Which technique should be used to lift a stretcher with a patient secured?

Which technique should be used to lift a stretcher with a patient secured?

• A. Arch one’s back while lifting
• B. Keep the load close to one's body
• C. Keep one’s legs straight and bend at the waist
• D. Use one’s arms to lift the majority of the weight

Answer: (B)

Keep the load close to your body. When a heavy load like a stretcher sits near your center of gravity, the weight’s lever arm is shortened, so the spine experiences less torque and you can lift primarily with your leg muscles rather than the back. This posture protects the spine by reducing stress and using the stronger, bigger muscles of the legs. Arching the back increases spinal strain and should be avoided. Keeping the legs straight and bending at the waist shifts the load to the back and hinders leg-driven lifting. Lifting with the arms alone doesn’t provide enough control or strength for a heavy, secured patient. So, pulling or lifting with the load kept close and using your legs is the safest, most effective approach.

Keep the load close to your body. When a heavy load like a stretcher sits near your center of gravity, the weight’s lever arm is shortened, so the spine experiences less torque and you can lift primarily with your leg muscles rather than the back. This posture protects the spine by reducing stress and using the stronger, bigger muscles of the legs. Arching the back increases spinal strain and should be avoided. Keeping the legs straight and bending at the waist shifts the load to the back and hinders leg-driven lifting. Lifting with the arms alone doesn’t provide enough control or strength for a heavy, secured patient. So, pulling or lifting with the load kept close and using your legs is the safest, most effective approach.