How to Lift a Gurney

According to the Ohio State University website, 8.1 percent of all first responders are absent from their jobs because they suffer injuries while performing their duties. Indeed, many of these injuries occur because emergency workers have the responsibility of preserving life. Therefore, they fail to notice how their lifting techniques could be endangering their lower back health. Therefore, practicing the appropriate ergonomics in preparation for an emergency becomes paramount.

Instructions

• 1

  Get as close to the patient as you can. Space your feet apart for a stable base. As veteran coach and physician Dr. Jen Milus says, "place your toes under the edge of the gurney if possible, or have your feet as close to the body as you can."

• 2

  Tighten your abdominal muscles. Flatten your back. Maintain this position during the lift.

• 3

  Lift the gurney with your legs. Keep the weight in your heels and the balls of your feet.

• 4

  Push up. Tighten your hips, hamstrings and gluteus maximus muscles as you move the gurney toward the ambulance.

• 5

  Place the gurney in the emergency vehicle. Power this move with your feet, rather than twisting your waist. Shuffle your feet sideways, as you push the stretcher into the vehicle.