Safe & Effective Bariatric Patient Transport: A Guide for EMS

Transporting a medical patient of any kind is a delicate procedure requiring the skills of trained EMS professionals. When the patient weighs 400, 500 or even 700 pounds, however, a transport goes from difficult to nearly impossible. Having the right tools is essential when dealing with a bariatric patient.

Things You'll Need

• High-capacity stretcher
• Large body surface board
• Transfer-Flat sheet

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Instructions

• 1

  Connect a large body surface board onto a traditional stretcher to ensure it will withstand a larger patient. The stretcher should have a weight capacity of at least 1600 pounds.

• 2

  Transfer or roll the patient onto a Transfer-Flat sheet once you have reached the scene. Using as many assistants as possible, take hold of the hand holes and lift the patient up. Slowly carry the patient to the prepared stretcher.

• 3

  Lower the bariatric patient onto the stretcher and secure using chest and leg straps. Keep the stretcher in its lowest position for maximum stability. Slowly roll the stretcher to the ambulance or transporting vehicle and load stretcher normally, using the cable fastened directly to the stretcher frame.

• 4

  Call ahead to the destination hospital or medical treatment facility to alert them that a bariatric patient is en route to their facility. Upon arrival, unload the patient with a stretcher and flat sheet using the reverse procedure of loading them into the ambulance.