General Guidelines For Carrying A Patient On A Stretcher Include

General Guidelines for Carrying a Patient on a Stretcher

Stretcher use is a critical skill for healthcare professionals, first responders, and anyone involved in patient transport. Safe and efficient stretcher operation requires knowledge, skill, and teamwork. This comprehensive guide outlines general guidelines for carrying a patient on a stretcher, encompassing pre-transfer assessment, safe lifting techniques, transportation considerations, and post-transfer procedures. Adherence to these guidelines minimizes the risk of patient injury and strain on caregivers.

Pre-Transfer Assessment: Laying the Groundwork for Safe Patient Handling

Before even approaching the patient, a thorough assessment is paramount. This involves several crucial steps:

1. Patient Assessment and Condition:

• Level of Consciousness (LOC): Determine the patient's alertness and responsiveness. An unconscious patient requires extra precautions and potentially more support during transfer.
• Physical Condition: Note any injuries, fractures, or medical conditions that might affect the transfer. Consider pain levels and the patient's ability to assist.
• Weight and Size: Estimate the patient's weight to determine the appropriate number of personnel needed for safe handling. Larger or heavier patients require additional assistance.
• Mobility and Stability: Assess the patient's ability to cooperate during the transfer. Some patients might be able to assist, while others will require completely passive handling.

2. Environmental Assessment:

• Space and Obstacles: Survey the area for obstacles such as furniture, narrow doorways, or uneven surfaces. Plan the route in advance to avoid hazards.
• Surface Conditions: Check for slippery floors, uneven terrain, or other surface irregularities that could compromise stability.
• Equipment Availability: Ensure the stretcher is in good working order, clean, and readily accessible. Verify the availability of any necessary assistive devices, such as straps or slide boards.

3. Gathering Necessary Personnel and Equipment:

• Personnel: The number of personnel needed depends on the patient's weight, condition, and the environment. At minimum, two people are usually required, but more might be necessary for larger or heavier patients or challenging environments.
• Equipment: Ensure you have the appropriate stretcher, straps (for securing the patient), and any other necessary equipment. Consider the use of a slide board if the patient needs to be transferred from a bed to a stretcher.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Minimizing Risk of Injury

Proper lifting techniques are crucial to prevent musculoskeletal injuries among healthcare workers. These techniques center around minimizing strain and maximizing support:

1. Positioning for the Lift:

• Feet: Maintain a wide, stable base of support with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Back: Keep your back straight and avoid bending at the waist. Engage your core muscles to support your spine.
• Lifting Technique: Bend at your knees and hips, using your leg muscles to lift the patient. Avoid twisting or jerking movements.

2. Proper Body Mechanics During the Lift:

• Teamwork: Maintain clear communication with your team throughout the transfer process. Use verbal cues to coordinate movements.
• Controlled Movements: Lift and move the stretcher in a smooth, controlled manner. Avoid sudden stops or starts.
• Consistent Lifting: Ensure everyone is lifting with equal force and effort to prevent strain on any one individual. Use a power lift for heavier patients.

3. Using Assistive Devices:

• Slide Boards: Slide boards are invaluable for transferring patients from beds or other surfaces to stretchers, particularly when the patient cannot assist with the transfer.
• Hoyer Lifts: For patients who are completely immobile, a hoyer lift provides a safe and efficient means of transferring them to a stretcher.
• Stretchers with Hydraulic Lifts: These stretchers can be raised and lowered mechanically to reduce strain during the transfer process.

Transportation Considerations: Ensuring Patient Safety During Transit

Once the patient is safely on the stretcher, attention shifts to safe transportation:

1. Securing the Patient on the Stretcher:

• Straps: Use appropriate straps to secure the patient to prevent movement or falls during transport. Ensure that straps are not too tight, as this could restrict circulation or cause discomfort.
• Positioning: Ensure the patient is positioned comfortably and securely on the stretcher. Adjust the head and foot sections as needed to maintain proper alignment.
• Padding: Use padding as necessary to protect bony prominences and prevent pressure sores.

2. Navigating Obstacles:

• Clear Communication: The person pushing the stretcher should maintain clear communication with those around them, especially in crowded or confined spaces.
• Careful Maneuvering: Navigate obstacles carefully, avoiding sudden turns or movements that could dislodge the patient or compromise stability.
• Proper Technique: Push the stretcher rather than pulling it, especially uphill to prevent exertion that could cause injury.

3. Emergency Situations:

• Sudden Stops: If a sudden stop is necessary, apply the brakes firmly and ensure the patient remains securely fastened to the stretcher.
• Uneven Terrain: Proceed cautiously over uneven terrain, carefully monitoring the stability of the stretcher.
• Adverse Weather: Take extra precautions during inclement weather, such as rain or snow, to ensure the patient remains dry and safe.

Post-Transfer Procedures: Completing the Process Safely

Following patient transport, several essential post-transfer steps are crucial:

1. Assessing the Patient:

• Vital Signs: Check the patient's vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate) after the transfer to monitor for any changes.
• Comfort Level: Assess the patient's comfort level and address any pain or discomfort.
• Positioning: Ensure the patient remains properly positioned and secure on the stretcher.

2. Documentation:

• Transfer Details: Thoroughly document the details of the transfer, including the patient's condition, any assistance used, and any incidents that occurred during the process.
• Personnel Involved: Record the names of all personnel involved in the transfer.
• Time of Transfer: Note the start and end times of the transfer.

3. Equipment Cleanup and Storage:

• Cleaning: Clean the stretcher thoroughly after each use.
• Storage: Return the stretcher to its designated storage location.

Preventing Injuries: A Holistic Approach

Preventing injuries during patient transfers requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing both individual and system-level strategies:

1. Training and Education:

• Regular Training: Healthcare workers should receive regular training on safe patient handling and transfer techniques.
• Continuing Education: Staying updated on the latest techniques and best practices is crucial for maintaining safe patient handling skills.

2. Ergonomic Design:

• Ergonomic Equipment: Using stretchers and other equipment designed with ergonomics in mind minimizes strain on caregivers.
• Workstation Design: The design of the workplace should support safe patient handling, ensuring adequate space and reducing the need for awkward lifting positions.

3. Teamwork and Communication:

• Effective Communication: Clear and consistent communication among team members is paramount for safe and efficient patient transfers.
• Teamwork Training: Regular team training helps build trust and coordination among team members, improving safety and efficiency.

4. Using Assistive Technology:

• Mechanical Lifting Devices: Utilizing mechanical lifting devices such as hoyer lifts minimizes physical strain on caregivers.
• Slide Boards and Transfer Aids: Implementing slide boards and other transfer aids reduces the physical demands of patient transfers.

By following these guidelines and embracing a proactive approach to safety, healthcare professionals can ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients while minimizing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers. Remember that patient safety is always the highest priority, and meticulous adherence to established procedures is key to achieving this goal.