Page 17 - IMPRESSION V1 I4
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In addition to getting the assistance of • Face the person or object that you are about
another or using a mechanical life, nurses to lift.
should follow these principles of safe patient • Keep your spine, neck and back straight
handling and body mechanics. and aligned throughout the lift or transfer.
• Take the time to do a little bit of Do not twist.
muscular warmup and stretching • Tuck your chin in and keep your neck and
before you attempt to lift or transfer a head aligned.
person or object. • Maintain a wide and secure base of support
• Think about and plan your approach by keeping your feet apart.
before you attempt to do it. • Pivot on your feet in the direction of the
• Explain what you will be doing and move and not against it.
how you will perform the lift or • Get a secure and good grip on the object or
transfer to the client. Instruct the person that you are about to lift.
patient about what you and they will be • Use the long and strong muscles of your
doing. For example, tell the patient to arms and legs to lift. Do NOT use back
bend their knees and press their feet muscles and.
into the mattress and, then on the • Use slow, smooth and non-jerky
count of three, tell the patient that they movements.
should push up to the top of the bed as There are a number of assistive devices that can be
you assist them. Even very weak used to safely lift and transfer patients.
patients can help you with a lift or
transfer when they know what you are Slide boards are particularly useful to move a
about to do and how they can help you. patient from one flat surface to another. These
• Remain as close to the person or the boards reduce friction and, therefore, make the
object, such as a large box, when you move easier and less irritating to the patient's
are about to lift it and while you are skin.
lifting.
