Chapter 3 Study Plan
Which of the following is a patient who could be transported on a stair chair? A. A patient who is having difficulty breathing B. A patient with a need for airway care C. An unresponsive patient D. A patient with a neck or spine injury
A. A patient who is having difficulty breathing Of the choices, a patient who is having difficulty breathing is one who could be transported on a stair chair.
Which of the following uses a battery-powered hydraulic system to lift the patient? A. A power stretcher B. A manual stretcher C. A scoop stretcher D. A stair chair
A. A power stretcher A power stretcher is a battery-powered stretcher that can typically lift up to 700 pounds.
What would be the most comfortable stretcher for an 800-pound patient? A. Bariatric B. Scoop C. Power D. Basket
A. Bariatric A bariatric stretcher is built for overly heavy patients.
What is the BEST way to transport a patient securely who is suspected of having a spinal injury? A. Fully immobilized with necessary spinal precautions B. Sitting the captain's chair with the lap and shoulder belt on C. Supine on the cot D. Semi-Fowler's on the cot with the five-point harness attached
A. Fully immobilized with necessary spinal precautions If you suspect head, neck, or spinal injury, take all necessary spinal precautions before, during, and after packaging.
In reaching, what should be done every time? A. Have a locked-in back. B. Prolong the reach. C. Twist. D. Reach more than fifteen inches.
A. Have a locked-in back. You should always have a locked-in back when reaching.
An ambulance that is specially equipped to handle obese patients is called: A. a bariatric ambulance. B. a critical care ambulance. C. an MICU ambulance. D. a medium-duty ambulance.
A. a bariatric ambulance. Bariatric ambulances are specially designed and equipped to handle obese patients.
When assessing a patient, you quickly decide that it is in the patient's best interest for you to do an emergency move. Which of the following is NOT an indication for an emergency move? A. There is immediate danger to you. B. Dispatch is holding calls for your community. C. You are unable to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care. D. You are unable to provide lifesaving care to the patient because of the patient's location.
B. Dispatch is holding calls for your community. Indications for an emergency move include (1) immediate environmental danger to the patient or rescuer, (2) inability to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care, and (3) inability to provide lifesaving care because of the patient's location or position.
What is the MOST important thing you can do to prevent an injury to yourself when moving patients? A. Always call for backup for any patient who weighs over 200 pounds. B. Know your limitations. C. Work with a strong partner. D. Let your partner lift the head of the wheeled cot.
B. Know your limitations. Many times, EMS providers get themselves into trouble when they overestimate how much they can lift and carry. This contributes greatly to accidental injury. Know your own physical abilities and limitations. Do not overestimate yourself or other rescuers.
For which of the following conditions would a bariatric stretcher be indicated? A. Cervical injury B. Morbid obesity C. Severe burns D. Multiple angulated fractures
B. Morbid obesity Bariatric stretchers are oversized and are available in motorized models to assist in the safe transport of the morbidly obese.
Which of the following is recommended in moving something heavy? A. Pulling B. Pushing C. Leaning D. Reaching
B. Pushing Pushing is preferred to pulling. Do NOT reach or lean while lifting or moving.
The safest and MOST efficient methods for using one's body to facilitate lifting and moving are called: A. lifting mechanics B. body mechanics C. lifting techniques D. body structures
B. body mechanics Body mechanics are defined as the proper use of your body to prevent injury and facilitate lifting and moving.
To minimize or prevent aggravation of a spinal injury during an emergency move, the EMT should move the patient in the direction of the: A. short axis of the body. B. long axis of the body. C. vertical axis of the body. D. lateral axis of the body.
B. long axis of the body. To minimize aggravation of a spinal injury, move the patient in the direction of the long axis of the body when possible.
For many conscious patients, which of the following is the most comfortable position for transport? A. Shock position B. Semi-sitting position. C. Fetal position D. Prone position
B. Semi-sitting position. For many conscious patients, the position of comfort is a semi-sitting position.
Which of the following is good technique in pulling or pushing? A. Pull, rather than push, if at all possible. B. Keep your elbows locked and your arms apart. C. Avoid pushing or pulling overhead. D. Keep the weight fifteen inches from your body.
C. Avoid pushing or pulling overhead. Avoiding pushing or pulling overhead is good technique.
To avoid injuries while lifting and moving an obese patient over a long distance, what must always be present among team members? A. Camaraderie B. Relationships C. Communication D. Cohesion
C. Communication For team members to work together effectively, they need to communicate throughout all lifting and moving tasks. Use commands that are easy for team members to understand. Verbally coordinate each lift from beginning to end.
When you are lifting and carrying equipment with one hand, it is important to keep your back in what position? A. Backward curved B. Forward curved C. Locked D. Flexible
C. Locked There are times when you will want to lift and carry certain equipment with one hand. When you do, be sure to keep your back in a locked position. Maintain proper body mechanics, and avoid leaning to the opposite side too much to compensate for the imbalance.
What is the term for a lift from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and the back locked in? A. Urgent move B. Emergency move C. Power lift D. Nonurgent move
C. Power lift The power lift is performed by lifting from a squatting position with weight to be lifted close to the body, feet apart and flat on the ground, body weight on or just behind the balls of the feet, and the back locked in.
Which of the following technique is used by power weight lifters? A. Clean-and-jerk lift B. Squat thrust C. Power lift D. Knee-chest lift
C. Power lift The power lift is the technique that offers you the best defense against injury and protects the patient with a safe and stable move. It also is a useful technique for rescuers with weak knees or thighs.
Your patient is conscious, has no trauma, and is complaining of dyspnea. Which of the following is most likely the BEST way to position the patient during transport? A. Lying flat B. Feet elevated C. Sitting upright D. Left recumbent
C. Sitting upright A patient with difficulty breathing would prefer to sit up and perhaps forward.
What device becomes rigid and conforming when air is withdrawn and naturally pads voids for greater comfort? A. Basket stretcher B. Flexible stretcher C. Vacuum mattress D. Scoop stretcher
C. Vacuum mattress A vacuum mattress becomes rigid and conforming when air is withdrawn, and voids are padded naturally.
A stair chair should be used in which of the following circumstances? A. When the patient has a suspected spinal injury B. When the patient has altered mental status C. When traversing narrow corridors and doorways D. When the patient has a lower-extremity injury
C. When traversing narrow corridors and doorways A stair chair is useful when a wheeled stretcher cannot traverse narrow corridors and doorways, small elevators, and stairways. Some models can be converted into portable stretchers. Do not use a stair chair when the patient has altered mental status, suspected spinal injury, or injuries to the lower extremities.
There are two types of spine boards, one of which is the: A. pediatric spine board. B. padded spine board. C. long spine board. D. pneumatic spine board.
C. long spine board. The two types of spine boards are the short spine board and the long spine board.
A flexible device that is used to help immobilize the spine of an adult patient in confined spaces, such as a bucket seat of a car, is a: A. Pedi-Mate backboard. B. scoop stretcher. C. vest-type extrication device. D. Reeves stretcher.
C. vest-type extrication device. A widely used vest-style immobilization device is the Kendrick Extrication Device (KED).
The technique of the power lift includes: A. keeping your feet close together. B. turning your feet slightly inward for stability. C. placing your hands about three to four inches apart. D. bending your knees to bring your center of gravity closer to the object.
D. bending your knees to bring your center of gravity closer to the object. Bend your knees to bring your center of gravity closer to the object to be lifted. As you bend your knees, you should feel as though you are sitting down, not falling forward.
When performing a one-rescuer drag down stairs, you should: A. push, not pull, the patient. B. straddle the patient. C. drag the patient feet first. D. drag the patient head first.
D. drag the patient head first. When performing an incline drag, such as down stairs, you should drag the patient head first.
Why should multiple EMTs who are preparing to lift a patient be positioned at optimal locations around the patient? A. So that EMTs with similar height and strength can be matched on either side of the patient B. To match up the newest EMTs together during the lift since they will be the least experienced C. So that the patient knows the EMTs understand what to do D. To allow better communication to the patient explaining what is about to happen
A. So that EMTs with similar height and strength can be matched on either side of the patient All team members should be trained in the proper techniques. When partners are greatly mismatched, injuries can occur and not only to the overloaded weaker partner. The stronger partner can be injured if the weaker one fails to lift. Ideally, partners in lifting and moving a patient or object should have adequate and approximately equal strength and height.
Which of the following helps to prevent injury from lifting and carrying a patient? A. Use your leg muscles. B. Lift with both palms down. C. Keep your knees locked. D. Keep the weight away from your body.
A. Use your leg muscles. Your legs are strong. Use them to lift. You will be more efficient and less likely to be injured.
Fire and exposure to explosives or other hazardous materials are examples of immediate dangers that would warrant: A. an emergency move such as a clothes drag. B. an urgent move such as rapid extrication. C. an abbreviated move such as a two-person ground lift. D. a rapid move such as the FAST maneuver.
A. an emergency move such as a clothes drag. When the scene of an accident is unstable or threatening to your life and the patient's, your priority changes. You must move the patient first. Make an emergency move only when no other options are available. Emergency moves include a clothes, feet, shoulder, and blanket drag.
An efficient way of transferring a patient from your wheeled stretcher to a hospital bed is called the: A. draw sheet method. B. extremity lift. C. direct carry method. D. direct ground lift.
A. draw sheet method. The draw sheet method is accomplished by placing the wheeled cot beside the patient's bed. Then untuck the bottom sheet beneath the patient and use this to lift slightly and slide the patient to the wheeled cot. This is an efficient way to move the patient from a bed to your cot.
The advantages of using a wheeled stretcher to move a patient include that: A. it enables movement without carrying, is mechanically simple, and is comfortable. B. it is good for traversing rough terrain and can be lifted with a flotation harness. C. it is good for use on stairways, narrow corridors, and small elevators. D. it is a good spinal immobilizer and can serve as a CPR surface.
A. it enables movement without carrying, is mechanically simple, and is comfortable. The wheeled stretcher (also called an ambulance gurney or cot) is the patient-carrying device that is most commonly used by rescue personnel. It is also the safest and most comfortable means of transferring a patient. The wheeled stretcher can be adapted to almost any patient position. It can also serve as a means of securing and carrying equipment to the patient's location.
An important key to preventing injury while lifting or moving is: A. not compensating when lifting with one hand. B. using manual force instead of equipment when possible. C. maintaining an outward curve of the back to reduce the potential for spinal injury. D. extending or flexing the wrists and knees to prevent injury to the extremities.
A. not compensating when lifting with one hand. To prevent injury while lifting or moving a patient or heavy equipment, avoid leaning to either side, and keep your back straight and locked.
You have been dispatched to a home where, upon entering, you note that there is smoke in the rear of the building. The patient is unconscious on the living room couch. You have about two to three minutes to get the patient out the front door. What type of move will this require? A. A nonurgent move will work in this case. B. An emergency move will be the most appropriate in this case. C. Use an urgent move to get the patient out. D. Get the stair chair and wheel the patient out.
B. An emergency move will be the most appropriate in this case. Because of the severity of the situation, you have a moment to decide how to get the patient out of the house. By the time you go back to the ambulance to get a stair chair, it may be too late. Consider an emergency move involving one of the drags to get the patient out of this hostile environment.
Which of the choices would be a poor technique to use if you were about to lift a heavy patient? A. Keeping the weight close to your body B. Lifting the patient and twist while lowering to the stretcher C. "Stacking" your body and moving it as a unit D. Lifting with the muscles of your legs, buttocks, and hip
B. Lifting the patient and twist while lowering to the stretcher Never twist while lifting.
Any patient who is unresponsive and has no spinal injury should be placed on the cot in which position? A. Trendelenburg B. Recovery C. Supine D. Fowler's
B. Recovery Any patient who is unresponsive and has no spinal injury should be placed in the recovery position.
General guidelines for lifting include: A. positioning your feet approximately six inches apart. B. considering the size and weight of the patient. C. challenging yourself physically. D. minimizing verbal communication.
B. considering the size and weight of the patient. Keep your feet shoulder width apart, recognize your limitations, consider the size and weight of the patient, and communicate throughout the lifting process.
You are confronted with a situation in which your BEST option to move the patient will be to quickly use a blanket drag, shirt drag, or armpit-forearm drag. These maneuvers are referred to as: A. nonurgent moves. B. emergency moves. C. direct ground moves. D. urgent moves.
B. emergency moves. Emergency moves consist of the blanket drag, shirt drag, and the armpit-forearm drag.
Unresponsive patients with no suspected spinal injury should be placed: A. in the prone position. B. in the recovery position. C. in the supine position. D. in the semi-sitting position.
B. in the recovery position. Unresponsive patients without suspected spinal injury should be placed in the recovery (lateral recumbent) position to help protect the airway.
To minimize your risk of serious back injury while lifting: A. keep the weight of the object to be lifted away from your body. B. use the large muscles of your legs, hips, and buttocks. C. use the muscles of your back. D. keep your head and shoulders level with your hips, and keep your hips above your feet.
B. use the large muscles of your legs, hips, and buttocks. To move heavy objects, use the leg, hip, and gluteal (buttocks) muscles plus contracted abdominal muscles. The use of these muscles will help you to generate a huge amount of power safely. Always avoid using the back muscles to move a heavy object.
What muscle groups should NOT be utilized in preparing to lift a heavy patient from the ground? A. Hip muscles B. Gluteal muscles C. Back muscles D. Leg muscles
C. Back muscles To move heavy objects, use the leg, hip, and gluteal (buttocks) muscles and contracted abdominal muscles. The use of these muscles will help you to generate a huge amount of power safely. Always avoid using back muscles to move a heavy object.
As an EMT, what do you NEVER want to do while lifting a patient? A. Use your legs. B. Keep the weight close to your body. C. Turn or twist. D. Position your feet shoulder width apart.
C. Turn or twist. Never turn or twist while lifting a patient.
An emergency move would be permitted in order to change a patient's position so that you could: A. dress a wound. B. splint an open fracture. C. perform CPR. D. apply a cervical spine collar.
C. perform CPR. The performance of CPR is done on patients in cardiac arrest. This is a highly intense and critical situation that is dependent on time. Therefore, an emergency move would be warranted in order to position the patient for the initiation of CPR.
Bending all fingers at the same angle and placing the hands ten inches apart are two key elements of the: A. power lift. B. traction lift. C. power grip. D. stretcher operation.
C. power grip. The power grip involves gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted, all fingers bent at the same angle, and hands at least ten inches apart.
Maintaining physical fitness and use of proper lifting and moving techniques by EMTs is of utmost importance because: A. you will have to call for a lift assist more often than is appropriate. B. if you drop a patient, you will be sued. C. the process of lifting and moving patients is one skill that is used on almost every patient. D. you should always make sure you are stronger than your partner.
C. the process of lifting and moving patients is one skill that is used on almost every patient. Maintaining good posture is perhaps the best prevention to future back injuries. Moving a patient from where the patient is to your cot, then to the ambulance, and eventually to the hospital cot is a skill that you will use repeatedly. Unfortunately, too many EMTs are injured every year because they attempt to lift patients or equipment improperly.
Which of the following patients can safely be transported in the Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position? A. A patient with spinal trauma B. An apneic patient C. An unresponsive patient D. A patient with chest pain
D. A patient with chest pain Patients with decreased LOC, apnea, cardiac arrest, or spinal trauma cannot be transported in Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position.
In moving a patient on a stretcher, what is the safest level at which to do so? A. Mid-elevated from the ground B. A fully elevated position C. The reclined position D. Closest to the ground
D. Closest to the ground When moving a patient on a stretcher, the safest level is closest to the ground.
Which of the following is a situation in which urgent moves are necessary? A. You are late for shift change. B. You have another call holding. C. The patient is restless. D. The patient's airway is compromised.
D. The patient's airway is compromised. Urgent moves are required when a patient must be moved quickly for treatment of an immediate threat to life, such as an airway compromise, major bleeding, or altered mental status. Calls holding are not a reason to rush the care of the patient.
You are on the scene of a car crash where the patient is sitting in the driver's seat with a potential spine injury. There is a small fire in the engine compartment, and smoke is coming out from under the hood of the car. What should you do? A. Apply the KED quickly. B. Instruct the patient to stay in the car. C. Direct the patient to exit the vehicle. D. Use the rapid extrication technique.
D. Use the rapid extrication technique. Rapid extrication is an urgent move technique that is used when (1) the patient's condition is so unstable that you need to move and transport the patient immediately, (2) the scene is not safe, or (3) the patient blocks your access to a second, more seriously injured patient.
The clothes drag, incline drag, and shoulder drag are examples of: A. a one-rescuer non-emergency move. B. a two-rescuer non-emergency move. C. a two-rescuer emergency move. D. a one-rescuer emergency move.
D. a one-rescuer emergency move. Clothes drag, incline drag, shoulder drag, foot drag, blanket drag, and firefighter drag are one-rescuer emergency moves.
Short backboards (vest or KED) are usually used to: A. immobilize supine patients before transport. B. secure patients with possible spinal injuries but without neurological deficits. C. assist in lifting patients up steep terrain. D. immobilize sitting patients before moving them.
D. immobilize sitting patients before moving them. Short backboards usually are used to immobilize noncritical sitting patients before moving them. One special type of short backboard is the vest-type or corset-type immobilizer, such as the Ferno Kendrick Extrication Device (KED). Once a short backboard has been applied, the patient should be placed on a long backboard for transport.
When reaching, pushing, or pulling, the EMT should always: A. keep the elbows locked in B. keep the wrists locked in C.When reaching, pushing, or pulling, you should always keep the back locked in to prevent bending and injury. Next Question keep the knees locked in D. keep the back locked in.
D. keep the back locked in. When reaching, pushing, or pulling, you should always keep the back locked in to prevent bending and injury.
To use your legs instead of your back to lift, you must: A. keep the weight at arm's length. B. lock both elbows straight. C. place your palms downward. D. keep the weight close to your body.
D. keep the weight close to your body. Keeping the weight close to your body allows you to use your legs instead of your back to lift.
Safe patient lifting and moving techniques include: A. having patients walk to the ambulance. B. using as few people as possible to assist with the lifting to avoid injuries. C. carrying as much equipment as you can at one time to minimize on-scene time. D. using the easiest recommended moves and equipment.
D. using the easiest recommended moves and equipment. The safest way to lift and move patients is to do so using the appropriate number of EMTs and to use the equipment designed for such movement. This minimizes the risk to the patient and the providers.