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Patient Transfer Techniques in an Emergency

In an emergency situation, despite loads of adrenaline coursing through your system, it's always important to remember that keeping yourself and others safe is your top priority -- even before taking care of your patient. Due to the nature of emergency rescue, it's sometimes necessary to move and transfer patients. Remember to act only within the parameters of your training, or you may be liable for any further injuries sustained by the patient.

  1. Unsafe Scene

    • Before approaching a victim, it's important to check for scene safety and make sure you are not putting yourself or others in harm's way. If you can safely access the victim, however, and determine that the scene is unsafe and there is a high probability of further harm to the patient, the appropriate transfer technique is to "grab and drag" him to a safe place. If you have multiple rescuers, work together to quickly carry the victim. If the victim is able to stand, lean over and have him cross his arms over your back and across your front side. Grab his arms with your hands and carry him, similar to a piggy-back style, to a safe place.

    Spinal Stabilization

    • If the mechanism of injury (MOI) leads you to suspect a possible spinal injury, then you need to assume that the spine must be stabilized until an examination by a medical professional with a higher level of training. Place your hands gently, but firmly, around the patient's skull and tell him about the need to stabilize his spine while keeping his head in the neutral position. Do not allow the victim to move his head up and down or side to side. During any other patient movements or transfers, which you must be trained and certified to perform, you must keep the spine stabilized by holding the head with your hands.

    BEAM and Log Rolling

    • Body elevation and movement (BEAM) protocols involve five to seven rescuers, with one rescuer holding the head in place and giving directions for the lifting, movement and lowering of the patient. Move the patient in the position in which he is found. If mobility limitations are obvious, such as a broken femur or spinal injury, it is best to beam him onto a spine board if one is available. If a patient is lying on the ground face up, you can log roll by kneeling down beside his pelvis and rotating his arms above his head. Putting one hand on his oblique side furthest from you and your other hand on his thigh, roll him towards you, allowing his body weight to rest on your thighs. While the victim is in this position, you can check for spinal injury, hemorrhaging or place a spine board or pad underneath him.

    Transfer of Care

    • When medical emergency responders with a higher level of training arrive, it is your legal obligation to transfer the care of your patient. Tell them about your rescue procedures. If you are trained to give a verbal SOAP note (subjective objective assessment plan), be sure to provide all of the information that you have gathered from the patient, including medical history and vital signs. Refusing to transfer the care of your patient is a violation via negligence. If possible, write out your SOAP note, including vitals and patient history and tape it to your patient so other rescuers and emergency room personnel can have as much knowledge as possible for further treatment.

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