Lifting and Moving

Lifting and carrying are dynamic processes. A patient can be moved to safety in many different ways, but no one way is best for every situation. The objective is to move a patient to safety without causing injury to either the patient or the first aider.

Emergency Move- Is the movement of a patient to a safe place before initial assessment and care is provided, typically because there is some potential danger.

Non-emergency Move- Is the movement of a patient when both the scene and the patient are stable.

Lifting and moving Guidelines

Dangerous conditions at the scene
The size and weight of the victim
Physical ability of the first aider
Presence of other rescuers
The victim’s condition
Available carrying device
Terrain and distance to travel.

Lifting and Moving Guidelines

Only attempt to move persons who you are sure you can comfortably handle.
Bend your body at the knees and hips.
Lift with your legs, not with your back.
Walk carefully using short steps.
When possible, move forward rather than backward.
Always look where you are going.
Support the victim’s head, neck and back, if necessary.
If supine, lift and carry the patient’s entire body as one unit.
Avoid bending or twisting a victim with a possible head, neck or back injury.
Use the log-roll technique when placing a blanket or a spine board under the patient in preparation for a carry.