© Ferno-Washington, Inc. / 234-3480-06 / November 2017
28
Using the Cot
6.7 Unloading the Cot
Unloading the cot from an ambulance with a patient on it requires a
minimum
of two trained operators who are communicating, working
together, and maintaining control of the cot at all times.
Notee:
Use additional help as needed when working with heavy loads
(patient and equipment). See “Using Additional Help” on page 7.
1.
Both Operatorse:
If the ambulance has a folding tray, lower the
ramp. Then, release the cot from the fastening system.
2.
Control-end Operatore:
Grasp the main frame with an underhand
(palms up) grip. Roll the cot out of the ambulance until the
control-end legs unfold and lock. If the legs do not unfold, the leg
lock is engaged. Push the cot back inside the ambulance, unlock
the leg lock, and re-start the procedure.
3.
Loading-end Operatore:
As the cot is rolled out of the
ambulance, grasp the main frame and assist the Control-end
Operator (Figures 34-35).
4.
Control-end Operatore:
Verify that the control-end legs have
locked. See “Leg-Status Indicator” on page 14.
5.
Both Operatorse:
Continue rolling the cot out of the ambulance
until the loading-end legs unfold completely and lock. Keep the
loading-wheels on the ambulance floor (Figure 35).
6.
Loading-end Operatore:
Place your foot against one wheel of the
loading-end legs and verify that the legs have finished swinging to
their final, locked position.
7.
Both Operatorse:
Roll the cot out of the ambulance.
SAFETY-LOCK DEVICE REMINDER
During unloading, cots equipped with the (optional) Safety-Lock Device
may catch on the catch plate. If this happens, raise the cot control-end
high enough for both sets of legs to unfold and lock. Use additional help
as needed. This will allow the cot to be removed from the catch plate.
Talk to the Patient
Communicate before making changes to
the cot height, and during the loading and
unloading procedures.
Important
If the legs do not unfold as the cot is removed from the
ambulance, check the leg lock. Push the cot back inside the
ambulance, release the leg lock, and start the unloading
process again.
If the ambulance is in a low area or on an incline, the operators
(and any helpers) may need to lift the cot to allow each set of
legs to lock.
WARNING
An unlocked undercarriage can cause injury. Before
removing the cot from the ambulance, confirm that both
sets of legs unfold completely and lock.
34
35
Loading Wheels On
Ambulance Floor