Safety and Transfers

Ergonomics - The study of the human body in relation to the working environment

Ergonomic awareness and education in the workplace have reduced job injuries in recent years.

 

Body Mechanics - The principles of proper body alignment, movement and balance.

The purpose of a patient transfer is to safely move a patient from one place to another. Safety involves both the patient and the people doing the transfer. The application of proper lifting and transfer techniques increases job safety. Radiologic imaging professionals who use proper transfer techniques can reduce their injuries and minimize low back pain.

 

***Fundamental to good patient handling techniques are the concepts of the base of support, center of gravity and mobility and stability muscles.***

 

Base of Support - The base of support is the foundation on which a body rests. Base of support is the area between the feet, including the plantar surface area, in a standing position.

 

Here are some guidelines for base of support:

1. A wider stance improves your base of support.

2. Standing with both feet flat on the floor improves the base of support.

3. Standing with feet apart to increase the base of support improves stability.

4. Standing on "tiptoes" decreases surface in contact with the floor and narrows the base of support.

 

Center of Gravity - A hypothetical area of the body where the mass of the body is concentrated; gravity works from this area.

The center of gravity is typically at the level of the second sacral segment. Holding heavy objects close to your center of gravity permits easier and safer transfer. Stability can be achieved when a body's center of gravity is over its base of support.

 

Muscles and Transfers

Extremity muscles are classified as mobility muscles. Muscles of the torso are stability muscles. For effective patient transfers and handling, technologists should use mobility muscles for lifting and stability postural muscles for support.