How to Transfer Patient from Bed to Wheelchair

In the NEMT industry, most patients are immobility and need an assistant to transport them from their wheelchairs to bed. So, in such cases, its crucial for caregivers and healthcare providers to provide patients with a facility to transport them to bed. Whether it’s routine mobility or assisting someone with leg mobility, understanding the correct technique is vital to ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient. At Groovy Transportation, let’s discuss steps involved in transferring a patient from bed to a wheelchair.

Steps to transporting wheelchair patients

Let’s see the steps on how to transfer someone from a wheelchair to a car:

Step 1: Preparation

Before starting the transfer, preparing the patient and the surroundings for a smooth transition is essential. Follow these preparatory steps:

Explain the steps to the patient: Provide details to the patient: before starting the procedure, always communicate with the patient and let him know what to expect during transportation. Communication clearly offers a sense of trust and helps in reducing anxiety and ensuring their cooperation.

Set the position of the wheelchair: make sure to park the wheelchair next to the bed. There must be a minimum distance from the bed to the patient's wheelchair. In addition, remember to put the brakes on and move the footrests out of the way for unobstructed access.

Take safety measures: Wheelchairs must have no rules, rugs, or slippery surfaces around the transfer area. If necessary, provide the patient with non-skid socks or shoes to prevent slipping during the transfer. Safety measures are really crucial to transporting wheelchair patients.

Step 2: Get your patient ready to transfer

Once you've completed the preparations, you can proceed to get the patient ready for the transfer.

Sitting the patient: After the first step, once you have completed the preparation, gently roll the patient onto the same side as the wheelchair. Place an arm under the patient’s shoulder and the other behind their knees, and bend your knees to assist with the movement. Use this momentum to help the patients into a sitting position. This step is most crucial for wheelchair patients.

Set the bed position: after sitting in the position and getting ready to transport the patient, set the bed position. Lower the bed so that the patient’s feet touch the ground, ensuring they have a stable surface to stand on. If you want to know how to secure a wheelchair and long-distance transportation contracts, explore here: How to Get Medical Transportation Contracts

Step 3: Pivot Turn

The pivot turn is a crucial step in transferring a patient from the bed to the wheelchair.

Gait belt usage: it’s essential to place a gate belt around the patient’s waist to provide a secure grip during the transfer.  The patient can hold onto your reach for the wheelchair but should not wrap their arms around your head or neck.

Lifting and turning: Stand as close as possible to the patient, reach around their chest, lock your hands behind them, or hold the gait belt.

Lifting the patient: Place the patient's outside leg (the one farthest from the wheelchair) between your knees for support. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Count to three and lift, using your leg muscles.

Patient's involvement: The patient should place their hands by their sides and assist in pushing off the bed, supporting their weight on their excellent leg during the transfer.

Moving towards the wheelchair: Pivot the patient towards the wheelchair while ensuring your back aligns with your hips. Once the patient's legs are touching the seat of the wheelchair, bend your knees to lower them into the seat and ask them to reach for the wheelchair armrest.

Safety precautions: If the patient starts to fall during the transfer, lower them to the nearest flat surface, whether the bed, a chair, or the floor.

Conclusion

Transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair requires careful planning, communication, and adherence to proper techniques. Following the steps outlined in this guide can ensure a safe and comfortable transfer for the patient. At Wheelchair Transportation, we always prioritize the patient's well-being and seek assistance if necessary, and don't forget to use safety measures like gait belts to minimize the risk of injury during the transfer. Proper transfer techniques are essential for the patient's safety and the caregiver's well-being.