Describe safe patient transfer from the stretcher to the OR bed.

• A. Check patient, coordinate team, use slide sheets or a transfer device, bend at the knees, keep spine neutral, and secure with safety straps.
• B. Lift the patient manually with back straight and twist to transfer.
• C. Use only one staff member to move the patient, without straps.
• D. Move the patient while wearing gloves but without any transfer device.

Answer: (B)

Moving a patient from the stretcher to the OR bed must be done with teamwork, equipment, and body mechanics that protect the spine and reduce the risk of injury to both patient and staff. The safest approach involves confirming the patient’s status and roles with the team, using slide sheets or a transfer device to control movement and reduce friction, and then transferring with a wide stance while bending the knees and keeping the spine in a neutral position. This means the team coordinates to lift or slide the patient as a unit rather than relying on a single person, and the patient is secured with safety straps to prevent shifting or falling during the transfer. Proper technique emphasizes keeping the load close to the body, using leg muscles to power the move, and avoiding twisting the torso, which can overload the back and misalign the spine. Lifting with a straight back and twisting concentrates stress on the lumbar spine and increases the risk of injury, and attempting the transfer with only one staff member or without a transfer device does not provide the control or safety measures required for a smooth, safe transfer. The goal is a controlled, low-friction, coordinated transfer that protects both patient alignment and staff safety.