1-12. TRANSPORTING FROM STRETCHER TO X-RAY TABLE (PATIENT
ASSISTED)
a. Advantages of Stretcher. A patient coming to the radiology department may
have to wait some time in the department before or after an exam. If the patient cannot
stand safely or sit comfortably for extended periods, a stretcher should be selected as
the method of transport. A parent can be moved more easily to an X-ray table from a
stretcher than from a wheelchair. (Table height can't be adjusted.)
b. Patient Able to Assist. If the patient is not too heavy and is able to assist,
you may be able to transfer the patient from the stretcher to the X-ray table by yourself.
It is always desirable, however, to allow the parent to assist to the extent possible
(figures 1-25 and 1-26). If the patient is able to assist, place yourself on the outer side
of the table to hold the stretcher in place, flush against the table as the patient moves
onto the stretcher. If the parent is too heavy for you or too weak, do not hesitate to seek
assistance. Again, take special note of the warning to place the stretcher flush up
against the X-ray table with no space in between the two (figure 1-25). If there is the
slightest space between the stretcher and the X-ray table, the stretcher could swing
away as the patient attempts to hoist himself onto the table, causing the patient to fall to
the floor and, quite possibly, get hurt.
Figure 1-25. Equipment preparation.
Steps: 1. Stretcher is parallel and flush against the table.
There is no space in between.
2. Stretcher wheels are locked.
MD0961
1-25