Question

You watch a family friend of your client who tries to lift your client who weighs 70 kg. The friend who is the carer weighs approximately 60 kg. Midway through the lift she starts to lose control of the lift and calls you to help her. What should you do?

Answer 1

I will immediately go for the help and put the side rails and lock the bed while holding the patient who weighs 70kg. Then I will bend and lift with the knees, not at the waist. Bending at the waist puts unnecessary stress on our lower spine. Avoid twisting the body, especially while bending, for the same reasons as above. Hold the patient close to the body while lifting and transferring them. Finally I will teach the care giver about the lifting techniques.