How to Safely Transfer With Ambulation Techniques

Ambulation is another word to describe walking. It is most often used in the medical field to describe a person's physical ability to move from one place to another. Illness or injury can leave a person in a weakened state, making him unable to move from a bed to a wheelchair or other assistance apparatus. There are some special considerations that should be taken when helping a person to ambulate to ensure the safety of the patient and the person that is helping.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to the patient what you are going to be doing. Determine her strengths and weaknesses. For example, a person who has experienced a previous stroke may have muscular deficits concentrated on one side of her body. It is important to know which side so that you can properly position yourself to assist.

• 2

  Move the wheelchair as close to the bed or stretcher as you can. Flip the foot supports into the "up" position. Engage the wheel brakes to ensure the wheelchair does not roll out of position during the patient transfer.

• 3

  Lower the bed or stretcher so that is as close to floor as possible. Lift the head of the bed so that the patient is moved into an upright sitting position.

• 4

  Swing the legs of the patient over the side of the bed while helping him to turn toward you. Avoid leaving the patient alone or allowing him to slump over the side of the bed, as unstable patients could fall.

• 5

  Ensure the patient is wearing non-slip socks or slippers. These items will provide additional traction support.

• 6

  Place both of your feet in front of the patient's feet. This will give the person extra leverage and provide a more stable position for you. Place your arms under her arms and have her lean into you, using you as a support.

• 7

  Signal when you would like him to try to stand, using a countdown or similar verbal clue. Be aware that some patients may have hearing deficiencies and may need a visual clue. Lift him into a standing position, using proper lifting procedures to avoid injury.

• 8

  Allow the person to orient herself for a moment once in the standing position. Blood pools in the extremities while sitting or lying down for a long period. Upon standing, this pooled blood may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. This condition, known as orthostatic hypotension, can cause dizziness and even loss of consciousness. The feeling generally passes after a few moments, as the cardiovascular system is able to recuperate.

• 9

  Place one hand on the patient's back and one hand on his elbow or hand so you are providing support to the weak side. Ambulate forward at the patient's own pace.

• 10

  Move to the front of the patient when you reach the wheelchair. Place one foot behind the wheelchair and slowly lower the patient into the seat.