How to Carry a Stretcher
- 1). Secure the safety belts around the patient and keep them in place while the person is on the stretcher.
- 2). Tell the patient what you are doing before you do it; this will prevent the patient from being startled and allow the patient to feel respected instead of controlled while they are injured and helpless.
- 3). Position one person at the head of the stretcher and the other person at the end with the patient’s feet.
- 4). Squat down with your feet about shoulder width apart. One foot should be slightly ahead of the other.
- 5). Keep your back and abdominal muscles locked in tightly. Your lower back should have a slight inward curve to it.
- 6). Place your weight evenly over the balls of your feet. Both feet should maintain contact with the ground when lifting the patient.
- 7). Position your hands firmly on the stretcher bars. The palms should be facing upward and your fingers underneath the stretcher.
- 8). Lift the stretcher on a count of three using your leg muscles, making sure to keep your back muscles tight.
- 9). Stop for a rest if either of the transporters is feeling fatigue or if transporting the patient over long distances or hilly terrain. A rest may also be needed when one of the transporters is smaller than the other.