Lifting, Moving, and Extrication Techniques - NREMT EMT Level

1. Which device is best for moving a patient over long distances or uneven terrain?

   Wheeled ambulance stretcher (gurney) or wheeled litter as available. Wheeled devices facilitate efficient movement over distances, reducing physical strain on rescuers.

2. Which option best describes the direct ground drag used for an emergency move?

   Drag patient by clothing/blanket to quickly remove from danger. Ground drags enable single-rescuer extraction in urgent scenarios, prioritizing speed over comfort.

3. What is the safest way to change direction while carrying a patient?

   Turn by pivoting the feet; do not twist the torso. Pivoting with the feet preserves spinal neutrality and prevents torsional stress on vertebral structures.

4. Which option best defines a nonemergency move in patient movement terminology?

   Planned move when no immediate hazard exists; use proper equipment. Nonemergency moves allow time for equipment and techniques that maintain patient stability and rescuer safety.

5. What is the primary indication for using a flexible stretcher?

   Moving a patient in tight spaces where a rigid stretcher will not fit. Flexible stretchers adapt to narrow or irregular paths, allowing transport where rigid options are impractical.

6. Which body position keeps your back safest during a lift: bent at waist or bent at hips and knees?

   Bent at hips and knees (squat), with back straight. Bending at the hips and knees engages stronger leg muscles, maintaining spinal alignment to reduce injury risk.

7. What should you do first before attempting any patient move that is not immediately life-saving?

   Assess the scene for hazards and plan the move. Initial assessment identifies risks and enables strategic planning for safe, effective patient handling.

8. Which option is the best practice for lifting a stretcher from the ground to waist height?

   Use a power lift: back straight, lift with legs, arms locked. Power lifts utilize leg strength and locked posture to lift safely, avoiding back strain.

9. What is the main purpose of a long spine board in modern EMS practice?

   Extrication and short-term movement, not routine transport. Long spine boards support spinal immobilization during removal from hazardous or confined environments.

10. Which option is the best practice for lowering a stretcher from waist height to the ground?

    Use a power grip and squat; lower with legs, not the back. Squatting with a firm grip controls descent using legs, protecting the spine from excessive load.

11. Which option best defines an emergency move in patient movement terminology?

    Move to protect from immediate danger without delaying for immobilization. Emergency moves prioritize immediate safety from threats, forgoing full precautions to expedite relocation.

12. What is the correct command sequence for a coordinated lift with multiple rescuers?

    One leader gives clear countdown commands (for example, "On 3"). A single leader's countdown ensures synchronized movements, reducing the risk of uneven lifting and potential harm.

13. What is the correct action if a patient reports increased pain during a nonemergency move?

    Stop the move and reassess stabilization and technique. Pausing allows evaluation of pain causes, preventing exacerbation of injuries through adjusted methods.

14. Which device is most appropriate to lift a patient from the ground with minimal spinal movement?

    Scoop stretcher. Scoop stretchers assemble beneath the patient without rolling, preserving spinal integrity during lifts.

15. What is the preferred method to move a patient from a bed to a stretcher in a hospital setting?

    Direct carry with a draw sheet (sheet transfer). Draw sheets provide a low-friction surface for lateral transfers, minimizing patient discomfort and rescuer effort.

16. What is the correct way to hold a weight when lifting to reduce back strain?

    Keep the weight close to the body at waist level. Positioning the load near the body's center of gravity reduces torque on the spine and distributes force evenly.

17. Identify the correct placement of the heaviest rescuer when carrying a patient down stairs.

    At the head end (upper end) to control descent. The upper position enables better leverage to regulate speed and maintain level during descent.

18. What is the primary indication for using a stair chair?

    Moving a stable patient up or down stairs in a confined space. Stair chairs enable safe navigation of stairs for seated patients where space limits other devices.

19. Which device is designed for lifting and moving a supine patient over short distances?

    Portable stretcher (carrying device). Portable stretchers are lightweight for manual carrying, suitable for brief transports of supine individuals.

20. What is the first step when preparing to move a patient using a scoop stretcher?

    Measure and adjust length, then separate halves before placement. Adjusting size ensures proper fit, and separation minimizes patient movement during application.

21. Which option best describes the rapid extrication technique from a vehicle?

    Quickly remove patient with manual C-spine when immediate threat exists. Rapid techniques emphasize manual stabilization for swift vehicle removal in unstable conditions.

22. Identify the correct placement of the heaviest rescuer when carrying a patient up stairs.

    At the foot end (lower end) to support most of the weight. The lower position bears greater upward force against gravity, requiring more strength for stability.

23. What is the primary goal of proper body mechanics when lifting and moving a patient?

    Prevent rescuer injury while safely moving the patient. Proper body mechanics prioritize rescuer safety by minimizing musculoskeletal strain and ensure patient stability during transport.

24. Which option best describes the log roll purpose during patient packaging?

    Rotate patient as a unit to place a device while limiting spinal motion. Log rolls maintain axial alignment for device placement or assessment with minimal spinal disruption.

25. Which option best describes the extremity lift technique?

    Two rescuers carry patient by wrists and ankles; short distance only. Extremity lifts offer a simple, equipment-free method for brief carries in non-spinal injury cases.

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