How to Safely Lift a Patient Into Bed Without Injuring Yourself

According to Ohio State University research, caregivers risk serious back injuries when lifting patients by themselves. While the risk of injury can be minimized by using a hoist or having assistance from another person, these options are often unavailable and workers must lift patients without help. Leaning over a patient and lifting him often means that the lifter cannot use his leg muscles to assist him. This increases the stress put on the lifter's back muscles and often results in back injury. Lifters can help themselves by learning proper lifting techniques when transferring patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Sit the patient up and gently swing her legs over the side of the bed. If the patient is in a wheelchair, apply the brakes. This technique can also be used for a patient siting in a chair. Ensure that the chair or bed you are transferring the patient to is within a turn of your body.

• 2

  Approach the patient and place your knees on either side of his legs. Slide your arms under the patient's arms and lock your hands behind his back.

• 3

  Bend your knees, and use your leg muscles to lift the patient. When your legs are straight and your knees are locked, slowly turn the patient and ease her into the chair or on to the side of the bed.