If a child is large or medically fragile, what is advised during transfer?

• A. One person should lift
• B. Use a mechanical lift only
• C. More than one person should lift as needed
• D. Do not lift; call for emergency services

Answer: (C)

Transferring a child who is large or medically fragile requires team lifting to keep the move safe for both the child and the care team. A single person trying to lift can exceed safe lifting limits, lose balance, and risk dropping or misaligning the child, which can cause injury. Having more than one person lift as needed distributes the weight, provides better control over the child's body, and allows hands to support the head, torso, and limbs as the transfer progresses. This collaborative approach also makes it easier to maintain proper body mechanics and to adjust during the transfer if the child’s position shifts or if additional support is needed. When appropriate and available, using a mechanical lift or slide sheets and transfer belts can supplement the team effort, but the key idea is to rely on multiple caregivers to share the load and keep the transfer as safe as possible.