Industry commentary — August 2026
Ask an OR nurse where they hurt, and the answer is rarely the surgical case — it is the patient transfer. Lifting, sliding, log-rolling, and repositioning an anesthetized adult patient is the single highest-risk activity in the perioperative environment for both staff and patient.
Supine-to-lateral positioning: initial placement and three-person team station.
The six core techniques
Modern ORs rely on six moves: the draw-sheet slide (supine-to-supine), the log roll (supine-to-lateral or supine-to-prone), the slide board (rigid plastic under the draw sheet), the air-assisted transfer (low-pressure air mattress), the mechanical patient lift, and the coordinated multi-position rotation onto a prone frame.
Supine to lateral, step by step
Patient supine with the operative side closest to the table edge; a three-person team takes station with the anesthesiologist at the head protecting the airway and cervical spine; on the count, the team rotates the patient as a single unit while the receiving bolster is already in place. Shear force is highest during transitions, so the rule is: lift before slide, slide before roll, and pad every bony prominence before the move.
Coordinated three-person log-roll sequence: head protection, arm positioning, controlled rotation.
FAQ
Do we still need the log roll in modern ORs? Yes — for any lateral or prone position change under anesthesia, the log roll remains the safest technique because it preserves cervical alignment and keeps the airway in one operator's control throughout the move.
For more information about Red Sun Medizone surgical positioning systems and other operating-room equipment, please visit www.redsunmedizone.com or contact our sales team.
About Red Sun Medizone: Red Sun Medizone (Tianjin Huahong Technology Co., Ltd.) is a medical device manufacturer and exporter specializing in operating tables, surgical position pads, surgical lights, patient monitors, and in-vitro diagnostics. With CE, ISO 13485, and FDA certifications, the company serves healthcare facilities in over 60 countries worldwide.