To avoid injury while pushing a patient, what technique should you use?

Using a technique that avoids pushing with your elbows fully extended helps to maintain better leverage and control while minimizing the risk of injury. When elbows are locked, the upper body can lose the ability to absorb shock and provide stable support, which can lead to strain, particularly on the back and shoulders. Instead, keeping a slight bend in the elbows allows for better movement dynamics and promotes engagement of the core muscles, which assists in stabilizing the torso while pushing.

Additionally, this technique distributes the forces more evenly across your body, rather than concentrating them in the arms or back, which could lead to fatigue or injury. Proper body mechanics, such as bending your knees and keeping your back straight while pushing, are crucial components of safe lifting and moving strategies for Emergency Medical Technicians. These practices help ensure the safety of both the EMT and the patient.