Podcast
Questions and Answers
Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you find a single patient still seated in his car. There are no scene hazards. As you approach the vehicle, you note that the patient is semiconscious and has a large laceration to his forehead. You should:
Upon arriving at the scene of a motor vehicle crash, you find a single patient still seated in his car. There are no scene hazards. As you approach the vehicle, you note that the patient is semiconscious and has a large laceration to his forehead. You should:
To protect a restrained patient and prevent him from using leverage to break free, the EMT should secure __________.
To protect a restrained patient and prevent him from using leverage to break free, the EMT should secure __________.
You have been called to the scene of a high-speed motor vehicle collision involving two compact cars. For the passenger in the second vehicle, you may need to perform a(n) _____ on the driver in order to reach the patient.
You have been called to the scene of a high-speed motor vehicle collision involving two compact cars. For the passenger in the second vehicle, you may need to perform a(n) _____ on the driver in order to reach the patient.
When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:
When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:
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You should use a rigid _____, often called a Stokes litter, to carry a patient across uneven terrain from a remote location that is inaccessible by ambulance or other vehicle.
You should use a rigid _____, often called a Stokes litter, to carry a patient across uneven terrain from a remote location that is inaccessible by ambulance or other vehicle.
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Which of the following conditions or situations presents the MOST unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard?
Which of the following conditions or situations presents the MOST unique challenge to the EMT when immobilizing an elderly patient on a long backboard?
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You may injure your back if you lift:
You may injure your back if you lift:
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In lifting with the palm down, the weight is supported by the _____ rather than the palm.
In lifting with the palm down, the weight is supported by the _____ rather than the palm.
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You are attending to a 26-year-old female who is 34 weeks pregnant. In placing your patient on the stretcher and preparing for transport, you should place her:
You are attending to a 26-year-old female who is 34 weeks pregnant. In placing your patient on the stretcher and preparing for transport, you should place her:
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When pulling a patient, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
When pulling a patient, you should do all of the following, EXCEPT:
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To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should:
To facilitate a safe and coordinated move, the team leader should:
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As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should:
As you and your partner are carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs in a stair chair, you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back. You should:
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You should perform an urgent move in all of the following situations, EXCEPT:
You should perform an urgent move in all of the following situations, EXCEPT:
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Which of the following statements regarding patient weight distribution is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding patient weight distribution is correct?
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You are attending to a 34-year-old male patient who requires transport to the hospital. Your bariatric stretcher has a wider surface area to allow for:
You are attending to a 34-year-old male patient who requires transport to the hospital. Your bariatric stretcher has a wider surface area to allow for:
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The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle.
The _________ is both the mechanical weight-bearing base of the spinal column and the fused central posterior section of the pelvic girdle.
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To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should:
To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should:
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It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease.
It is essential that you ____________ your equipment to prevent the spread of disease.
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In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric stretcher include:
In contrast to typical wheeled ambulance stretchers, features of a bariatric stretcher include:
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The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
The proper technique for using the power grip is to:
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Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct?
Which of the following statements regarding an emergency patient move is correct?
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The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is:
The MOST serious consequence of a poorly planned or rushed patient move is:
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An EMT may injure his or her back, even if it is straight, if the:
An EMT may injure his or her back, even if it is straight, if the:
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You are attending to a 22-year-old female patient who has overdosed. The most appropriate way to bring the patient downstairs is:
You are attending to a 22-year-old female patient who has overdosed. The most appropriate way to bring the patient downstairs is:
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When pulling a patient, you should extend your arms no more than ________ in front of your torso.
When pulling a patient, you should extend your arms no more than ________ in front of your torso.
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Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate device to use when immobilizing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?
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Study Notes
Lifting and Moving Patients
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For semiconscious patients: Apply manual in-line support to the head before attempting to move (manual stabilization is crucial in trauma cases).
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To secure a restrained patient adequately: Only one arm should be secured above the head to avoid leverage and allow for safety.
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In emergencies with obstructed access, an emergency move may be necessary to reach victims in vehicles.
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When managing a conscious, weak patient down stairs: Utilize a stair chair and place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom for proper transport.
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For transporting patients across uneven terrain: A basket stretcher is preferred for stability and support.
Special Considerations for Patient Handling
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Elderly patients may present a challenge due to abnormal spinal curvature, requiring careful handling to avoid injury while immobilizing.
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Improper lifting techniques, such as lifting with a curved back or leaning incorrectly, can lead to back injuries.
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When using palm down grip during lifting: Weight should be supported by the fingers, not the palm, for better strength and control.
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In pregnancy-related transport: Placing a patient on her left side is preferred for safety and to reduce pressure on blood vessels.
Techniques for Patient Movement
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Correct stance and positioning are vital when pulling a patient; maintaining an appropriate distance can help prevent back strain.
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Coordination during a team move is essential; the team leader should give clear preparatory commands to ensure safety.
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If experiencing back pain while moving a patient, it is crucial to stop and request additional help rather than risk further injury.
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For urgent moves, avoid moving patients presumed to have neck injuries unless absolutely necessary.
Equipment and Safety
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Understanding weight distribution is important: A horizontal patient's weight is largely in the torso, affecting how you maneuver and lift.
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Bariatric stretchers designed for heavy patients have a wider surface area that emphasizes patient comfort and dignity during transport.
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The sacrum serves as a crucial weight-bearing base for the spinal column and is essential knowledge for patient handling.
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Always keep carrying weight close to your body to minimize back strain and ensure proper lifting techniques.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Decontamination of equipment is essential to prevent disease transmission; proper cleaning protocols must be strictly followed.
Additional Key Points
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A bariatric stretcher differs from standard stretchers with increased stability from a wider wheelbase, catering to heavier patients.
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The power grip technique should involve lifting with palms facing up for maximum strength and safety.
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Emergency moves are performed before primary assessment to quickly remove patients from hazardous situations but should be done with caution to prevent injury.
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Always ensure lifting or carrying techniques do not place unnecessary strain on the back to avoid injuries during patient transfers and handling.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the proper techniques for lifting and moving patients in various scenarios. This quiz covers guidelines for handling semiconscious, restrained, and elderly patients, as well as procedures for transporting patients on uneven terrain. Understand the importance of safety and correct techniques to prevent injuries.
