Patient Handling & Transfer Techniques

Patients staying in one hospital often need to be transferred to another hospital or health care facility in order to make room for incoming new patients or because they can receive the proper care they need at another facility. Nurses and orderlies who handle these transfers can use some specific techniques to protect the health and safety of patients.

Necessary Equipment

• Nurses and orderlies physically involved in the transfer of a patient who cannot physically move from a hospital bed on their own must have the necessary mechanical equipment before they begin the transfer. This equipment ranges from mechanical lifts to wheelchairs to beds which can roll and be easily slid into an ambulance. Without the right equipment, those handling the transfer could cause unnecessary harm or injury to the patient during the transfer. The equipment should be adjustable for doorways, stairs and different-sized structural openings. Nurses and orderlies must confirm that this equipment is on hand.

Ready Bed

• Wherever the patient is being transferred, nurses and orderlies should see that a ready bed and other necessary pieces of equipment are in place, so that the patient is only out of a hospital or health care facility while being moved. These beds, IV bags, medical equipment and other devices should be ready and waiting so that when the patient arrives, he can receive the same medical care he got at previous locations.

Aggressive Patient Techniques

• Some patients may be aggressive or violent when being transferred, which can injure nurses, orderlies or other medical personnel. Those involved with the transfer should be aware of aggressive or violent behavior the patient may have shown in her history and prepare for it by having more people on hand to assist. They may need to use restraints, other pieces of equipment or sedatives to protect medical personnel and the patient herself.