When the facility has an emergency, it is still important to apply safe patient handling and mobility principles and assist patients in the safest way possible to minimize the risk of harm to employees and patients.

• Local emergency policies and equipment vary. Employees should know their responsibilities in an emergency.
• Know where equipment is and how to use it. A plan, drills, and periodic practice will make sure you can use it in an emergency.
• Many lifts are battery operated and will work in an emergency as long as batteries have been charged. Make sure you know the emergency controls on your lift equipment to shut off power or lower patients.
• Check your local policy for evacuation responsibilities. It is necessary to plan for transfer as well as vertical and horizontal evacuation in the case of emergencies.