What should not be done to help prevent pressure sores when moving or transferring a person?

Dragging a person's body can create friction and shear forces against the skin, which significantly increases the risk of developing pressure sores. When a person is dragged, the skin does not move in the same way as the underlying tissue, leading to potential damage to both the skin and the soft tissues below. This vulnerability is particularly heightened for individuals who may already have limited mobility or reduced sensation.

In contrast, lifting a person carefully, using assistive devices for transfer, and ensuring proper body alignment are all best practices that promote both the safety of the individual being moved and help to prevent pressure sores. Lifting properly minimizes the risk of injury to both the caregiver and the person being moved, while assistive devices can enhance safety and efficiency. Maintaining proper alignment during the transfer helps ensure that the weight is distributed evenly, reducing pressure on any specific area of the skin, thus aiding in the prevention of pressure sores.