2. Causes and Factors
The cot not being lowered to a safe rolling height
per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
EMT’s not grasping the cot with both hands while in
motion.
Insufficient number of EMT’s to safely transport
heavier patients and/or additional equipment.
Cot wheels catching on cracks or gradient changes
in the pavement.
3. Cot Height
Select lower or mid-range cot elevated positions
when moving patients.
Select the lowest practical position of cot elevation
when moving a heavy patient.
Select the lowest practical position of cot elevation
when it is essential and unavoidable that EMT’s
carry equipment on the cot on which they are
moving a patient.
Transport the patient in the lowest comfortable
position to maneuver the cot.
4. Transporting a Patient
Use required cot restraint straps to provide both
transverse and longitudinal patient protection.
Straps are required at patients knees, hips, chest,
and over shoulders (shoulder straps must be
tethered together at cot frame).
Never leave a patient unattended on the cot. Hold
the cot securely while a patient is on the product.
Only use the wheel locks during patient transfer or
without a patient on the cot.
Be careful when using newer model cots.
These cots roll easier and faster than older
models.
5. Trained Operators
Use a minimum of two trained operators to operate
the cot while a patient is on the cot.
Both EMT’s keeping both hands on the cot frame,
handle and straps supplied to assist with moving the
cot at all times when moving the patient.
Hands should be clear of red safety bar pivots while
loading and unloading the cot or whenever changing
height position of the cot with two or more operators.
Do not ride on the base of the cot.
6. Tip-over Prevention
Being alert to pavement and terrain condition
hazards at all times when moving a patient.
Transporting the cot sideways can cause the cot to
tip, resulting in possible damage to the product
and/or injury to the patient or operator
Transporting the cot in a lowered position, head to
foot first, minimizes the potential of a cot tip.
Inform management at the facility where there is an
issue in commonly traveled areas of pavement that
pose an inherent hazard to wheeled cots.
7. Proper lifting techniques
Keep your hands close to your body.
Keep your back straight.
Coordinate your movements with your
partner and lift with your legs.
Avoid twisting.
8. Reporting of Incidents
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
“Medical Devices Report”
www.fda.gov
DPH/OEMS
“Serious Incident and Accident Reports”
www.mass.gov/dph/oems
