Transfer Techniques

RTA Spring 2008

Body Mechanics

• Muscle strains are common among hospital workers.

• The most common injury reported by radiographers.

3 Major Concepts

• Base of support: The portion of the body in contact with the floor or other horizontal surface.

• A broad base of support provides stability for body position and movement.

Center of gravity

• Center of body weight. The point around which body weight is balanced.

• Usually located in the midportion of the pelvis or lower abdomen, depending on body build.

• Any object your hold adds to the weight on the base of support… affecting the location of your center of gravity

• Body is most stable when the center of gravity is nearest the center of the base of support

Center of gravity for most people is S 2

Line of gravity

• Imaginary vertical line passing thought the center of gravity.

• The body is most stable when the line of gravity bisects the base of support

Not so good Good

Rules of Body Mechanics

• Provide a broad base of support

• Work at a comfortable height

• When lifting, bend your knees and keep your back straight

• Keep your load well balanced and close to your body

• Roll or push a heavy object. Avoid pulling or lifting.

Patient Comfort and Safety

Padding & Support

• Lordotic = (concave)

• Kyphotic = (convex)

Radiation Protection Considerations

• Good patient care……

• Padding placed under body prominences, such as the sacrum, heels, or midthoracic curvature.

1. Patient are better able to maintain the position needed.

- Decubitus ulcers

Rule of thumb..

• If a patient will be in one position on the x-ray table for longer than 10 minutes a full-size radiolucent pad should be used.

Patient Positions

• Semi-Fowler’s

• Trendelenburg

• Lithotomy

Patient Transportation

Preparing for Safe Patient Transfer

• Check with nursing service, and obtain chart

• Check patient identification

• Make a plan, prepare the room

• Get transport equipment, and make sure it works!

Preparing for Safe Patient Transfer

• Enlist the patient’s help and cooperation. Tell the patient what you are doing as you proceed

• Obtain additional help when necessary. Check to make certain your assistants understand their role in the transfer

Wheelchair Transfer

• To get started lower the patients bed as far as it will go and raise the head.

• Support the patients head and knees. Lift and rotate the patient to a sitting position with their legs hanging over the edge of the bed.

• Help the patient with slippers and robe.

Wheelchair Transfer

• This will allow patient time to regain a sense of balance.

–Orthorstatic hypotension

At this point some patient will be able to stand and get to the wheelchair on their own.

Transfer from bed or chair

Two person transfer

Questions……