How to Safely Transport a Patient on a Board

In order to avoid injury to either a caregiver or a patient, there are two types of boards to ease the transfer of a patient. A transport board is used by caregivers for daily care to transfer patients from one place to another -- such as from wheelchair to a bed or to a toilet. The spinal board is used in emergency situations to transport a full body with as little movement as possible to avoid further damage. There are two methods to use with the spinal board: the log-roll or LR maneuver and the lift-and-slide or LS technique.

Things You'll Need

• Transfer board

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Instructions

Transferring a Patient from Bed to Wheelchair

• 1

  Place the wheelchair at a slight angle to the bed. The transfer board should be balanced on the corner of the wheelchair's front frame and the other side on the side of the bed. Make sure the board is securely balanced between the two and that the wheels of the chair are locked.

• 2

  Have the patient sit on the edge of the bed and gently move themselves onto the board. Once they are comfortably positioned on the board, tart to move them slowly down the incline of the board to the chair.

• 3

  Once the patient has the majority of their mass on the seat of the chair, help them to settle in and then slowly remove the board by pulling up and away from the chair while gingerly tilting the patient in the opposite direction if needed.

Using a Spinal Board -- Five Person Log Roll

• 4

  Using five people, have one person provide lateral stability while the others stabilize the head & neck, torso, upper extremities and legs.

• 5

  Gently and slowly roll the patient to his side while sliding the board under his back.

• 6

  Carefully roll the patient back onto the board and make adjustments to his position to ensure he is well centered before securing with straps.

• 7

  Lift and carry the patient on the board to transfer him to another location.

Using a Spinal Board -- Five Person Lift and Slide

• 8

  Have one person lift and stabilize the head and neck, two people lift the torso, one person lift the hips and pelvis, and one person lift the legs. Be careful to lift in unison and slowly. Only lift as far as needed for the board to be placed. The lifters who are working with the upper torso should kneel on each side while the one working the lower half should stand and straddle the injured. The person lifting and securing the head is also responsible for directing all movements of the others.

• 9

  Once the board is in position, gently and slowly place the injured person onto the spine board and carefully make adjustments as needed to insure the individual is centered on the board before strapping him down.

• 10

  Lift and carry the patient on the board to transfer him to another location.