Lifting and Transfers

Lifting and Transfers Presented by Lisa Storie, RN Turning Point Services, Inc.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lifting and transfers occur frequently in our business. Knowing correct lifting and transfer techniques will protect both you and clients from injury. Back strains are among the most common injuries in support care. Using this slide show, you will learn the best methods for performing safe and secure lifts and transfers. Introduction

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 • Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques • Lesson 2: Transfer Techniques & Video Examples • Lesson 3: Preventing Back Injuries Training Outline

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Objectives • Learn proper lifting techniques. • Learn proper techniques for using gait belts. Lesson 1: Basic Lifting Techniques

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 1: Content • Understanding and using proper lifting mechanics can help you maintain a healthy back for life. • 24 bones called vertebrae separated by discs of gel-like material make up your spine. • Painful and disabling injuries can result from poor body mechanics when lifting. • To avoid muscle strains and back injuries, learn proper lifting and transfer techniques.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Rules for Basic Lifting - Objects • Check it. Is it too heavy, bulky, or awkward for you to lift? • Plan it. Is the path is clear? Do you know where you will set the object down? • Sure it. Is footing stable with one foot close to the load and one foot slightly behind the other? • Straight it. Lower into a squat with your back straight. Do not bend at the waist. • Grip it. Use entire hand to grip it firmly • Lift it. Keep object close, back straight, and lift up straight with leg and back muscles.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 5 Reasons for Locking the Back Locking the back straight and looking forward when lifting… • Prevents damage to discs. Discs between vertebrae are forced against the thinner back wall of the disc area when back is not locked and straight. • Maintains low disc pressure. Low disc pressure prevents damage to discs. • Protects back ligaments. Ligaments in low back are smaller and need the protection that comes from larger back muscles. • Allows back muscles to help lift. The largest and strongest muscles are in the back. Use them properly by keeping back straight and head up. • Follows successful lifting patterns. A locked back is used by Olympic weightlifters, why not you?

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Example of Basic Lifting - Objects

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 5 Hints for Lifting Objects • Use slow, smooth movements. Hurried or jerking movements will strain • Face the object. Twisting while lifting can cause muscle strains • Keep the object close to your body. Reaching to lift an object may hurt your back. • Allow back muscles to help lift. The largest and strongest muscles are in the back. Use them properly by keeping back straight and head up. Lift with your legs if you can straddle the object to be carried. • Try to carry the load between your shoulders and waist.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts • Gait belts help when moving someone during transfers or when assisting someone who is unsteady while walking. • Using a gait belt properly will prevent injuries to yourself and to the person you are helping. • Do not use a gait belt unless a licensed health provider has recommended one for transfers.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Rules for Basic Lifting - Gaitbelts • Wrap the gait belt over the clothes and around the waist of the person. • Tighten the gait belt, but leave enough space to slip your fingers under the belt. • Buckle the gait belt securely. • Grab the gait belt using the attached hand loops or by wrapping your hand around the belt.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt • Bend your knees and keep your back straight to help the person stand. • Hold the belt while the person moves to another place. • If the person starts to fall, pull her close and slowly lower her to the floor while holding the belt. • Use both hands on the belt to lower the person onto a chair, bed, etc. • Remove the belt when no longer needed for a transfer.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Rules for Basic Lifting – Gait Belt

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lifting objects and helping people stand or transfer from one place to another is often a part of this job. Be honest about your ability to lift. Do not attempt to lift something heavier than you can safely lift. Use a gait belt when recommended (check with your supervisor). Keep your back straight and locked in place. Do not bend or jerk when lifting. Basic Lifting Techniques: Wrap-up

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Objectives • Learn the proper method for helping someone transfer from one location to another. • Observe videos of proper transfer techniques. Lesson 2: Transfer Techniques

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer techniques • Some jobs at TPS require the employee to transfer a client from one position to another. • Correct transfer techniques prevent injuries. • Transfers include (1) bed to chair or wheelchair, (2) wheelchair to toilet, (3) shower chair to wheelchair, (4) wheelchair to vehicle, and (5) recovery from falls. • We will review the transfer technique, then watch videos of each one. • Basic transfer techniques are used in many situations.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed Positioning • Bed positioning is an important step in bed transfers. • The same techniques can be used to help position people on the floor. • Click on picture or the link below to watch how this is done: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvuXNVhtvzM

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer - Bed to Wheelchair/Chair • Position wheelchair close to bed, angled toward person, lock both wheels. • Position client to sit at edge of bed. • Face person, place client knees between your legs. • Ask person to place hands on your shoulders. • Place hands behind person or at sides. • Keep your back locked and straight, lift up. • Shuffle slowly to turn the person. • Bend your knees to lower person into chair. • Click on the picture or link below to watch this lift: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XflbYBsG5fc

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer – Chair to chair • Let’s see some chair to chair transfers. • Watch the lifting techniques carefully. • You will see the same basic transfer techniques again. • Click on the picture at right or the link below. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu-5pcYuJJM

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer - Toilet to Chair • Transfers in the bathroom are tricky. • Space is limited and falls are dangerous. • Watch the same basic transfer techniques being used in a bathroom. • Click the picture at right or the link below to watch toilet to chair transfers. • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ5kRA5b0DY

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer – Shower Chair to Chair • Shower chair to seat transfers are also tricky. • Click on picture at right or the link below: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJES5KQzeT8

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Transfer - Wheelchair to Vehicle • Vehicle transfers are important to help people move around the community. • Transfers to vehicles follow the same basic techniques with two additions. • First, move carefully to avoid head bangs on door openings • Second, be sure to use seatbelts • Click on the picture or link below to view the video: • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ek5ND64hGZA

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 2: Recovering from Falls During Transfers • Even careful transfers can result in falls. • If someone begins to fall, hold them close to you and let them slide down your body and legs. • Positioning is very important for this recovery lift. • Click the picture or the link below to watch the technique: • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTHZy1JFC-k&feature=youtu.be

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Transfers are important to people who use wheelchairs. Increased independence and mobility depend on the correct use of transfers. Using correct transfer techniques, staff and clients remain safe. Injuries are reduced when correct transfer techniques are used. You can use similar transfer techniques in many situations. Lesson 2: Wrap-up

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Position wheelchairs close to the person, lock both wheels. Position client to sit at edge of bed, chair, seat. Face person, place client knees between your legs. Ask person to place hands on your shoulders. Place your hands on the person’s back or at sides. Keep your back locked and straight, lift up straight up. Shuffle slowly to turn the person. Bend your knees to lower person and finish the transfer. Lesson 2: Wrap-up – Basic techniques for transfers

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Outcomes Review risk factors for back injuries Cover hints to keep your back healthy Read tips to avoid back injuries The role of exercise in back health Lesson 3: Preventing Back Injuries

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 3: Risk Factors • Lifting improperly is the leading cause of back injuries. • Sitting for long periods causes back stress. • Smoking increases rates of back injuries. • Poor nutrition adds pounds and contributes to back injuries. • Stress affects general health. • Not exercising is a risk factor for back injury. Just 30 minutes of movement 3-4 times a week is helpful.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 3: Tips for a Healthy Back • Don’t bend over to lift, squat and keep back straight. • Do not twist while lifting. • Push heavy objects; do not pull them. • Take breaks from long periods of sitting. • Wear shoes with flat or no heels at work. • Walking and swimming are great back exercises. • Standing for long times is stressful on the lower back. • Sleep on a firm mattress.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 3: Tips to Prevent Back Injuries • Warm up before lifting. Stretch legs and back. • If lifting often, take many small breaks. • Don’t lift anything too heavy for you. • Clear room around what you must lift. • Check the area of the lift and where you will move. Look around as you carry. • Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces while carrying. • Back belts do not prevent injuries, do not rely on them. • Get help for a heavy lift.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 Lesson 3: Exercise and Back Health • Regular exercise is proven to prevent back injury and to relieve back pain. • Check with your doctor for back exercises if you have back pain. • Simple stretches before and after exercise are important. • Aerobic exercises like brisk walking, biking, or swimming reduce risk of back injuries.

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 A healthy life creates a health back. Good food, rest, and exercise will protect your back from injury. Correct lifting techniques must be used with every lift. Do not lift more than you can safely carry. Sitting or standing for long times stress the lower back and increase injury risk. Lesson 3: Wrap-up

Lifting & Transfers, Turning Point Services, 2014 You have reviewed and observed proper methods for lifting objects. You have seen the use of transfer techniques when helping people move from place to place. You have learned the best ways to position people in bed (or on the floor) before a transfer. You have seen the best way to recover from a fall during a transfer. Now be sure to ask your supervisor about any special lifting instructions for your particular job. Thanks for your participation. Lift safely! Summary of Training

Lifting and Transfers