EMS for the Vertically Challenged

If you’re anything like me, you want to do everything there is to do. You want to climb to the top of the highest mountain and dive to the bottom of the deepest sea. You want to mountain-bike across the United States and backpack across the terrain of other countries. You want to skydive and surfboard without changing equipment. You want to train horses, live with the gorillas, save the whales and would give anything to hang out with the Crocodile Hunter for at least a week. And, you want to work in EMS.

But, if you are anything like me, God gave you an extra challenge: He made you small and made you a girl. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m the product of my father, who sat me on his knee and said, “You can be anything you want to be.” I believe that anyone—no matter their gender—can do anything they put their mind to.

So what did I decide to be? An EMT. At least this way, I could satisfy my desire to live with gorillas and save mammals larger than myself. However, as so many of us already know, EMS is a physically demanding job that can test the abilities of anyone, but that physical demand can be especially challenging if your stature is short—your upper body strength is naturally weaker and your nature is stubborn. The following is a list of a few things I have learned during my 14 years of EMS to protect myself while delivering prehospital care:

Swallow that Pride

This one has been especially difficult for me. If you are surrounded by “brawns” and they are insisting on lifting for you, let them lift! Go a step further when help is available: Ask for assistance when you need it.

Call for Backup

If you and your partner are alone on a call that requires difficult lifting, don’t hesitate to call for lifting help. You can take care of your patient’s other needs while you wait for help to arrive. This applies to even the tallest and strongest of rescuers.

Use Proper Body Mechanics

When lifting, always remember proper body mechanics and lifting technique. It is too easy to become sloppy on that 2 a.m. call. If you volunteer or pull 24-hour shifts, you know what I’m talking about. It is during this time that your back muscles are cold and your spine is less flexible. Straighten your back; bring the cot (pram, stretcher, board, draw sheet, rescue seat, patient) as close to your center of gravity as possible; bend and lock your arms; and use those legs!

Know Your Limits

Each of us has personal physical strength limits. (Yes, even those who profess not to.) If the lift looks as though it may be a challenge, utilize lifting help. Some patients and equipment are heavier than they look and can surprise you. If you’re not sure of the weight of the lift, tell your partner you want to give it a test: Prepare for the lift and initiate it, but do not complete it. Then proceed as needed.

Check Out Available Cots

Many cot manufacturers are designing cots that include lift bars. These bars are located at the head and foot ends of the cot. They assist in lifting by giving you the option of lowering the position of your arms and grip. Manufacturers are also designing “power lift” models. These cots do the lifting for you at the push of a button. If you do not have any of these new designs or have not seen them, inquire with your service or your volunteer organization. You will also find many of these cot designs featured in various catalogs and magazines, such as this one.

Take Care of Yourself

At the risk of sounding like your mother: Eat a balanced diet every day. Feed yourself nutritious food when your body asks for it and drink plenty of water. Also, sleep…sleep…sleep. Sleep at least eight hours a day whenever possible. If you volunteer or work 24-hour shifts for a busy service, be sure to allow yourself the opportunity for naps when needed. Listen to your body. It will tell you what it needs.

Exercise Regularly

Find what it is you like to do and “just do it.” Whichever exercise regimen you choose, be sure to include regular upper body and abdominal strengthening exercises. There is a plethora of exercise techniques, equipment and gurus. Find what works for you. Nothing works better for me than good old-fashioned push-ups and abdominal crunches. They’re fast, effective and cost nothing. If your lifestyle is sedentary or you have not exercised for some time, see your doctor before beginning any exercise program. Most important, start moving, flex that upper body and crunch those tummies!

Stretch It Out

No matter how careful a person is, muscle strains are going to happen. If you feel you may have strained your back, take the next opportunity you have to stretch. Check with your personal physician, chiropractor, local physical therapy facility, medical facility, volunteer organization or employer for more information on stretching exercises for the back. If you feel a muscle strain may be serious, see a physician as soon as possible. If the injury occurred on the job or while volunteering, be sure to report the incident as indicated per the protocols of your organization.

Keep Your Spine in Line

I see a chiropractor regularly. Due to my short stature and the lifting I do at work, my thoracic spine and surrounding muscles take a beating. No matter where the insult to anybody’s spine lands, the effects ripple up and down until your whole back is out of alignment. Chiropractics are helpful to some in maintaining a healthy back. Custom orthotics can also offer support. Consult with a licensed physiotherapist to help you choose the right professional help for your spine alignment issues. At the very least, a regular therapeutic massage can help you work out the kinks.

Whether you are just beginning your career or you’re one of the dinosaurs, you have your own reasons for being involved in EMS. Whatever it is that attracts you to the field and holds you there should not be more important than your own mental and physical health. It is a career that demands much from those who decide to pursue it. The tips given are not just for the vertically challenged. They apply to anyone reading. Whichever gender you are or build you have, your body is a “one-time issue.” Take good care of it.