Fig. 15.—Changing a Patient from One Bed to Another. (From Pope "Home Care of the Sick," American School of Home Economics, Chicago.)

If the beds differ greatly in height and indeed in most cases, it is better to carry the patient from one bed to the other. At least two people are needed; one alone should never attempt to carry anyone heavier than a small child. One method for lifting is as follows: Let two bearers, A and B stand on the same side of the bed. If the patient is to be moved into the right side of the fresh bed let both bearers stand on the right side of the occupied bed; if he is to go into the left side of the fresh bed, let them both stand on the left side of the occupied bed. Let A place one arm under the patient's shoulders and her other under the small of his back, while B places one arm under his hips and the other just below his knees. Draw the patient to the edge of the bed, instruct him to place his arms about the shoulders of A and to hold the body rigid, and then lift together at a given signal, keeping his weight well up on the chests of the bearers.

Whenever a patient must be turned, lifted, carried, or moved in any way, let him know beforehand just what you intend to do so that he may not be startled, and also that he may coöperate if possible. Grasp him firmly but

gently, avoid pinching the skin, and move him steadily and smoothly, avoiding jerks and false starts. Do not attempt alone more than your strength is amply sufficient to accomplish, and endeavor at all times to handle the sick with the utmost gentleness and consideration.

EXERCISES

  1. Describe a bedstead and mattress suitable for a sick person's use, and tell why they are to be preferred.
  2. How should the bedstead be cared for? the mattress? the pillows?
  3. How should a mattress and pillows be protected?
  4. Describe in detail the bed covers that are desirable for use in sickness.
  5. Name the results that a good method of bedmaking aims to secure.
  6. Describe the method of making an unoccupied bed.
  7. How should one change the pillows of a helpless patient?
  8. Describe the way in which you would lift and turn a patient in bed.
  9. Describe the method of changing sheets and remaking a bed while the patient is in it.
  10. Why are beds and bedmaking considered so important in the care of the sick?

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