting or lowering a transportation device.For hoisting, the hands should be spacedapproximately 10 inches apart, with thefingers facing up. For lowering, the handsshould be spaced the same distance apart,with the fingers facing down.

Power lift The most effective way to lift a heavyobject.

Rapid extrication The rapid removal of a patientin critical condition from a vehicle.

Recovery position Placing an unresponsive,breathing, nontrauma victim on his or herside to allow access to the airway to keep itopen.

Semi-Fowler position An inclined position withthe upper half of the body raised by ele-vating the head or the stretcher about 30degrees.

Side-to-side method Hoisting or lowering atransportation device where the emergencymedical technicians are on either side of thedevice.

Standing backboard techniques Placing astanding patient with a suspected neck orspinal injury onto a long backboard, whilethe patient remains standing. These are two-or three-person techniques.

Transportation device Any equipment, such asstretchers, stair chair, long backboards, orvacuum backboards, used to move a patientfrom one location to another.

National Standard CurriculumObjectives

Cognitive ObjectivesAfter completing this lesson, the EMT student will beable to do the following:

■ Define body mechanics.■ Discuss the guidelines and safety precautions

that need to be followed when lifting apatient.

■ Describe the safe manner to lift a cot orstretcher.

■ Describe the guidelines and safety precau-tions for carrying patients or equipment.

■ Discuss one-handed carrying techniques.■ Describe the safe carrying procedure on

stairs.■ Discuss the guidelines and applications for

reaching.■ Describe correct procedures and reaching for

logrolls.■ State the guidelines for pushing and pulling.■ Discuss the general considerations for

moving patients.■ State three situations that may require an

emergency move.■ Identify the following transportation devices:

■ Wheeled ambulance stretcher■ Portable ambulance stretcher■ Stair chair■ Scoop stretcher■ Long backboard■ Basket stretcher■ Flexible stretcher

Affective ObjectiveAfter completing this lesson, the EMT student will beable to do the following:

■ Explain the rationale for properly lifting andmoving patients.

Psychomotor ObjectivesAfter completing this lesson, the EMT student will beable to do the following:

■ Working with a partner, prepare each of thefollowing devices for use, transfer a patientto the device, position and secure the patientfor transport, and load the patient into theambulance:■ Wheeled stretcher■ Portable stretcher■ Stair chair■ Scoop stretcher■ Long backboard■ Basket stretcher■ Flexible stretcher

■ Working with a partner, demonstrate propertechniques to move a patient from thewheeled stretcher to the hospital bed.

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