REPOSITION  AND  CHECK  PADDING

Non-medical and Medical Responders

Identify casualties who cannot reposition themselves or have difficulty doing so. Reposition the casualty and check padding at least every 2 hours.6 If laying on a harder surface, they may need to be repositioned as frequently as every 1 hour to prevent skin breakdown. To prevent ischemic tissue injury and the formation of pressure sores, frequent movement of the casualty is necessary. Relieving pressure from superficial capillaries allows the skin to recover from the temporary ischemia.7 Some of the most vulnerable areas to pressure include the back of the head, elbows, heels, and sacrum. Casualties who can reposition themselves should be encouraged to do so every 2 hours. If possible, ensure the casualty’s head of bed is elevated to about 30 degrees. This is especially important for unconscious patients, as it helps to reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Unconscious Casualties

** Maintain spinal/log roll precautions during reposition if there is concern for spinal injuries, but the patient should still be repositioned carefully despite spinal injury concerns

Guide for changing linen and repositioning