How can you tell that you are lifting a patient improperly?

Lifting a patient improperly can often be identified by observing how your body is positioned during the lift. If your pelvis rotates backwards, it indicates that your body is not in the optimal alignment for lifting safely. This improper rotation can lead to strain on your back and increase the risk of injury. A backward-rotated pelvis may occur when the lifting technique is not aligned with the body's center of gravity, leading to an unstable posture that can compromise safety.

In contrast, when your knees are locked, it restricts movement and reduces the ability to support the lift with the strength of your legs, which are stronger muscles than those in your back. A straight back is essential for good lifting technique, as it helps maintain proper posture and reduces injury risk. Lastly, aligned feet support a stable base during the lift process, which is critical for effective balance and leveraging body weight properly. All these factors are crucial for safe patient handling, but the key indicator of improper lifting technique, in this case, is the backward rotation of the pelvis.