Why relying on upper body strength alone isn’t a safe way to lift a patient.

Let’s talk about something that isn’t glamorous but is absolutely vital on the street: lifting a patient safely. It’s one of those moments where nerves meet physics, and the right technique can mean the difference between a safe move and a trip to the hospital for either the patient or the rescuer. If you’ve ever wondered which method isn’t recommended, here’s the bottom line: relying solely on upper body strength is not the way to go.

The not-recommended technique, plain and simple

Relying solely on upper body strength is a trap. It sounds obvious, but in the heat of a fast-moving call, the temptation to “just use my arms” can creep in. Your arms are not designed to carry heavy loads for long distances, especially with awkward angles or in unstable environments. The body naturally compensates for weakness in the lower body by overloading the spine and shoulders. That’s how back strains and more serious injuries sneak in, especially when you’re trying to move someone who weighs more than you do or when space is tight. In rescue work, taking a shortcut here isn’t just risky for you—it’s risky for the patient you’re trying to help.

So, what should you do instead? The short answer: engage the legs, use the right tools, and keep your spine in a neutral, safe position. The longer answer is a set of habits you can carry from the moment you step on scene.

Power comes from the legs, not the back

Think of your legs as the engine of the lift. The large muscles in your thighs and hips are built to handle heavy loads. Here’s a practical rhythm you can use:

• Plan the move before you lift. Look around for obstacles, count the number of teammates who will assist, and decide who will take the lead. A quiet plan reduces surprises and helps everyone stay in sync.

• Stand close to the patient. The load is easier to manage when the center of gravity stays near your body.

• Position your feet. A stable, shoulder-width stance gives you a solid base. If you’re dealing with a slippery surface or stairs, adjust your footing to maintain balance rather than compensating with your back.

• Bend at the hips and knees, not at the waist. Your back should stay in a straight line, like you’re about to sit into a chair—only you’re lifting a person, not a cushion.

• Lift with your legs, not your arms. Drive through the legs, keep the load close to your torso, and resist the urge to twist while you lift. If you need to move, pivot your feet—don’t twist your spine.

• Keep the patient close. The closer the load to your center of gravity, the safer the lift. If you have to change direction, make small, deliberate steps rather than sweeping turns.

• Communicate. A quick “One, two, three—lift” or a simple “Got it?” ensures everyone is aligned and ready to move together.

In practice, this isn’t just about raw strength; it’s a coordinated dance. When teams move in unison, the strain on any single person drops dramatically. You’re not fighting gravity solo—you’re partnering with it, using your teammates to spread the load and keep everyone safe.

Backboards and immobilization: why they matter

Using a backboard isn’t optional, not when a spine injury could be lurking beneath the surface. Immobilization protects the spine and helps ensure a stable transfer. Here’s how it fits into a safe lift:

• Assess first. If the patient has potential spinal injury, the backboard helps keep alignment during transport.

• Securely position. The patient is carefully moved onto the board with immobilization devices—straps to hold them steady, blocks or supports to prevent shifting.

• Smooth transfer. The goal is a gentle, controlled slide from bed or chair onto the board, preserving spinal alignment at every step.

• Team lift when needed. On larger patients or in constrained spaces, multiple rescuers share the lift to minimize strain and avoid awkward tugs.

Backboard use isn’t a crutch; it’s a safety mechanism that, when used properly, protects two lives at once: the patient’s spine and the lifter’s back.

Proper body mechanics: the physics behind safe lifting

“Body mechanics” might sound like jargon, but it’s just good sense under pressure. It’s about maintaining alignment, keeping loads close, and moving with intention. A few guiding principles can make a big difference:

• Neutral spine: Keep your back in a straight line, not arched or rounded. Imagine a string pulling from the top of your head to your tailbone.

• Load close, move smooth: The farther the load sits from your body, the more torque your spine has to resist. Bring it in tight and move with deliberate steps.

• Avoid twisting: If you must change direction, pivot your feet instead of twisting your torso.

• Breathing matters: Don’t hold your breath during the lift. A steady breath helps you stay controlled and focused.

• Use the whole body, not just the arms: Your core gives you grip strength and steadiness. Engage it as you guide the lift.

• Stop if something hurts: It’s better to pause, reassess, and call for help than to push through pain and risk a serious injury.

These ideas aren’t fluffy add-ons; they’re concrete tactics you’ll use on every call. They’re the difference between a lift that’s safe and one that becomes a setback.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even the best teams slip up from time to time. Here are some pitfalls to watch for—and how to correct them:

• Letting the back take all the load: This is the classic trap. Remind yourself to bend at the knees and hips and keep the load close.

• Over-relying on one person’s strength: Distribute effort among teammates. A well-coordinated team reduces fatigue and injury risk.

• Rounding the back during the lift: Think “tall spine, engaged core.” If you feel your back rounding, reset and adjust your stance.

• Quick, jerky movements: Smooth, controlled motions beat fast but sloppy lifts every time.

• Ignoring environmental factors: Wet floors, stairs, narrow hallways—these change your plan. Don’t force a lift to fit the space; adapt the plan to fit the space.

In the field, you’ll often improvise with what you’ve got. That’s why ongoing communication and teamwork are non-negotiable. The safest lift is the one that respects the patient’s condition and your crew’s limits.

Real-world tips that make a difference

No two calls are alike. Here are some practical tips drawn from day-to-day field experience:

• Scenarios with stairs: Use a slide sheet or a stair chair when possible. Move the patient in stages if needed, keeping the body aligned and the carrier(s) aligned with the patient.

• Tight spaces: Small steps, not big swings. When space is tight, think two-person lift with a controlled, in-close posture rather than a big, extended reach.

• Heavy patients: Don’t be shy about asking for more hands. A third or fourth teammate can share the load and reduce the risk to everyone.

• Equipment helps: Don’t fight the tools. Use backboards, straps, sliders, and lifting devices as intended—they’re there to help, not to slow you down.

• Check and recheck: Before you move, verbalize the plan. During, keep the line of sight clear and confirm each step with your teammates.

The human side of lifting: staying calm under pressure

Lifting a patient isn’t just a test of strength; it’s a test of composure. There’s a calm confidence that comes from knowing you’ve trained for this moment. Take a breath, check your stance, and remind yourself that your goal is safety for both you and the patient. When you approach a lift with this mindset, you’ll find you move more intentionally and more effectively. It’s less about brute force and more about smart, coordinated action.

How this translates into daily readiness

While you’re not reading a blueprint for a single operation, the underlying mindset is universal: preparation, teamwork, and technique save people from getting hurt. In Covington Fire Department operations, this translates to regular crew drills, clear communication protocols, and a shared language about body mechanics. It’s a team sport, really—the kind of teamwork that keeps everyone safer when the siren hits.

A quick mental checklist for lifts

If you want a simple, repeatable guide for those moments when time feels like it’s standing still, try this quick checklist:

• Is the patient’s head, neck, and spine aligned?

• Are feet planted firmly, with a stable base?

• Am I bending at hips and knees, not at the back?

• Is the load held tight to the body?

• Are we all communicating and ready to move together?

• Is a backboard or immobilization device in use when needed?

• Is everyone clear on the plan and the next cue?

If any answer is “no,” pause, adjust, and proceed when you’re sure it’s safe.

A closing thought: safety as a shared value

Here’s the thing about lifting on the job: it works best when it’s approached as a shared value rather than a personal challenge. It’s about building habits that protect you and protect the person you’re helping. The not-so-subtle moral is simple: use your legs, respect the tools, and keep your spine in check. When you combine these elements, you’re not just moving someone from one place to another—you’re moving with confidence through chaos, and that confidence matters.

If you’ve ever watched a well-executed lift and thought, “That looks easy,” know that it’s the result of deliberate practice, teamwork, and careful technique. The more you internalize these principles, the more natural they’ll feel when the pressure is on. And that’s what every Covington firefighter—and every friend or neighbor who depends on them—deserves: a team that lifts safely, together.