EMT Curriculum

3.07.A – Ambulance Cot

Objectives: Demonstrate how to utilize an ambulance stretcher/cot

Demonstrate the following actions using the ambulance stretcher

- Raise to waist level / lower to lowest level

- Trendelenberg, semi-fowlers, full fowlers positions

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Strapping patient in with 3 straps

Equipment: Ambulance Cot

Sheet if available

Setup: - The stretcher should be placed in the group; students can try raising and lowering with an empty stretcher, then with a loaded stretcher.

Precautions: Do not let the station deteriorate into chatter. Continue rotating them through maveuvers until the time is up.

LIFTING AND MOVING IS THE MOST POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY OF THE COURSE. DO NOT ALLOW STUDENTS TO BECOME INJURED WHEN THEY LIFT OR ALLOW THEM TO BE DROPPED WHEN THEY ARE THE PATIENT. ALL STUDENTS SHOULD ROTATE BETWEEN RESCUER AND PATIENT POSITIONS. Instructions: Take 5 minutes to explain the stretcher your location is using. Do not take more than 5 minutes before students are working. Rotate students, in groups, through the following maneuvers. Make sure each student is doing every position:

Raise and lower stretcher

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- Trendelenberg (ask student’s when they would use this position – shock) - Fowlers (ask student’s when they would use this position – most patients) - High-Fowlers (ask student’s when they would use this position – Shortness of breath) - Special features (IV pole, O2 holder, etc)