This refers to lifting or supporting a client under the armpit by use of the carers crook of the elbow. It could be used to lift someone up the bed, support to a standing position or to lift off the floor.
This lift puts strain on the patient’s shoulders, transfers strain to the lumbar region of the carer’s back and could create shear forces damaging to the skin. Additionally, the client is encouraged by this action to be passive, making the carer do most of the heavy lifting, creating a risk for carer and client.
Quickest is not always best!
Sadly, people don’t come with handles. Often it is tempting to use what seems like the next best thing when you are trying to move the person you care for. This usually means you use their armpit!
The problem with this is that all of their weight goes through the shoulder joint and you run the risk of both damaging the skin of the armpit and also damaging the shoulder itself, in the worst case even dislocating it.
It’s not good for you either; if you use this method to move someone it means you are taking all of their weight, not good for your back. It will also mean that you have to stoop and twist while you do it, increasing the risk of injuring yourself even more.
Rather than drag lift, ask your healthcare professional to show a safer alternative or if there is any equipment that may help you.
