Stretcher Transport Strategies that Caregivers Follow to Ensure Patient Safety

The transportation needs of the elderly and the disabled are very different from that of regular people. Unfortunately, stretcher transport is not as widely available as it should be. However, the good news is that things are evolving rapidly in the industry, which makes the near future hopeful. Stretcher transportation services have made traveling for old people possible and are constantly updating themselves. 

Patient comfort and safety are paramount for the best NEMT service companies. They do not compromise on the quality of services they provide, and thus, they make an excellent company for all your doctor visits, day surgery, and checkups. Understanding safety practices and strategies for stretcher transport is very important. It allows customers to choose the exemplary service and oversee the work of the caregivers and drivers. 

If you have a loved one who requires stretcher transport services, this article can be handy. 

Why it is Important to Know Stretcher Transport Techniques

Stretcher transport is not an easy task, and only trained professionals should be allowed to handle patients while transferring. However, if you are a family member and constantly need to attend to your loved ones, you should also know the techniques. 

Using the wrong techniques can lead to injury and even infection. Thus, it is essential to know the right way. It is always wise to have help when transporting a bedridden patient. It can be dangerous trying to tackle the body weight of a fully grown person all by yourself. The trick lies not in your strength but in the method of transfer.

Trained professionals like nurses, caregivers, etc., have received formal training and education regarding the process and thus are your saviors when it comes to stretcher transport. Even if the patient is overweight, all decent NEMT services have the perfect technology for seniors who are bedridden and overweight. 

Strategies and Techniques 

• The Right Kind of Restraint System 

Strapping and restraints are widely used for stretcher transport. These ensure the patient can be comfortably moved from one spot to the other without risking injury or fall. Most NEMT services come equipped with belts and clutches that make the process much easier. However, make sure the restraints are safe and comfortable. If the straps are too tight, it can cause injury or discomfort. 

• Transfer Technique 

Nurses and caregivers learn several kinds of techniques in their training period. Besides knowing all the methods, they also understand which patients demand which treatment. For instance, a person with no mobility requires a different transfer technique than a person who has some mobility. The same goes for people in various weight categories. 

One should also be aware of the injuries before performing a transfer. The techniques used in post-surgery transportation services are different from those used in regular checkups. Knowing the details is the key. 

• Comfort 

When transferring a patient from one place to another, it is essential to ensure the vehicle has soft and comfortable padding. It ensures the patient is comfortable throughout the journey. Therefore, when choosing a stretcher transport service, verify the quality of vehicles and amenities they provide. Padding reduces the chance of injuries, abrasions, and pain. 

• Minimal Shock During Transit 

When transporting a patient from one point to the other, the least amount of vibrations and shocks are expected. Make sure the vehicle has top-notch suspension systems to reduce the intensity of vibrations and shocks. It can cause adverse effects to certain kinds of patients. The best NEMT companies design their vans in such a way that minimizes the stressful impact of bumps and shocks on the road. 

• Slow Driving 

Rash driving is a negative when transferring a patient. NEMT drivers are strictly instructed to drive carefully to avoid any injury or discomfort for the patient. Make sure your driver follows these rules when driving. 

Final Words 

Stretcher transport should be done only by professionals or who have the proper training. NEMT services understand the gravity of the situation, and thus, trained caregivers always accompany patients who require help and support. Therefore, it is best to leave the task to caregivers. However, if you ever face a situation where you need to transfer your loved ones, you should keep the above points in mind. Even when doing so, do call for help. It is inadvisable to perform a transfer all by yourself.