As with any other medical equipment, pushing a stretcher properly requires some training. You have to push the stretcher correctly so you don’t worsen the condition of the patient lying on it. We’ll shortly show you how you can do it right.
When pushing a stretcher, your safety and that of the patient are of utmost importance. Checking the stretcher for defects and ensuring a proper body posture will help your patient and you to remain safe while avoiding musculoskeletal injuries. When pushing a stretcher, ensuring the correct body position will give you better control of the equipment.
Today, we get to know how to push a stretcher properly to ensure your safety and that of the patient.
1 – Make The Necessary Preparations
Adequate preparation is critical for the success of any task, including pushing a stretcher.
So, what activities make up the preparation stage?
Essentially, preparation involves inspecting the stretcher and ensuring the correct body posture and position. Let’s explore this in more detail.
Step 1: Check The Wheels And Legs Of The Stretcher
The legs and wheels enable you to push the patient on the stretcher. The legs allow you to adjust the stretcher to the appropriate pushing height so you can safely push the stretcher. They also support the patient’s weight, thereby reducing your workload.
Some of the activities you should do during the preparation stage include:
- Checking for any hairline cracks, loose bolts, or deformities. These defects can compromise the stretcher’s integrity and endanger the patient. Ensure the stretcher is free from these defects before you use it to avoid unnecessary injuries to the patient and you.
- Adjusting the stretcher to the right height. The stretcher handles should be slightly below the height of your elbows, as you can see in the picture below.
Alt: Doctor pushing an emergency stretcher bed in a hospital corridor
The correct height will allow you to push the stretcher without hurting your back. It will also facilitate transferring the patient to the ambulance or hospital bed.
- Making sure the stretcher’s legs are locked. Once you’ve raised the stretcher and the patient to the correct height, make sure its legs get locked in position before your release it. Otherwise, the patient’s weight may cause the stretcher to collapse suddenly, injuring both the patient and yourself.
- Checking the stretcher’s brakes. This step will allow you better control of the stretcher and have it move only when you’re ready. Like any other mobile equipment, you should be able to stop your stretcher when need
Step 2: Watch Your Posture
Adapting a proper posture will help you avoid musculoskeletal injuries while pushing the stretcher. On the other hand, an incorrect posture can affect your balance and place extra strain on your muscles, joints, and soft tissues.
The resultant pain can expose you to workplace injuries and compromise your ability to control the stretcher while pushing it, endangering the patient.
Ensuring a proper posture includes:
- Keeping you back straight to improve stability and safety. When your back is straight, you’ll avoid straining your back muscles. You’ll also remain stable and have better control of the stretcher.
- Make sure your toes are pointing towards the direction of movement. This position will keep you moving in the same direction as the stretcher and shield you from twisting your back. Even when pushing the stretcher sideways, as the professionals in the picture below are doing, always face the front of the stretcher.
Alt: Team of doctors and paramedics pushing a patient on a stretcher in a hospital corridor
- Stand near the stretcher. If you stand a little far behind, you’ll end up bending your back while pushing. Standing near the stretcher will make you transfer the push load to your body, not your back.
2 – Start Pushing The Stretcher
Once you’ve completed the above preparations, you are now ready to push the patient. The following steps will enable you to push the patient to the next destination safely:
Step 1: Release The Stretcher Brakes
Stretchers usually come with a footbrake to allow paramedics to get better control of the stretcher. Release the brake once you’re ready to push the patient.
Step 2: Tighten Your Belly Muscles
Tighten your stomach muscles before you begin pushing the stretcher. This tightness will help you stabilize your back in readiness for the weight of the stretcher. Even as you tighten these muscles, you should still communicate and breathe.
Step 3: Keep Your Feet In Position
As you begin walking, make sure you always keep one foot in front of the other while bending your knees slightly. This posture will help you to move your body weight from the rear leg to the front one as you move.
Step 4: Use Your Whole Body To Push
Move the stretcher using your whole body as you walk forward. Pushing the stretcher using your body is easier than using your arms only. Avoid planting your feet on the ground as you walk because this will increase the strain on your arms.
Make sure you use both hands to push the stretcher, even if you are more than one. The picture below shows how you should hold the stretcher and push or pull using your body.
Alt: Doctors pushing a patient on a stretcher in a hospital corridor
Step 5: Avoid Leaning Forward As You Push
Leaning forward as you push will make you bend and strain your back. Also, pushing the stretcher with your thighs or knees could destabilize your posture and cause injuries.
Step 6: Avoid Jerky Movements
Do not use jerky actions to lift the stretcher as you go round corners or over barriers on the path. You should always ensure the stretcher has a sufficient turning radius. When approaching corners, slow down and take smaller steps to avoid twisting and spraining your back.
Step 7: Stop By Shifting Weight
Whereas you begin moving forwards by shifting your body weight from the rear to the front leg, shift your weight the other way round to stop the stretcher.
Extra Tip: When waiting for an elevator or stopping for any other reason, use the opportunity to relax your shoulders and relax your hands. This relaxation will help you avoid fatigue associated with static limp postures.
Conclusion
Safety is an essential consideration when pushing a stretcher. Inspect the stretcher to ensure it doesn’t have any defects that could interfere with patient safety. Raise the stretcher to the right height, and assume proper body mechanics before and while pushing the stretcher. You can begin or stop pushing by shifting your bodyweight frontwards and backward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to keep the spine straight when pushing a stretcher?
Keeping your back straight increases your stability as you push the stretcher, enabling you to avoid injuries.
How do I stop a stretcher?
You can stop a stretcher by shifting your body weight from your front leg to your real leg. When handling a stretcher, always position one leg in front of the other.
Can I push a stretcher alone?
Yes. However, if you’re alone, make sure you assume the right body posture to avoid injuries. An excellent posture helps you get better control of the stretcher. Read the article above for more tips on how you can push the stretcher alone.
