Chapter 3. Safer Patient Handling, Positioning, Transfers and Ambulation
Chapter 3. Safer Patient Handling, Positioning, Transfers and Ambulation
3.7 Types of Patient Transfers: Transfers without Mechanical Assistive Devices
Patient Transfer from Bed to Stretcher
A bed to stretcher transfer requires a minimum of three to four people, depending on the size of the patient and the size and strength of the healthcare providers. Patients who require this type of transfer are generally immobile or acutely ill, so they may be unable to assist with the transfer. Checklist 25 shows the steps for moving patients laterally from one surface to another.
Checklist 25: Moving a Patient from Bed to StretcherDisclaimer: Always review and follow your agency policy regarding this specific skill. |
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Safety considerations:
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Steps |
Additional Information |
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1. Always predetermine the number of staff required to safely transfer a patient horizontally. |
Three to four healthcare providers are required for the transfer. | ||
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2. Explain what will happen and how the patient can help (tucked-in chin, keep hands on chest). Collect supplies. |
This step provides the patient with an opportunity to ask questions and help with the transfer. |
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3. Raise bed to safe working height. Flatten the head of bed and side rails. Position the patient closest to the side of the bed where the stretcher will be placed. |
Safe working height is at waist level of the shortest healthcare provider.
The patient must be positioned correctly prior to the transfer to avoid straining and reaching. May need additional healthcare providers to move patient to the side of the bed. |
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4. Position stretcher beside the bed on the side closest to the patient with stretcher slightly lower. Apply brakes. Caregiver #1 stands closest to the patient. Caregiver #2 and #3 stand on the other side of the bed: #2 is at the head and shoulders, and #3 is at the hips and legs. Caregiver #4 can be used to move feet or equipment, or help #2 and #3 with pulling.
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The slider board will form a bridge between the bed and the stretcher.
The sheet must be between the patient and the slider board to decrease friction between patient and board. Ensure all tubes and attachments are out of the way. |
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5. Caregiver #1 uses a front-to-back weight shift to roll patient onto their side using the sliding sheet. Meanwhile, caregivers #2 and #3 climb onto and kneel on the bed to place the slider board halfway under the patient. The patient is returned to the supine position. Patient’s feet are positioned on the slider board.
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Ensure proper body mechanics by keeping elbows close and backs tall.
The position of the healthcare providers keeps the heaviest part of the patient near the healthcare providers’ centre of gravity for stability. |
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6. Caregivers #2 and #3 can remain on the stretcher. They grasp the draw sheet using a palms up technique, sitting-up tall, and keeping their elbows close to their body and backs straight. Caregiver #1 remains on the far side of the bed, between