© Ferno-Washington, Inc. / 234-3451-03 / September 2016
6
2 - OPERATOR SKILLS AND TRAINING
2.1 Skills
Operators using the cot need:
●
a working knowledge of emergency patient-handling
procedures.
●
the ability to assist the patient.
2.2 Training
Operator trainees need to:
●
read and understand this manual.
●
be trained on the use of the cot.
●
practice with the cot before using it with a patient.
●
record their training information. A sample training
record sheet is provided on page 31.
2.3 Height and Strength Considerations
When unloading the cot, the foot-end operator must lift and
hold the weight of the cot, patient and equipment high enough
for the wheels to remain off the ground until the undercarriage
legs completely unfold and lock into place.
Supporting this weight requires greater strength from short
operators than from tall operators because short operators must
raise their arms higher in relation to their shoulders.
Be aware that if the ambulance is parked on an uneven surface,
the foot-end operator (and any helpers) may need to lift the cot
higher than normal to allow the legs to unfold completely and
lock.
Note:
Use additional help as needed to lift the weight of the cot,
patient and equipment (see
Using Additional Help,
page 25).
Operator Skills and Training
WARNING
Untrained operators can cause injury or be injured.
Permit only trained personnel to operate the cot.