How to Transfer People From a Bed to a Wheelchair at the Hospital

When transferring someone from a bed to a wheelchair in a hospital you must take special care of the patient and yourself. To make sure everything happens smoothly, there are several guidelines to follow. Most importantly, communicate each step of the move to the patient, and get help when you need it.

Instructions

Sitting Up

• 1

  Lock the wheelchair in place next to the bed.

• 2

  Lower or adjust any guardrail on the hospital bed that may be in the way.

• 3

  Roll the patient onto his side so that he is facing you with his knees bent.

• 4

  Put one arm behind his neck, with your hand on his shoulder and the other hand behind his knees.

• 5

  Help the patient sit up, by swinging his legs over the edge of the bed while supporting his neck and shoulder.

Transfer and Sitting Down

• 6

  Clasp both of your hands behind the patient's lower back, and bring his bottom forward to the edge of the bed.

• 7

  Lift the patient up against your body, supporting the leg that is away from the wheelchair between your legs.

• 8

  Pivot together towards the wheelchair, as you maintain the support of the patient's body weight.

• 9

  Gently guide the patient into the wheelchair, as he is leaning toward you and your knees are bent.