It is always good to hear from people who are on the other side of things.

Tell me – What is the difference between an Ambulance Person, a Responder, a Carer when it comes to lifting someone – other than the public perception that an Ambulance Person will lift them?

I agree that many hands make light work and also that the strength of an individual makes it easier, but at the end of the day are we not all carers? Do we not all have a duty of care to our patients? One of the principles of First Aid is to Prevent Worsening, are we doing this by leaving them on the floor? And then there is the legal responsibility rather than fear of litigation from the patient or the employee.

It would be great to hear your thoughts on the subject!

Unofficially, I know that we’re not meant to do any patient handling – the Trust don’t want to have to pay compensation if we hurt ourselves. However, I’ve never been told this officially.

Am I honestly going to let my professional colleagues struggle to lift a patient, with possible injury, when three of us could do it safely? Don’t be daft. Some of our crews consist of two lightly-built females. I know that they can lift more than many blokes would believe, but I won’t see them struggle without helping.

Don’t get me wrong. If the crew consists of two people (male or female) who look like Ukranian shot-putters, I’m going to take a back seat when it comes to lifting. However, if it’s two small blokes then obviously I’ll lend a hand.

If the patient is really big and no other crews are available, what’s wrong with asking Trumpton for help? I’ve found that they may not always be very bright, but that they are good at lifting things – including patients.