When moving a patient on the ambulance stretcher, what is the correct height adjustment from the load position?

Adjusting the stretcher to the mid position when moving a patient is essential for ensuring the safety and comfort of both the patient and the EMTs involved. The mid position allows the stretcher to be at a height that is neither too low, which can strain your back when lifting, nor too high, which can increase the risk of bumping the patient’s head or causing instability during transport.

Utilizing the mid position effectively aligns with body mechanics, as it minimizes the risk of injury to emergency medical personnel. This position is typically the most ergonomically favorable for lifting and transferring patients, as it facilitates easier maneuvering through the ambulance and while entering and exiting buildings or tight spaces.

Selecting the ground position would involve excessively bending over to lift the patient, potentially leading to strains. The highest position increases the challenges of securing the patient safely, as it may raise the center of gravity, making the stretcher more difficult to control. The load position, while useful for loading the stretcher into the ambulance, is not ideal for transport, as it is meant for securing and stabilizing the stretcher initially rather than for patient movement.

Therefore, the mid position is the most appropriate choice for safe and efficient patient handling during transport within the ambulance.