Transfer & immobilization
techniques
By
Dr. Mohsen Dashti
Patient care & management 202
April-16-10
Discussion issues
• Body mechanics.
• Moving patients.
• Immobilization techniques.
Body mechanics
• The point at which the mass of any
body is centered known as ……..
Body mechanics
•
White Vs. Red muscles:
1.
-
White muscles:
Muscles that have long white tendons and cross two or
more joints commonly known as mobility muscles.
Examples: the biceps muscle (flex the elbow), the
hamstring muscle (flex the knee).
Red muscles:
Muscles that are large expanses of red muscle, which
provide postural support commonly known as stability
muscles.
Examples: latissimus dorsi of the back and rectus
abdominis of the anterior abdomen.
2.
-
-
Body mechanics
• Which muscles should be used?
- Technologists should use white mobility muscles for
lifting and red postural muscles for support.
Body mechanics
•
Correct body posture when picking up
an object:
1.
2.
3.
Bend knees and lower your body. NO waist bending.
Pull rather than push when applicable.
Balance your weight and stand close to the patient
when trying to move him/her.
Move your body and never twist it when trying to turn
from one direction to another.
Floor must be clear of any object and NOT slippery.
4.
5.
Body mechanics
Place and
Relax
Bend Knees
Pick and
Support
Moving patients
•
What do we need to do prior to even come
close to the patient???
•
Assess the situation and think.
•
Things to look for:
1.
2.
Deviations from correct body alignment.
Limitations and immobility especially with older
patients. i.e. patients with arthritis or bone stiffness.
The ability to walk.
Respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal
problems.
Patients strength and overall well-being.
3.
4.
5.
Moving patients
•
When moving the patient:
1.
2.
3.
Only assist and never force the patient to move.
Transfer to the shortest distance possible.
Lock wheelchairs and/or wheels on beds prior to the
move.
Move patient toward his/her strongest side.
Avoid slippery floors.
Always COMMUNICATE with the patient while moving
him/her.
Ask to the patient to help you by giving simple and
understandable commands.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Methods of moving patients
1. By Gurney:
-
Lock gurney.
-
Support head, spine and extremities.
-
Seek the help of more than one for transportation.
-
Use sheet to transfer to examination table.
-
Use slide board if it’s available.
Methods of moving patients
1. By Gurney:
Methods of moving patients
2. By Wheelchair:
-
-
-
Instruct patient if movement is possible to use upper
arm and push to move.
If not, stand in front of patient with his arms wrapped
across your shoulders,
Help the patient to stand and pivot toward his/her
strong side.
Bring the wheelchair close to the examination table
prior to movement.
Use the stool to assist the patient in moving from the
wheelchair to the examination table.
Methods of moving patients
2. By Wheelchair:
Immobilization techniques
• What is immobilizer?
- In some cases, the patient has to be immobilized in order
to acquire the images.
-- Patients with involuntary movements.
-- Uncooperative patients.
-- Some pediatric patients.
-- Some geriatric patients.
-- Some operating theater cases.
- All usage of immobilizers must be approved by the chief
radiographer or the radiologist prior to proceeding.
Immobilization techniques
•
Rules for application of immobilizers:
1.
2.
Patient must be allowed as much mobility as possible.
Regions of immobilization must be padded to avoid
and prevent injury.
Normal anatomic position must be maintained.
Simple immobilization technique must be considered
first.
Immobilizer must be easy to remove.
Blood circulation and respiration must NOT be
blocked.
Careful planning must be thought.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Immobilization techniques
• Types of Immobilizers:
Immobilization techniques
•
Special care: (Infants)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Additional safety measures required.
Ascertain the identity (check identity band).
Carry normal and small infants with EXTRA attention.
Crib and gurney wheels must be locked.
Support head, neck and back.
Hold in horizontal position.
Immobilization techniques
•
Immobilizing:
1.
Should only be considered for anxious or frightened
children and where safety is not guaranteed otherwise.
Methods:
Sheet Immobilizers:
•
Effective and easy to fit any child.
•
Keeps the two arms safely and completely restrained.
•
Allows abdomen to remain exposed.
Immobilization techniques
•
Immobilizing:
2.
•
•
Mummy-Style Sheet Immobilizers:
Used very often with new born babies in Kuwait.
Can be used to restrain one or more extremities.
3.
•
•
Commercial Immobilizers:
The Pigg-o-stat used mainly for chest x-rays.
The Plastic mold with straps to hold the extremities.
Immobilization techniques
Sunday’s gift
•
Define the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Biomechanics…
Orthostatic hypotension…
Flexion…
Artifact…