To safely lift and transfer heavy objects, especially patients in a health-care setting, it is important to know lifting basics. A lift or transfer performed incorrectly can result in severe injury, not just for the lifter but also for the person being carried. By heeding a few precautions, lifting becomes an easier and safer task for all involved.
Prepare
Know what to expect with your lift and transfer. Always read your patient care chart to know how heavy your patient is and whether he requires a two-person lift. Take into account your patient's abilities. A 120-pound patient may seem easier to lift, but if he is completely unable to support himself, the weight may seem heavier than it actually is.
Position
When lifting and transferring a patient, always keep a wide base of support. When lifting, your knees should be as wide as your shoulders. When transferring, keep your feet wide but take smaller steps to your destination. Always keep heavy objects closer to your body, putting the pressure on your legs instead of your back.
Command
Never lift a patient without explaining what you will be doing. Even if a patient is unable to help, knowing what you are doing and when you are going to be doing it lessens his fear factor and risk of falling. If you are lifting and transferring with a partner, you both need to communicate. Count off your lifts, say where you will be going and whether you feel like you need to rest or are unable to complete the lift.
Precautions
Always try a practice lift before moving a patient. Lift the patient out of his bed or chair and hold him steady for a few seconds. Calculate how heavy he is to you, whether you think you'll need help or whether your think you need to find a stronger lifter. If you have any doubts, find a partner or ask someone else to do the lift.
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