378 Unit 4 Healthcare Skills Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Assisting with Ambulation When preparing for any procedure in which you will be assisting with ambulation in a healthcare facility, you should perform the following steps: 1. Ask the patient if she is feeling any pain. If she is, consult with the appropriate provider about her pain medication schedule before beginning the ambulation. 2. Depending on the patient’s level of mobility, various equipment may be used to assist in ambulation. This equipment may include mechanical, full-body lifts (Figure 13.6) mobile, sit-to-stand lifts or gait belts. These help reduce the load of the patient’s body weight on the healthcare workers who are assisting. Know how the equipment works and understand the procedure being implemented. 3. Gather the appropriate supplies, equipment, and other staff members, if needed. 4. Organize the physical environment and the equipment to ensure safe completion of the procedure. This includes locking the wheels of the bed or chair, putting the bed or stretcher at the correct height, and making sure any mobile equipment is charged. Identify and remove any tripping hazards such as electrical cords, throw rugs, and clutter. 5. If other healthcare workers are needed to conduct a procedure, make sure they know what they need to do. 6. Tell the patient what actions you expect from her. 7. Show the patient what to do and help her during the procedure. 8. When assisting patients, be sure you have good posture and are using proper body mechanics. 9. If the patient you are assisting begins to collapse during ambulation, do not try to carry, hold up, or catch her. Rather, assume a broad stance with your preferred foot slightly ahead of the other and between the patient’s legs. Grasp the patient’s body fi rmly at the waist or under the axilla (armpit), and allow her to slide down against your leg (Figure 13.7). Ease the patient slowly to the fl oor, using your body as an incline. If necessary, lower your body along with hers. Remember to always use proper body mechanics. 10. If there are family members or friends available who would like to assist, they may do so as long as the appropriate provider has given permission and each person understands and is comfortable with the procedure. Family members and friends must know how to avoid any risks or harm to themselves and the patient as described here. This may require you to provide instructions and assistance the fi rst few times they assist with ambulation. Also, be sure to show them what to do if the patient collapses or begins to fall. Tyler Olson/Shutterstock.com Figure 13.6 Electronic patient lifts may be mounted to the ceiling or mobile, as shown here. Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.7 Do not try to catch or carry a collapsing patient. Instead, assume a wide stance and slowly ease her to the floor, using your body as an incline.