Lifting, Moving, and Patient Transport - NREMT AEMT Level

1. What is the appropriate use of a scoop stretcher in patient movement?

   To lift a patient with minimal movement by separating and rejoining halves. Allows gentle placement under the patient without rolling, ideal for suspected spinal injuries.

2. Which option best reduces rescuer injury when lifting the stretcher from a low position: bend at waist or squat?

   Squat with a straight back and lift with the legs. Engages leg power and maintains neutral spine posture, distributing force away from the lower back.

3. What is the best way to reduce the risk of twisting injury while carrying a patient?

   Turn the whole body by moving the feet; do not twist the torso. Maintains spinal alignment and prevents torsional stress on the back by involving the entire body in directional changes.

4. What is the preferred method to raise a patient from the ground: lift with back or lift with legs?

   Lift with the legs, not the back. Utilizes stronger leg muscles to bear the weight, reducing stress on the more vulnerable back muscles and spine.

5. Identify the best action before moving a patient with suspected spinal injury from the ground.

   Manually stabilize the head and neck and coordinate movement as a unit. Preserves cervical spine alignment to prevent exacerbation of potential injuries during transfer.

6. Which direction should the stretcher be carried on stairs: head first or feet first?

   Feet first (patient higher at the head end). Maintains head elevation for better airway management and reduces risk of aspiration during descent.

7. Which body position best protects the back during a lift: arms extended or load kept close?

   Keep the load close to the body. Reduces torque on the spine by aligning the weight with the body's center of gravity, minimizing back strain.

8. What is the correct action if a lift feels unsafe or too heavy after you begin to lift?

   Stop and lower the load; get additional help or use equipment. Prevents potential injury by avoiding overexertion, allowing for reassessment and safer alternatives.

9. What is the role of the team leader during a coordinated patient lift or move?

   Direct the move and give clear commands to coordinate the team. Ensures synchronized efforts among team members, reducing the risk of uneven lifting or dropping.

10. What is the correct position of the patient on a stretcher during loading into an ambulance?

    Patient head toward the front of the ambulance. Aligns with ambulance design for optimal access to equipment and monitoring during transport.

11. Which transfer is most appropriate from bed to stretcher for a patient who cannot assist and must remain supine?

    Draw sheet transfer (sheet lift) with a coordinated team. Distributes weight evenly among rescuers while maintaining patient position, ideal for non-ambulatory cases.

12. What is the main goal of a rapid extrication from a vehicle?

    Remove the patient quickly when immediate life threats exist. Prioritizes speed in hazardous situations to mitigate risks like fire or structural collapse.

13. What is the best device for moving a stable patient over a long distance on level surfaces?

    Wheeled stretcher (ambulance cot). Facilitates efficient, smooth transport with reduced effort over even ground, suitable for non-urgent cases.

14. Which patient transport priority is correct: stabilize and package first, or move immediately without precautions?

    Stabilize and package unless an emergency move is required. Prepares the patient for safe transport by addressing injuries first, except in imminent danger scenarios.

15. Which patient condition most strongly indicates using a stair chair rather than a wheeled stretcher?

    Patient must be moved through stairs or narrow spaces while seated. Accommodates environments where upright or flat transport is impractical, ensuring safe navigation.

16. What is the main indication for an emergency move of a patient?

    Immediate danger to the patient or rescuers. Addresses urgent threats where delaying movement could result in greater harm, overriding standard precautions.

17. What is the safest general practice for pushing or pulling a wheeled stretcher?

    Push rather than pull whenever possible. Enhances control and visibility while minimizing back strain compared to pulling motions.

18. What is the correct immediate action if a patient begins to slip off the stretcher during movement?

    Stop movement and re-secure the patient before continuing. Halts progression of risk, allowing for proper readjustment to ensure continued safety.

19. Which movement technique is indicated to move a patient a short distance on a flat surface with minimal equipment?

    Direct ground drag (clothes drag or blanket drag as available). Enables quick relocation in resource-limited settings, using available materials for minimal disruption.

20. Which command sequence is standard for a coordinated lift: 'ready, lift' or multiple conflicting commands?

    Use one leader with standardized commands such as 'ready, lift'. Promotes team coordination and safety through unified direction, avoiding confusion from disparate inputs.

21. What is the primary goal of proper lifting and moving techniques in EMS operations?

    Prevent injury to the patient and rescuers while maintaining patient safety. Prioritizes safety by minimizing risks during handling, ensuring no harm comes to those involved while addressing medical needs.

22. What is the correct procedure when raising or lowering a cot to prevent tipping?

    Use a controlled, level motion and keep hands on the cot frame. Ensures even weight distribution and rescuer grip, preventing imbalance and potential accidents.

23. What is the primary purpose of securing a patient to a stretcher with straps?

    Prevent patient movement and falls during transport. Ensures stability against vehicle motion or sudden stops, safeguarding against secondary injuries.

24. What is the preferred device for carrying equipment and moving patients over rough terrain?

    Backboard or litter (basket stretcher) depending on terrain and access. Offers durability and stability for uneven surfaces, adapting to environmental challenges in rescue scenarios.

25. What is the purpose of a power grip when lifting and moving a patient?

    Maximize control by using the whole hand and fingers. Provides a secure hold that distributes force evenly, enhancing stability and reducing slippage risks.

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