Transfer & immobilization techniques

1. Transfer & immobilization techniques By Dr. Mohsen Dashti Patient care & management 202 April-16-10

2. Discussion issues • Body mechanics. • Moving patients. • Immobilization techniques.

3. Body mechanics • The point at which the mass of any body is centered known as ……..

4. Body mechanics • White Vs. Red muscles: • 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.

5. Body mechanics • Which muscles should be used? • Technologists should use white mobility muscles for lifting and red postural muscles for support.

6. Body mechanics • Correct body posture when picking up an object: • 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.

7. Body mechanics Pick and Support Place and Relax Bend Knees

8. 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: • 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.

9. Moving patients • When moving the patient: • 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.

10. Methods of moving patients • 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.

11. Methods of moving patients • By Gurney:

12. Methods of moving patients • 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.

13. Methods of moving patients • By Wheelchair:

14. 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.

15. Immobilization techniques • Rules for application of immobilizers: • 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.

16. Immobilization techniques • Types of Immobilizers:

17. Immobilization techniques • Special care: (Infants) • 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.

18. Immobilization techniques • Immobilizing: • 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.

19. Immobilization techniques • Immobilizing: • Mummy-Style Sheet Immobilizers: • Used very often with new born babies in Kuwait. • Can be used to restrain one or more extremities. • Commercial Immobilizers: • The Pigg-o-stat used mainly for chest x-rays. • The Plastic mold with straps to hold the extremities.

20. Immobilization techniques

21. Sunday’s gift • Define the following: • Biomechanics… • Orthostatic hypotension… • Flexion… • Artifact…