LIFT ASSISTS
Introduction
Lift assist calls for patients who have lost mobility and postural control are common. Many patients refuse assessment and transport for a perceived minor problem. Studies of lift assisted patients who are not transported show a significant number (over 20%) will require EMS, a visit to an ER, admission to the hospital, or even death within days of their refusal. Thus, these calls represent a risk to patients and EMTs alike.
Guideline (for all levels of EMT)
1. Safely move the patient to a position of comfort from the floor or wherever they are found.
2. Obtain a history of the incident leading to the lift assist. Obtain a past medical history and medication list.
3. To the degree the patient will allow it perform a physical assessment of the patient.
4. Provide treatment for medical or traumatic issues the patient may be experiencing to the degree the patient will allow.
5. Assess the patient’s living situation for safety and fall risks.
6. Encourage the patient to allow for transport to an appropriate facility.
7. If the patient refuses transport assess the patient per the REFUSALS guideline in this section.
a. The REFUSALS guideline guides you in assessing the patient’s capacity for informed consent or dissent.
b. It is important to clearly describe the patient’s risks and record what the patient is told.
c. It is important to document the patient’s capacity and understanding of the risks they are facing refusing transport.
d. Enlist the aid of family members in encouraging transport.
e. Consider obtaining on-line medical direction to further encourage transport.
f. Consider involuntary transport if the patient lacks capacity to refuse transport per the INVOLUNTARY TRANSPORT guideline in this section.
g. With the permission of the patient inform any responsible adult family member or acquaintance of the risks of refusing transport and how to access emergency services if there is a change in the patient’s decision if you are unable to obtain consent for transport.
h. Document the encounter as you would any other patient with a potential medical or traumatic issue.
Introduction
Lift assist calls for patients who have lost mobility and postural control are common. Many patients refuse assessment and transport for a perceived minor problem. Studies of lift assisted patients who are not transported show a significant number (over 20%) will require EMS, a visit to an ER, admission to the hospital, or even death within days of their refusal. Thus, these calls represent a risk to patients and EMTs alike.
Guideline (for all levels of EMT)
1. Safely move the patient to a position of comfort from the floor or wherever they are found.
2. Obtain a history of the incident leading to the lift assist. Obtain a past medical history and medication list.
3. To the degree the patient will allow it perform a physical assessment of the patient.
4. Provide treatment for medical or traumatic issues the patient may be experiencing to the degree the patient will allow.
5. Assess the patient’s living situation for safety and fall risks.
6. Encourage the patient to allow for transport to an appropriate facility.
7. If the patient refuses transport assess the patient per the REFUSALS guideline in this section.
a. The REFUSALS guideline guides you in assessing the patient’s capacity for informed consent or dissent.
b. It is important to clearly describe the patient’s risks and record what the patient is told.
c. It is important to document the patient’s capacity and understanding of the risks they are facing refusing transport.
d. Enlist the aid of family members in encouraging transport.
e. Consider obtaining on-line medical direction to further encourage transport.
f. Consider involuntary transport if the patient lacks capacity to refuse transport per the INVOLUNTARY TRANSPORT guideline in this section.
g. With the permission of the patient inform any responsible adult family member or acquaintance of the risks of refusing transport and how to access emergency services if there is a change in the patient’s decision if you are unable to obtain consent for transport.
h. Document the encounter as you would any other patient with a potential medical or traumatic issue.