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Lift with your Brain not your Back
Well it all started at a single vehicle MVC on a back county road @ 0545, we responded in a Squad and sent 2 Ambulances. As I pull up in the first ambulance we see a vehicle about 30 ft off the road wedged into the bush pretty good. Fortunately there was no need for extrication tools required. I crawl into the backseat of the vehicle to hold C-Spine and communicate with the passenger. After a well orchestrated removal we where able to slide the Pt onto the board and strap them down.
All is well until we get to the ambulance and are about to load the Pt in, as I assume the position at the controls of the stretcher and prepare to lift with my legs, I realize that the board and Pts feet are hanging quite far off the end of the stretcher making it difficult to lift properly. Now I know what you are thinking ... "just Lift already" well I have done this is the past and have paid for it dearly, So I request a second individual to assist with the stretcher in order to save my back from another 3 days laying on the couch.
Remember it doesn't take alot of weight to fcuk your back up, all it takes is a awkward lift and it could cause you problems for the rest of your career. Stay Safe ... and take care of yourself.
All is well until we get to the ambulance and are about to load the Pt in, as I assume the position at the controls of the stretcher and prepare to lift with my legs, I realize that the board and Pts feet are hanging quite far off the end of the stretcher making it difficult to lift properly. Now I know what you are thinking ... "just Lift already" well I have done this is the past and have paid for it dearly, So I request a second individual to assist with the stretcher in order to save my back from another 3 days laying on the couch.
Remember it doesn't take alot of weight to fcuk your back up, all it takes is a awkward lift and it could cause you problems for the rest of your career. Stay Safe ... and take care of yourself.
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Comment by Matt Mikowski on September 8, 2010 at 2:18pm
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I was out for six months with a fractured L5 and L6, we were on a med run bring a lady down some tight and steep old stairs. the stair chair that we have on our rig looks like its from WWII era. I was at the top in a terrible position with out any way of improving it. by the time i got to the bottum I was just about in tears, the next day I went to the E.R. and walked out in back brace. I am better now but I will not be doing that again any time soon!!!
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Comment by Peter Lupkowski on September 3, 2010 at 11:59am
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Kevin, it's always the simple little things that keep us from getting into big problems. Words of wisdom. thanks.
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Comment by lutan1 on September 2, 2010 at 5:39pm
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I hurt my back 15 years ago helping to lift a dead body. It kept me off work for 3 weeks and I still have niggling problems now.
Unfortunately the saying is that there are two kinds of people in the world- those who have hurt their back and those who will hurt their back.....
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