Lifting, Moving, and Patient Transport - NREMT: AEMT Level

Squat with a straight back and lift with the legs. Engages leg power and maintains neutral spine posture, distributing force away from the lower back.

Stop movement and re-secure the patient before continuing. Halts progression of risk, allowing for proper readjustment to ensure continued safety.

Draw sheet transfer (sheet lift) with a coordinated team. Distributes weight evenly among rescuers while maintaining patient position, ideal for non-ambulatory cases.

Direct ground drag (clothes drag or blanket drag as available). Enables quick relocation in resource-limited settings, using available materials for minimal disruption.

Manually stabilize the head and neck and coordinate movement as a unit. Preserves cervical spine alignment to prevent exacerbation of potential injuries during transfer.

Push rather than pull whenever possible. Enhances control and visibility while minimizing back strain compared to pulling motions.

Patient head toward the front of the ambulance. Aligns with ambulance design for optimal access to equipment and monitoring during transport.

Feet first (patient higher at the head end). Maintains head elevation for better airway management and reduces risk of aspiration during descent.

Prevent patient movement and falls during transport. Ensures stability against vehicle motion or sudden stops, safeguarding against secondary injuries.

To lift a patient with minimal movement by separating and rejoining halves. Allows gentle placement under the patient without rolling, ideal for suspected spinal injuries.

Stabilize and package unless an emergency move is required. Prepares the patient for safe transport by addressing injuries first, except in imminent danger scenarios.

Backboard or litter (basket stretcher) depending on terrain and access. Offers durability and stability for uneven surfaces, adapting to environmental challenges in rescue scenarios.

Wheeled stretcher (ambulance cot). Facilitates efficient, smooth transport with reduced effort over even ground, suitable for non-urgent cases.

Patient must be moved through stairs or narrow spaces while seated. Accommodates environments where upright or flat transport is impractical, ensuring safe navigation.

Remove the patient quickly when immediate life threats exist. Prioritizes speed in hazardous situations to mitigate risks like fire or structural collapse.

Immediate danger to the patient or rescuers. Addresses urgent threats where delaying movement could result in greater harm, overriding standard precautions.

Lift with the legs, not the back. Utilizes stronger leg muscles to bear the weight, reducing stress on the more vulnerable back muscles and spine.

Stop and lower the load; get additional help or use equipment. Prevents potential injury by avoiding overexertion, allowing for reassessment and safer alternatives.

Maximize control by using the whole hand and fingers. Provides a secure hold that distributes force evenly, enhancing stability and reducing slippage risks.

Turn the whole body by moving the feet; do not twist the torso. Maintains spinal alignment and prevents torsional stress on the back by involving the entire body in directional changes.

Direct the move and give clear commands to coordinate the team. Ensures synchronized efforts among team members, reducing the risk of uneven lifting or dropping.

Prevent injury to the patient and rescuers while maintaining patient safety. Prioritizes safety by minimizing risks during handling, ensuring no harm comes to those involved while addressing medical needs.

Keep the load close to the body. Reduces torque on the spine by aligning the weight with the body's center of gravity, minimizing back strain.

Use one leader with standardized commands such as 'ready, lift'. Promotes team coordination and safety through unified direction, avoiding confusion from disparate inputs.