Bariatric Patients

There are several aspects of handling morbidly obese and bariatric patients that should be serious concerns of management.  Without proper planning and documented expectations regarding patient lifting, handling, and transport, emergency responders may put themselves, the patient, and others at risk.

Administrative controls such as written guidelines to assist the provider in recognizing such a patient and  understanding limitations in handling such a patient, special equipment needs, when and who to call for assistance, and overall scene assessment, should be developed and implemented within the organization.  During the recent survey of your organization, it was noted that no such written guidelines exist. 

We have developed such guidelines within a Risk Communique’ entitled “Logistics for the Handling of Bariatric Patients” which is linked in the next section.

Available Resources

• Logistics for Handling Bariatric Patients