Guest Post: Do It Smarter

Today’s guest post is brought to you by Don Wilson – Compliance Deputy Division Director, TCFP

Having discussed the topic of safe lifting with veteran firefighters, one of the main messages that is always touched upon are these simple words of wisdom – “Do it smarter.” 

(Yes, the old guys do know some things that may be passed on…besides war stories)

This message is especially important when it comes to safe lifting.  Too many of the older firefighters have that “grandfather” walk.  You have witnessed this and may have even practiced it.  You know…the slow, methodical, bent back when getting up from a sitting position.  The stance that takes a few steps to get straightened out.  This is not due to poor posture, but instead comes from years of being the “man” and not asking for assistance when lifting objects - especially when lifting patients from awkward positions or when retrieving heavy objects from inconveniently high compartment spaces on apparatus. 

Forget this practice and Do It Smarter.

Hurting your back and having to deal with later nagging pain is not worth it.  Please take the time to evaluate the situation and then use the proper lifting techniques necessary to get the job done.

Image courtesy of the NIH's website

If the task requires additional help, seek it out. 

For example, that 30 ton PPV fan (Figuratively speaking, of course, but with a sore back it does seem this heavy) stored behind the pump panel (because that is the only available space), typically requires more than one person to remove from its storage spot… so get more than one person to do it!  It does no one on the scene any good if it is not utilized in a timely manner because you are injured in the process of moving the behemoth.  Not only do others have to take care of you, but other important and possibly life-saving operations are not being performed.  If you are injured this way, you are typically off for a few shifts (and will likely have re-occurring episodes in the future).  While this does contribute to the overtime pool for others, it does nothing for you and your future well-being. 

Once again, from a guy with experience….Do It Smarter.

Strains & Sprains - Safe Lifting

As we discussed last week, strains & sprains are the most common types of injuries being reported to us.  Most reported strain & sprain injuries are due, in large part, to lifting and moving patients and fire equipment.  Luckily, the bulk of those injuries (67%) are minor and the individuals are not missing work.  But the other 33% are serious injuries, causing firefighters to miss work.  Missed work, due to injuries, costs everyone a great deal, so avoiding these are best for the whole department.   The majority of the serious injuries are to the back, followed closely by knee, shoulder and ankle injuries.  

Injuries by Body Parts, Serious vs. Minor (2011) - click to enlarge

  

Backs, shoulders, and knees are being injured while lifting patients.  Here are some examples of these types of injuries that have been reported to us:

“Lifting stretcher with patient into ambulance, strained lower back.”

“Back strain off-loading patient onto hospital bed.”

“Lifting a patient and strained left knee.”

“Assisting moving a patient from bed to stretcher.  He had pain in shoulder.”

Here are some other examples of the lifting injuries that have been reported to us:

“Fire fighter was loading gear on the truck and twisted knee.”

“Fire Fighter was loading rehab supplies, lifted a case of water and injured shoulder.”

“Fire fighter was assisting with the loading of 5” hose.  As he grabbed the hose and hoisted it above his shoulder and took a few steps, he felt pain in the middle of his back.”

“Fire fighter strained back while pulling hose line for fire attack.”

“During structure fire while pulling ceiling with pike pole, fire fighter felt pain in shoulder.”

“Fire fighter injured upper back lifting exhaust fan from ground.”

Lifting injuries occur when you lift something larger than what your body can handle.  Avoiding such lifting is nearly impossible in your line of work.  Finding ways to lift heavy objects safely is paramount.  While your departments can create back safety programs, the responsibility of protecting your back lands squarely…well, on your back.

Most of these injuries can be avoided by practicing safe lifting techniques, such as: 

• Lift with your legs, keeping your back straight 
• Maintain strong leg and arm muscles to assist with this. 
• Pivot, don’t twist. 
• Maintain strong ab and lower back muscles so they don’t get hurt if you end up using them. 
• Lift on stable and level ground. 
• Move smoothly, avoiding jerky movements. 
• Think before you lift – develop a lift strategy.
  

Finally, lifting injuries can be acute and temporarily painful, and they can also be chronic and lead to long-term problems later in life.  You may not feel injured, but if you are consistently lifting heavy objects improperly, your body might feel it later.  It’s time to get your team trained on proper lifting techniques!

TCFP Library videos to help you prevent injuries while lifting:

• BACK INJURY PREVENTION
• PATIENT HANDLING
• PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES - KEEPING YOUR WORKPLACE SAFE
• STEPS FOR SAFE LIFTING AND CARRYING

Additional online resources:

• Proper lifting techniques (Mayo Clinic)
• Patient lifting and moving (Video)
• Back Exercises(Patient Education Institute)
• Back Pain - How to Prevent(Patient Education Institute)

How often do you see these types of injuries at your departments?

Be honest, do you practice safe lifting techniques?