Most people think of emergency rescues whenever they hear about stretchers.
Did you know that hospital staff also use the stretcher for different purposes?
Yes, they do, and we’ll discuss how they use it shortly.
Hospitals use stretchers or gurneys to move patients who can’t walk or sit independently. Medics transfer patients from hospital beds onto stretchers when moving them around the hospital. They also use the stretchers to move patients from one hospital area to another.
1 – To Transfer Patients from Hospital Beds
Most patients admitted to hospitals need specialized care. This care involves moving from one hospital area to another.
Patients usually rest on a hospital bed. Thus, medics have to transfer them to a stretcher before movement.
Medics also use wheelchairs to move patients, but these are for patients who can sit down. Critically injured patients and unconscious ones must be moved lying down flat on stretchers.
Before the medics can use the stretchers, they need to move the patient from the hospital bed to the device. Moving a critically injured patient requires skill and training, so you don’t worsen the patient’s injuries. Paramedics usually follow specific steps:
Step 1: Ensure You Are at Least Three People
You can’t transfer a patient on your own because you’ll have to carry them while minimizing their movement. If they’re injured around the spine, head, or neck region, you’ll have to ensure these areas remain intact throughout the transfer session.
Also, if you’re handling a bariatric patient, you’ll need more professionals for a seamless patient transfer.
Step 2: Communicate with the Patient
If the patient is conscious, communicate with them about the process. During communication, allow the patient to ask any questions they may have.
Below is an illustration of medics communicating with their patient.
Also, describe what the patient can do to help with the movement to the stretcher. Ask the patent to take the right body position to facilitate movement.
If they aren’t critically injured, ask them to tuck their chin inwards and cross their arms before starting the transfer process.
Step 3: Position the Stretcher
Stretchers are collapsible to allow you to adjust their height. For an easy transfer process, adjust the stretcher to the waist of the shortest medic amongst you. Also, lower its side rails and head and move it to the side of the bed closest to the patient.
Once the stretcher is in position, ensure its brakes are locked to prevent it from moving as you shift the patient.
Step 4: Roll the Patient
Begin moving the patient by rolling them over and placing the sideboard halfway below them. The board will act as a bridge between the stretcher and the bed at this position.
Now place a sheer over the slider board. You’ll use this sheet to slide the patient into the stretcher.
The sheet also helps to reduce friction.
Next, ensure the patent assumes a serpentine position.
Step 5: Coordinate the Transfer Process
Now that everyone and everything is in position, begin the coordinated process of moving the patient.
Begin moving the patient by letting two of you hold the sheet by applying the palms-up technique. Stand straight, keeping their elbows near their bodies, and rest their forearms on the bed. The position prevents them from straining their backs as they pull the patient to the stretcher.
Meanwhile, the third caregiver stands on the opposite side of the bed. They assist by holding the patient’s shoulder and hip while resting their forearms on the bed.
As the team’s leader, coordinate the movement, so you all move the patient together. Begin moving the patient at the count of three.
Ask the caregiver on the bed’s far side to push the patient to their arm’s length.
Meanwhile, the two caregivers should shift their weight from their front legs to their back and pull the patient using the sheet.
The three of them should move the patient until the patient is at the center of the stretcher.
2 – To Push the Patient Around the Hospital
Hospitals use the stretcher as the ideal equipment to move patients because their wheels make it easy to transport them.
The wheels and robust frame of the stretcher allow them to support the patient’s weight, so the medics don’t have to lift them.
Older stretchers did not have wheels and required at least two medics to carry the patient, one holding the head and the other the leg area.
Modern stretchers come with wheels and strong, lightweight, and adjustable frames. These features enable one medic to push the patient around the hospital. Nonetheless, it’s always better to have at least three medics to ensure improved control of the stretcher.
Step 1: Move the Patient Feet First
Any time you have a patient on the cot, their feet should be in front. At least one medic should be positioned on either side of the patient and another behind the patient’s head.
The image below shows the proper way to push a patient on a stretcher.
The paramedic positioned near the head maintains their position and watches the patent at all times.
Step 2: Situations When to Move the Patient Head First
Although head first is the default position to push the patient, two situations require that you move the patient head first.
- When entering an emergency room
- When entering an elevator
When entering an emergency room, first push the patient’s head. Emergency room beds always have their heads facing away from the entrance.
So, by entering head-first, you’ll be able to move the patient on the bed without turning the stretcher around.
The second situation that requires you to push the patient first is when entering an elevator. In this case, one of the medics moves near the elevator door to ensure it remains open until the stretcher is inside the lift.
As shown below, also move the patient head first when pushing them into an ambulance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hospitals use the stretcher when they need to transfer a patient. Admitted patients usually rest on hospital beds. Medics have to move the patient onto the stretcher before transferring them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all stretchers have wheels?
No.
Not all stretchers have wheels. But the ones you’ll find in hospitals will likely have stretchers to facilitate
How many personnel should operate a stretcher?
At least three.
One medic should stand near the patient’s head. The other two should stand on either side of the patient.
How do I move a stretcher into a lift?
Always move the stretcher head-first into the lift. One paramedic should ensure the door remains open as the other two medics push the patient into the stretcher.
