You can reduce a patient's pain and distress if you move the patient properly on a gurney.
If you plan to train as a hospital aide, you must prepare for the times when you will need to transfer a patient by gurney. When a patient has undergone a painful injury or surgery or experiences illness, the aide must move the patient with the utmost care and skill. If you follow accepted procedures, you will succeed in bringing the patient safely and comfortably to the point that he can commence with the next stage of his treatment.
Instructions
1. Slip a backboard (also called a slide board or transfer board) under the patient before you transfer the patient to a gurney from a stretcher, bed or cot. Gently roll the patient on his side and place the him. Allow him to gently roll back so that the backboard lies three-quarters under his back. Lock the wheels of the gurney in position before placing the patient on the gurney. Keep the side rails down while you make the transfer.
2. Pick up the backboard with the patient lying on it and move him from where he was lying to the gurney. At least two people must pick up the patient on the board, one at the patient's head and one at his feet.
3. Strap the patient to the gurney immediately upon making the transfer. Fasten the straps for the legs, waist and upper torso over the patient so he doesn't fall during the transfer. Unless the patient seems agitated, you can leave his arms outside the straps.
4. Transfer the patient with the gurney set on its "low position" while the gurney moves to prevent tipping on uneven ground or when turning corners. Keeping the gurney low will help stabilize the gurney. Depending on the gurney's manufacture, a switch or lever will allow you to set the gurney on "low."
5. Transport the his feet facing forward. Many patients say they often feel nauseous when they move backward on a gurney.
6. Place the gurney at the angle that the medical personnel request when the gurney comes to a rest. Some patients need to keep their head higher than their feet for easier breathing, while other patients need to have their feet placed higher than their head to send blood to the brain. Depending on the manufacturer of the gurney, a switch or lever will allow you to adjust the gurney's angle.
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