How to Carry a Stretcher
Knowing the proper way to lift a patient onto a stretcher to transport them is not only vital for the patient’s health and safety, but also for those who do the lifting and carrying. A stretcher enables a patient to be transported to a medical facility for treatment in the event of an emergency, but it is also necessary at times when it is impossible for a patient to get out of a wheelchair and onto an exam table on his own accord.
Instructions
Secure the safety belts around the patient and keep them in place while the person is on the stretcher.
Tell the patient what you are doing before you do it; this will prevent the patient from being startled and allow the patient to feel respected instead of controlled while they are injured and helpless.
Position one person at the head of the stretcher and the other person at the end with the patient’s feet.
Squat down with your feet about shoulder width apart. One foot should be slightly ahead of the other.
Keep your back and abdominal muscles locked in tightly. Your lower back should have a slight inward curve to it.
Place your weight evenly over the balls of your feet. Both feet should maintain contact with the ground when lifting the patient.
Position your hands firmly on the stretcher bars. The palms should be facing upward and your fingers underneath the stretcher.
Lift the stretcher on a count of three using your leg muscles, making sure to keep your back muscles tight.
Stop for a rest if either of the transporters is feeling fatigue or if transporting the patient over long distances or hilly terrain. A rest may also be needed when one of the transporters is smaller than the other.