How to Prevent a Patient-Lifting Back Injury as an EMS

Emergency medical service (EMS) workers, such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), are often the first on scene to a medical emergency. EMS workers provide life-saving medical care and transportation to a hospital. Lifting patients on and off a stretcher is part of their daily duties; because of this frequency of lifting, back injuries to EMS workers are common. Back injuries can lead to lost time and wages at work, but learning to assess each situation and using proper lifting techniques can reduce the likelihood of back injuries.

Instructions

1. Assess the situation. Determine how far you will need to carry a patient and whether you'll need to lift a patient from the ground to a stretcher. If you are outdoors and will be carrying a stretcher up or down a slope or on rocky terrain, develop a plan before attempting to carry the patient. Assessing the situation before lifting will help you determine how to do the lift safely and what equipment you need.

2. Determine if you need additional personnel. Situations such as a very overweight patient or the need to carry the stretcher down a flight of stairs may require additional help. Call for additional EMS personnel before attempting such a lift.

3. Use lifting assistant equipment if needed. Each EMS organization may have different equipment. Determine what lifting devices you have and learn how to use them. For instance, a chair lift is specially designed to carry patients down stairs.

4. Lift the stretcher properly once the patient is on it. You need to lift the patient and the stretcher from it's lowest position to the height of the ambulance to get it inside for transport. Stand close to the stretcher with feet shoulder width apart. Keep your stomach muscles tight and back straight. Lift with your legs and bend at the knee, not at the waist.

5. Talk with your partner or other team members. EMS personnel, such as emergency medical technicians and firefighters, need to work together when lifting a patient. Inform your team member when you will start the lift so you and your partner will be lifting together.

6. Keep yourself in good shape. Back injuries happen more frequently when you have weak back and abdominal muscles. Do strength training to keep arms, legs, back and shoulders strong. Include abdominal exercise such as crunches to keep the stomach muscles strong. This helps stabilize the back.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't attempt to lift a patient when you know it's more than you can safely handle. Always protect your own health.

References

• EMS Magazine