How to Carry a Stretcher

Knowing the proper way to lift a patient onto a stretcher to transport them is not only vital for the patient’s health and safety, but also for those who do the lifting and carrying. A stretcher enables a patient to be transported to a medical facility for treatment in the event of an emergency, but it is also necessary at times when it is impossible for a patient to get out of a wheelchair and onto an exam table on his own accord.

Instructions

• 1

  Secure the safety belts around the patient and keep them in place while the person is on the stretcher.

• 2

  Tell the patient what you are doing before you do it; this will prevent the patient from being startled and allow the patient to feel respected instead of controlled while they are injured and helpless.

• 3

  Position one person at the head of the stretcher and the other person at the end with the patient’s feet.

• 4

  Squat down with your feet about shoulder width apart. One foot should be slightly ahead of the other.

• 5

  Keep your back and abdominal muscles locked in tightly. Your lower back should have a slight inward curve to it.

• 6

  Place your weight evenly over the balls of your feet. Both feet should maintain contact with the ground when lifting the patient.

• 7

  Position your hands firmly on the stretcher bars. The palms should be facing upward and your fingers underneath the stretcher.

• 8

  Lift the stretcher on a count of three using your leg muscles, making sure to keep your back muscles tight.

• 9

  Stop for a rest if either of the transporters is feeling fatigue or if transporting the patient over long distances or hilly terrain. A rest may also be needed when one of the transporters is smaller than the other.