JB Learning EMT Chapter 8

When should an emergency move be used?

When there is immediate danger to the patient or rescuer, such as fire, explosion risk, or unstable scene conditions, and care must be delayed until the patient is moved to safety.

What is the safest and most powerful way to lift a patient?

The power lift: keep the back straight, feet shoulder-width apart, bend the knees, and lift using the legs.

How does body mechanics relate to injury prevention?

Good body mechanics protect muscles and joints by aligning the spine and using larger muscle groups to move weight safely.

Why should you always communicate before lifting a patient?

So that all team members lift, move, and lower simultaneously, preventing uneven weight distribution or sudden movement that can injure the patient or crew.

What is a direct ground lift and when is it used?

A lift used for a supine, non-spinal-injury patient found on the ground. Rescuers lift in unison, keeping the back straight and the patient's body aligned.

When should the rapid extrication technique be used?

When a patient in a vehicle needs to be moved quickly because of fire, unsafe conditions, or immediate medical need and there's no time for standard immobilization.

What is the purpose of a wheeled ambulance stretcher?

To safely transport a patient in a supine or semi-sitting position and reduce physical strain on rescuers through rolling wheels and adjustable height.

Describe the diamond carry.

A four-person carry where one rescuer is at the head, one at the foot, and one on each side, all facing forward while supporting the stretcher evenly.

When is a stair chair most appropriate?

When a patient is conscious, stable, and needs to be moved up or down stairs or through narrow hallways where a stretcher cannot fit.

What does the term "bariatrics" refer to in EMS?

The field focusing on management and transport of obese patients, including specialized stretchers and lifting equipment.

What risks are involved in lifting a heavy patient improperly?

Back strain, herniated discs, or long-term musculoskeletal injury due to poor posture or twisting while lifting.

What's the difference between an emergency move and an urgent move?

An emergency move occurs before assessment or care due to danger; an urgent move happens after quick assessment when the patient's condition demands rapid transport.

Why should you avoid twisting while lifting?

Twisting places uneven stress on the spine, increasing risk of back injury and losing balance.

When would you use a scoop stretcher?

For patients lying flat with suspected spinal injuries when movement must be minimized. The stretcher separates and slides under the patient.

How does a basket stretcher differ from a backboard?

A basket stretcher surrounds the patient and allows water or debris to pass through, ideal for rescues in rough terrain or confined spaces.

What is a power grip, and why is it important?

A grip with palms up and fingers wrapped fully around the handle; provides maximum strength and control during a lift.

What should rescuers do before lifting a bariatric patient?

Plan the movement carefully, ensure adequate personnel and equipment, and communicate each step to coordinate safely.

What is an example of poor body mechanics?

Bending at the waist or lifting with the back rather than the legs.

When might a flexible stretcher be used?

When patients must be carried through narrow or confined areas where rigid stretchers cannot fit, such as hallways or stairwells.

Describe proper lifting posture.

Feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, head up, load kept close to the body, and knees bent when lifting.

Why should the patient always be secured to the stretcher?

To prevent movement or falling during lifting, carrying, or transport, especially on inclines or turns.

What's a portable stretcher best used for?

For moving patients over short distances or in tight spaces where the ambulance stretcher cannot reach.

How does communication affect team safety in lifting?

It ensures synchronized motion so that one rescuer doesn't bear the entire load or move unexpectedly.

When should a patient be moved immediately without assessment?

Only when the environment poses an immediate threat to life, such as fire, structural collapse, or incoming traffic.

What should you assess after completing any patient move?

Reassess airway, breathing, circulation, and spinal alignment to ensure no injuries occurred during movement.

What does "load and go" mean?

Transporting a critical patient rapidly after minimal on-scene care due to life-threatening injuries or conditions.

What is barotrauma, and how does it relate to patient movement?

Barotrauma is tissue damage caused by pressure changes, often affecting patients on mechanical ventilation or in air transport.

Why is a backboard sometimes used for non-spinal injuries?

It provides a firm, stable surface for lifting and carrying patients with multiple injuries or those who cannot be seated.

How can improper lifting affect patient care?

Poor lifting can cause dropped patients, delayed transport, or secondary injuries that complicate treatment.

What is the first step before moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher?

Lock the stretcher wheels and adjust the height to match the bed surface.

How do environmental conditions affect lifting and moving?

Slippery floors, uneven terrain, or tight spaces require extra caution and sometimes alternate equipment for safe handling.

What is the goal of proper lifting and moving techniques?

To protect both patient and provider from injury while ensuring efficient, safe transport.

A long, flat board made of rigid, rectangular material used for support of patients with spinal or lower-extremity injury.

Backboard

The study and management of obesity and related conditions, important for safe patient handling.

Bariatrics

A rigid stretcher used in technical and water rescues that drains water and supports the patient.

Basket stretcher

The ways in which the body moves to achieve an action, aligning anatomy with lifting forces.

Body mechanics

A coordinated four-person carrying technique allowing all rescuers to face forward.

Diamond carry

A lifting technique used for supine, non-spinal-injury patients on the ground.

Direct ground lift

Dragging or pulling a patient from danger before care can begin.

Emergency move

A lift for supine or seated patients with no extremity or spinal injuries.

Extremity lift

A flexible device that rolls or folds for transport in confined spaces.

Flexible stretcher

A rigid, tubular-frame stretcher with fabric stretched across it.

Portable stretcher

A grip with palms up and fingers wrapped fully under the handle for control and strength.

Power grip

A lift that keeps the back straight, uses bent legs, and lifts with leg strength.

Power lift

A rapid method to remove a patient from a vehicle when standard immobilization is not possible.

Rapid extrication technique

A stretcher that splits into two halves and slides beneath the patient.

Scoop stretcher

A folding chair used to carry seated, conscious patients on stairs.

Stair chair

A rolling stretcher with a collapsible undercarriage designed for ambulance use.

Wheeled ambulance stretcher