© Ferno-Washington, Inc. / 234-3298-02 / May 2018
14
Using the Cot
5.3 Changing Positions
●
Changing cot positions with a patient on the cot requires a
minimum
of two trained operators who are communicating,
working together, and maintaining control of the cot at all times.
●
Operators stand at opposite ends (Figure 8) or sides of the cot
(Figure 9) using an underhand grip (palms up) to grasp the main
frame with both hands.
●
Lift the weight of the cot off its transport wheels (and locking
mechanism) before squeezing a control handle. See “Lift-First
●
Be prepared to control the normal downward movement of the cot
that occurs when a control handle is squeezed.
●
To ensure patient comfort, both operators control the movement
of the cot until it locks into the new position.
●
Verify that the undercarriage is locked into the new position before
releasing your grasp on the frame.
RAISING OR LOWERING THE COT
1.
Control Operator:
Position your hand to use the control handle.
2.
Both Operators:
Lift the cot slightly to take the weight off the
locking mechanism.
3.
Both Operators:
As the control operator squeezes and holds the
control handle, both operators raise or lower the cot. If the control
handle is difficult to squeeze, both operators lift the cot a little
higher to free the locking mechanism.
4.
Control Operator:
Release the control handle when the cot is
near the desired height.
5.
Both Operators:
Together, lift the cot until all four transport wheels
are off the ground. This ensures the undercarriage lock engages if it
has not already done so.
6.
Both Operators:
Set the cot onto the floor or ground. Do not
release your grasp until your are sure the undercarriage is locked
at the new position.
CHANGING POSITIONS WITH ONE OPERATOR
If local protocols allow, an empty cot (no patient), may be adjusted by
one trained operator. Tip the cot onto its loading wheels, operate the
control handle and raise or lower the cot to the desired position. Then,
let go of the control handle and return the cot to its transport wheels.
Talk to the Patient
Communicate before making changes to
the cot height, and during the loading and
unloading procedures.
NOTICE
Operators should expect and be prepared to control the
normal downward movement of the cot which occurs when a
control handle is squeezed.
Sheets or other articles that are placed, or find their way,
beneath the patient surface can become caught in the
locking mechanism and cause it to malfunction. Tuck sheets
between the mattress and the patient surface. Keep other
articles above the mattress.
8
9
5.4 Transferring the Patient
To transfer a patient onto the cot:
1. Unfasten the patient restraints. Arrange the straps so they will not
interfere with transferring the patient onto the cot.
2. Place the cot beside the patient and adjust it to the patient’s level.
3. Lower the sidearms and engage the wheel locks.
4. Transfer the patient onto the cot using approved emergency
medical procedures and following your local protocols.
5. Raise the sidearms. Adjust the backrest as needed.
6. Fasten and adjust the patient restraints.
7. Release the wheel locks.
8. Before moving the cot or changing its position, make sure
sheets and other articles or equipment will not interfere with cot
operation.