Lifting patients in the ER

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Aug 25, 2004

I'm a 46 year old, much shorter and heavier woman with both healed shoulder and back injuries. I'm also the mother of an adult son with multiple disabilities. I work in a pediatric ICU, where our patients can range from 2kg to 120kg, and from temporarily immobile to quadriplegic. Turns and lifts are injuries-waiting-to-happen, but with proper body mechanics, proper equipment and enough help they don't have to be. You need to maintain the conditioning of your abdominal and back muscles; use slider boards or Maxi-Slides, mechanical lifts and coworkers to help, and always plan your moves before you make them. Never lift when you can push and never push when you can pull. The bed needs to be flat when boosting someone up in it, and the siderails MUST be down... never, ever lift over the siderails, I don't care how tall you are!! If you keep your back flat and your knees bent, you'd be surprised at how effective you can be in moving someone much larger than yourself.

needsmore$ · Aug 25, 2004

good advice janfrn. also-don't forget that ed stretchers go up so when you're starting ivs, doing wound care, inserting things, etc-you don't have to bend over so much. and wear a good pair of shoes!:)

emsboss · Aug 25, 2004

All good advice Sprinter...I am 41 and work in EMS...Going into nursing (graduate on 17 Dec., 2004) with several back injuries over the years. Correct body mechs and GOOD shoes are paramount!!!!!!!!!...GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2004

and pray a lot

sprinterman · Aug 26, 2004

Thanks for the good info janfrn, needsmore$(so do I), emsboss, and teeituptom.

Hey Tom, my friend just hurt his back playing golf. Bad form I guess.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Aug 29, 2004

Thanks for the good info janfrn, needsmore$(so do I), emsboss, and teeituptom.
Hey Tom, my friend just hurt his back playing golf. Bad form I guess.

Tell him to look into "Natural Golf", much easier on the back and also regular exercising and stretching will help

veetach · Aug 29, 2004

I dont know about everyone else in here, but I have seen a lot of ER employees just not willing to pull and push on people anymore. We use a LOT of assistance in lifting larger patients, and I will not lift a patient who can obviously move themselves. In my earlier year in nursing, two nurses would lug around on a big patient using a lift sheet. not in our er anymore.

One night I had three male patients greater than 350# and I am to the point that I just will not ruin my back anymore. important rule for lifting. ***Call for lifting help***

even our ancillary departments (ie radiology) are now required to use slide boards and additional lifting help. It is much safer for your patients. And for you.

armyrn · Aug 29, 2004

I am with ya, Veetach! Good body mechanics only go so far. GET HELP!