Chapter 3 Post Test

Which of the following is the correct position of an EMT's feet when lifting? A) Shoulder-width apart B) As close together as possible C) As wide apart as possible D) Two feet apart

Explanation: A) CORRECT. Feet should be on a firm, level surface and positioned shoulder-width apart. B) INCORRECT. Keeping the feet too close together does not allow for proper balance and can result in injury. C) INCORRECT. Having the feet too wide apart does not allow for safe movement once the patient has been lifted. D) INCORRECT. The actual distance between the feet is completely dependent on the body size and shape of the EMT; a measured distance would not be appropriate for all EMTs. Page Ref: 54

You respond to a call at a park where you find a 550-pound patient who has fallen down a slope near a creek. As you and your partner discuss the situation, you decide to call a second unit for lifting assistance. Once the patient is on a stretcher, how would the additional two personnel help in this lift? A) You place one person on each corner of the stretcher to balance the weight and share in the lifting. B) They would position themselves half way up the slope to take over when you and your partner get fatigued. C) You will place two persons at the foot, one at the head, and the other to act as a safety anchor with a rope. D) You will place two persons at the head of the stretcher, one at the foot, and one to act as a spotter.

Explanation: A) CORRECT. If there are four rescuers available, one person should take each corner of the stretcher. B) INCORRECT. It would be very unsafe to have two EMTs attempt to carry a 550-pound patient. C) INCORRECT. Patients should always be carried by an even number of rescuers, with the weight distributed evenly among them. D) INCORRECT. With two EMTs at one end and one at the other, the uneven weight distribution would make this lift dangerous to the patient and the rescuers. Page Ref: 64

You are moving an elderly patient down the stairs using a stair chair. The patient is alert and very anxious. What should you do prior to moving the patient to prevent her from grabbing the railing and causing you to fall? A) Explain to the patient what you are doing and advise her to hold her hands together and not let go until you are finished moving her. B) Gently tie the patient's hands together until you are downstairs to prevent her from unconsciously grabbing the railing. C) Use a strap to safely secure the patient's arms to the chair without causing any loss of circulation to the patient's extremities. D) Place the patient on oxygen during the move to calm her down.

Explanation: A) CORRECT. Taking a few seconds to explain to the patient what is going to happen, asking for her assistance in not grabbing the railing, and having her hold onto her own hands during the move is the best method for moving an anxious patient with a stair chair. B) INCORRECT. Binding the arms or hands of an alert patient will only make her more anxious and upset, which will make the move more difficult. C) INCORRECT. Not only will binding the patient make her more anxious, but an EMT who ties up an alert person against her will is also committing the crime of battery and false imprisonment. D) INCORRECT. Oxygen tubing can be a potential trip hazard for the EMTs and should not be used during this type of move. Page Ref: 65

During an emergency move, which of the following techniques should be used, whenever possible, to minimize the possibility of further aggravating a possible spinal injury? A) Move the patient in the direction of the long axis of the body. B) Pull the patient from the feet, not the shoulders. C) Roll the patient over. D) Move the patient sideways, alternating between moving the shoulders, then the hips.

Explanation: A) CORRECT. To minimize or prevent aggravation of spinal injury, move the patient in the direction of the long axis of the body when possible. B) INCORRECT. Pulling a patient from the feet provides no spinal protection and should only be done if there is no other option. C) INCORRECT. Rolling a patient definitely increases the possibility of further aggravating spinal injuries. D) INCORRECT. Alternating between pulling on a patient's shoulders and hips should be avoided, as it can definitely cause or worsen spinal injuries. Page Ref: 57

Which of the following best describes an urgent move? A) Moving a patient from a car directly to a long spine board B) Dragging a patient from a burning house using his shirt C) Using a sheet to move a patient from a bed to the stretcher D) Pulling a patient by her feet across a parking lot

Explanation: A) CORRECT. Urgent moves are used when the patient must be moved rapidly but there is time to provide quick, temporary consideration toward preventing or aggravating spinal injury. B) INCORRECT. Dragging a patient from a burning house would be considered an emergency move, since the life-threatening nature of the situation wouldn't allow for any spinal precautions. C) INCORRECT. Moving a patient from a bed to a stretcher would be considered a non-urgent move. D) INCORRECT. A foot drag is a move that should only be considered in emergent situations. Page Ref: 57

Which of the following devices should be used to carry a patient down the stairs whenever possible? A) Stair chair B) Scoop stretcher C) Basket stretcher D) Wheeled ambulance stretcher

Explanation: A) CORRECT. When appropriate, a stair chair is an excellent way to move a patient down stairs. B) INCORRECT. A scoop stretcher is used for lifting a patient from the ground to a wheeled stretcher. C) INCORRECT. Basket stretchers are used to move patients over rough terrain and would generally not be used on stairs. D) INCORRECT. A wheeled ambulance stretcher would be too cumbersome and dangerous on a staircase to be considered as the best option. Page Ref: 55

How far apart should your hands be when using a power grip? A) 24 inches B) 10 inches C) 6 inches D) 15 inches

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. 24 inches is too far to keep hands apart for an appropriate power grip. B) CORRECT. When possible while using the power grip, keep your hands at least 10 inches apart. C) INCORRECT. At 6 inches, the hands would be too close together for a proper power grip. D) INCORRECT. The hands should not be 15 inches apart when using the power grip. Page Ref: 55

Which of the methods listed below is best described as moving a patient from the floor to a stretcher by having two or more rescuers kneel, curl the patient to their chests, stand, and then reverse the process to place the patient on the stretcher? A) Direct carry B) Direct ground lift C) Power lift D) Draw-sheet method

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A direct carry is performed to move a patient with no suspected spine injury from a bed or from a bed-level position to a stretcher. B) CORRECT. A direct ground lift is performed when a patient with no suspected spine injury needs to be lifted from the ground to a stretcher. C) INCORRECT. The power lift is used when lifting weight from a squatting position. D) INCORRECT. The method of transferring a patient from a bed to the stretcher by grasping and pulling the loosened bottom sheet of the bed is known as the draw-sheet method. Page Ref: 69

Which of the following patients should NOT be transported in a stair chair? A) Patient with difficulty breathing B) Patient who is nauseated C) Patient with a suspected spinal injury D) Patient found lying in bed

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A patient who is having difficulty breathing would benefit from the upright position of a stair chair. B) INCORRECT. A seated position can sometimes help make a nauseous patient more comfortable. C) CORRECT. A stair chair should never be used for a patient with a neck or spinal injury; it will not adequately prevent further injury. D) INCORRECT. A stair chair may be appropriate for a patient found lying on a bed; it depends on other physical factors. Page Ref: 67

What is the contraindication for the use of a scoop or orthopedic stretcher? A) Internal injuries B) Hip fracture C) Pelvic injury D) Spinal injury

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A patient with potential internal injuries could still be moved safely using a scoop stretcher. B) INCORRECT. The design of an orthopedic stretcher allows for support under a fractured hip, so it could be used to move the patient. C) INCORRECT. A pelvic injury patient can be moved effectively using a scoop stretcher. D) CORRECT. Since there is no support directly under the spine, an orthopedic stretcher should never be used to move a patient with a suspected spinal injury. Page Ref: 67

Which of the following is used to immobilize a patient with a suspected spinal injury? A) Portable stretcher B) Long backboard C) Basket stretcher D) Scoop stretcher

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A portable stretcher does not have the stability required to properly immobilize a patient's spine. B) CORRECT. A long backboard is rigid and specifically designed for spinal immobilization. C) INCORRECT. Patients with suspected spinal injuries need to be transported with adequate support of the head, neck and back; a basket stretcher would not be appropriate. D) INCORRECT. Scoop stretchers offer no support of the patient's spine and would not be sufficient for immobilization. Page Ref: 67-68

You are called to the scene of a patient who fell approximately 5 feet off a stepladder to the floor of a third-story attic of a very old building. He is complaining of severe neck and back pain, and he has an obvious fractured ankle. You cannot get your stretcher past the first-floor stairs and your long spine board is not practical with the winding spiral staircase and the small attic access. What is the best device to safely get the patient out of the attic where he can be properly immobilized? A) Scoop stretcher B) Stair chair C) Flexible stretcher D) Vest-type extrication device

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A scoop stretcher does not provide any spinal protection to the patient and will most likely not fit through the narrow attic access. B) INCORRECT. The stair chair would be too cumbersome to use to move the patient from the attic and it would provide no spinal protection. C) INCORRECT. Although the flexible stretcher may fit into the confined space, it would not provide any immobilization for the potential spinal injury. D) CORRECT. A vest-type extrication device, normally used to immobilize seated patients following vehicle collisions, will provide spinal protection while also allowing some flexibility in moving the patient through the attic opening. Page Ref: 67

Which of the following is another name for an ambulance cot? A) Stair chair B) Reeve's stretcher C) Scoop stretcher D) Wheeled ambulance stretcher

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. A stair chair is a device used to move patients down stairs and to an ambulance cot. B) INCORRECT. Reeve's stretchers, also called flexible stretchers, are essentially large fabric sheets with carry handles used for carrying patients through narrow spaces. C) INCORRECT. Scoop stretchers are designed to lift patients from the ground or floor so they can be moved to an ambulance cot. D) CORRECT. Commonly referred to simply as the stretcher, cot, or litter, wheeled ambulance stretchers are found in the back of every ambulance. Page Ref: 61

Which of the following devices is best suited for maneuvering a patient through a narrow hallway? A) Long backboard B) Flexible stretcher C) Wheeled stretcher D) Basket stretcher

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Although it can be used to maneuver a patient through a narrow space, long backboards are not the best option. B) CORRECT. Because of its flexibility, a Reeves (flexible) stretcher can be very useful in restricted areas or narrow hallways. C) INCORRECT. A wheeled stretcher can be cumbersome to move through narrow areas. D) INCORRECT. When moving a patient through a narrow hall, a basket stretcher could be used but it wouldn't be a rescuer's first choice. Page Ref: 67

Which of the following best describes body mechanics? A) Proper use of the body to protect patient safety B) Proper use of the body to facilitate lifting and moving objects C) Equipment designed to minimize stress on the user's body D) Both B and C

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Although patient safety is important, it is not a component of body mechanics. B) CORRECT. Body mechanics refers to the proper use of your body to prevent injury and to facilitate lifting and moving. C) INCORRECT. The term body mechanics does not refer to equipment or tools. D) INCORRECT. There are many types of devices in use to assist EMS providers in moving patients, but body mechanics does not refer to the equipment used. Page Ref: 54

What is the preferred number of rescuers when using a stair chair? A) Two: one in front and one in back B) Only one with the track-like chair C) Four: one for each corner of the device D) Three: two lifting and one spotting

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Although two rescuers can manage a stair chair, it is not ideal. B) INCORRECT. Even when using a stair chair with the track-like system, one rescuer is never enough. C) INCORRECT. Four rescuers are too many when trying to navigate a staircase with a stair chair. D) CORRECT. When using a stair chair, it is best to have two rescuers to carry it and a third be a spotter. Page Ref: 67

You respond to the scene of a two-vehicle T-bone vehicle collision. The driver's side door is smashed shut and will not open. The front passenger door will open. The front passenger is stable and complaining of severe head and neck pain. You suspect that he has a potential spinal injury. The driver is unresponsive, in critical condition, and has gurgling respirations. You should extricate the passenger by which technique? A) Carefully move the patient using full c-spine precautions. B) Take extra care to protect the passenger's neck with a KED board or short spine board because of the injury. C) Move the patient out of the car as quickly as possible, in the direction of the long axis of the body. D) Move the patient as quickly as possible so he can get to a hospital before paralysis sets in.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. An emergency move is indicated because the EMT needs to reach the other patient who is critical. B) INCORRECT. An emergency move is done without a KED board, short board, or full c-spine precautions. C) CORRECT. When an emergency move is performed, a complication is the possible aggravation of a spinal injury. Therefore, the patient should be moved in the direction of the long axis of the body to minimize potential complications. D) INCORRECT. Moving the patient as quickly as possible will only increase the risk of paralysis. Page Ref: 57

Where should you position the weight of the object being lifted? A) As far from the body as possible B) An arm's length away from the body C) To one side or the other D) As close to the body as possible

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Attempting to lift a weight that is at a distance from the body can cause injury. B) INCORRECT. If an EMT has to extend her arms in order to reach the object to be lifted, she is not safely positioned and may be injured. C) INCORRECT. Proper body mechanics requires the weight to be centered prior to lifting. D) CORRECT. The farther the weight is from the body, the greater the chance of injury. Page Ref: 54

Stretchers that are designed to carry obese patients weighing up to 800 pounds (or more) are called: A) battery-powered stretchers. B) wheeled stretchers. C) hydraulic stretchers. D) bariatric stretchers.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Battery-powered stretchers have differing weight ratings, but most only go up to 700 pounds. B) INCORRECT. Standard wheeled stretchers are not designed to accommodate morbidly obese patients. C) INCORRECT. Most hydraulic stretchers could not safely lift an 800-pound patient. D) CORRECT. Bariatric stretchers are constructed to transport obese patients-some rated for 800 pounds or more. Page Ref: 63-64

You respond to a 48-year-old morbidly obese female patient. Her adult daughter called you because she has not gotten up from her oversized recliner chair in over a week. She has tried to help her out of the chair but states that each time her mother screams in agony. The foul odor presence of urine and feces is strong around the patient. Her feet do not touch the ground, and any attempt to lift the patient by her arms or scoot her down to the end of the chair results in severe pain to the patient. You are finding it nearly impossible to get a good grip on the patient. How will you get her out of the chair? A) Soft stretcher B) Long spine board C) Lie the chair back and use a scoop stretcher D) Vest-type extrication device

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Because of her prolonged time in one position in the chair, and her pain in moving, the patient will be extremely difficult to roll enough to get a soft stretcher under her properly. B) INCORRECT. The patient's weight, positioning and pain level would make the long spine board inappropriate in this situation. C) INCORRECT. The recliner will not be able to recline far enough back, and the arms of the recliner will make a scoop stretcher impractical. D) CORRECT. Vest-type extrication devices are designed to assist in moving patients from the seated position, so it is the best choice. Page Ref: 67

What is the likely impact of power stretchers on EMS? A) There is no likely impact of power stretchers on EMS. B) There will be a decrease in the number of injuries among EMTs. C) Insurance reimbursement will increase for ambulance services. D) There will be an increase in the number of home health transfers.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Having stretchers that can hydraulically lift up to 700 pound patients could provide significant benefits to EMS providers. B) CORRECT. Power stretchers undoubtedly help prevent back injuries. C) INCORRECT. The use of power stretchers will have little to no impact on insurance reimbursement. D) INCORRECT. There is no connection between power stretcher use in EMS and home health transfers. Page Ref: 63

Urgent moves are required when: A) an emergency move is not possible. B) rapid transport is necessary. C) performed for treatment of life threats along with precautions for spinal injuries. D) there are no life threats and conditions are stable.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. If an emergency move is required but not possible, an urgent move would not be possible either. B) INCORRECT. A patient in need of rapid transport does not necessarily require an urgent move. C) CORRECT. Urgent moves are required when the patient must be moved quickly for treatment of an immediate threat to life, but with precautions for spinal injury when necessary. D) INCORRECT. An urgent move would be unnecessary if there are no life threats and the scene is stable. Page Ref: 57

What should you NOT do when using a stair chair? A) Lean forward from the hips. B) Keep your back straight. C) Lean forward from the waist. D) Flex your knees.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Leaning forward from the hips is the proper technique when using a stair chair. B) INCORRECT. While using a stair chair, the EMTs should always keep their backs straight. C) CORRECT. When using a stair chair, the EMTs should keep their backs straight, flex their knees, and lean forward from the hips, not the waist. D) INCORRECT. It is important to flex the knees when using a stair chair. Page Ref: 55

Which of the following statements regarding body mechanics is true? A) Use your back to lift. B) Use your legs to lift. C) Twist your torso while lifting. D) Position your feet close together.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Lifting heavy weight using the back muscles is one of the most common causes of injury. B) CORRECT. The strongest muscles in the body are in the legs; they should be used for lifting. C) INCORRECT. It is not safe to twist any part of the body while lifting. D) INCORRECT. Keeping the feet too close together does not allow for proper balance and can result in injury. Page Ref: 54

How many pounds are most battery-powered hydraulic systems rated to safely lift? A) 300 B) 500 C) 700 D) 200

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Most hydraulic stretchers are rated to lift more than 300 pounds. B) INCORRECT. Although a battery-powered stretcher that can lift up to 500 pounds would be useful, most are rated to lift even more than that. C) CORRECT. Most battery-powered hydraulic stretchers will lift patients up to 700 pounds. D) INCORRECT. A hydraulic stretcher that could only lift up to 200 pounds would not be beneficial. Page Ref: 63

Which of the following should you use when you want to move a patient from a wheelchair to a stretcher? A) Ground transfer B) Extremity lift C) Clothing lift D) Modified direct lift

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. No type of ground lift technique would be appropriate for a patient seated in a wheelchair. B) CORRECT. An extremity lift is used to move a seated patient with no suspected spine or extremity injuries to a stretcher. C) INCORRECT. Lifting a patient from a wheelchair to a stretcher using their clothes is unsafe and could cause injury to the patient or the EMT. D) INCORRECT. There is no accepted patient movement technique known as a modified direct lift. Page Ref: 69-70

When placing all fingers and the palm in contact with the object being lifted, you are using which of the following? A) Lock grip B) Power lift C) Power grip D) Vise grip

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Placing the entire palm and all fingers in contact with the object is not called a lock grip. B) INCORRECT. The term power lift refers to the maneuvering of weight, not the method used to hold it. C) CORRECT. Using a power grip means gripping with as much hand surface as possible in contact with the object being lifted. D) INCORRECT. A vise grip is a type of tool, it is not associated with lifting techniques. Page Ref: 55-56

Which of the following is another name for the squat-lift position? A) Power grip B) Power lift C) Weight-lifter technique D) Direct carry

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Power grip refers to the technique used in holding an object, not lifting it. B) CORRECT. The power lift is also sometimes called the squat-lift position. C) INCORRECT. The squat-lift position is not commonly called a weight-lifter technique. D) INCORRECT. The direct carry method is used to move a patient from a bed to a stretcher; it is not called the squat-lift. Page Ref: 55

You have responded to a nursing home and find an elderly patient in his bed in cardiac arrest. Which type of move would you perform to get the patient to a hard surface so you can perform chest compressions? A) Non-urgent move B) Clothing drag C) Urgent move D) Emergency move

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Since the patient is suffering from a life-threatening condition, taking the time to perform a non-urgent move is inappropriate. B) INCORRECT. Using a clothing drag to move this patient from the bed would be unnecessary since other personnel would be present to assist. C) INCORRECT. An urgent move would not be used to reposition a patient for CPR. D) CORRECT. Since this patient needs to be repositioned for CPR, an emergency move would be most appropriate. Page Ref: 57

What type of move should the EMT use to move a patient who is in a car that has started to burn? A) Non-urgent move B) Emergency move C) No attempt to move D) Urgent move

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Since the patient's life is in immediate danger from the fire, a non-urgent move would not be used. B) CORRECT. When a patient must be immediately removed from the current environment in order to prevent death, an emergency move would be used. C) INCORRECT. Every reasonable attempt should be made to move a patient out of a life-threatening environment. D) INCORRECT. An urgent move would not be recommended because there would be no time to consider spinal precautions for a patient in a burning car. Page Ref: 57

If the weight being pulled is below the level of the EMT's waist, he should be in a(n) ________ position. A) squatting B) kneeling C) feet-together D) overhead

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Squatting while trying to pull weight will not allow proper leverage and could cause injuries. B) CORRECT. If the weight is below waist level, always pull from a kneeling position. C) INCORRECT. Attempting to pull weight that is below waist level while keeping the feet together is not proper body mechanics and could result in injuries. D) INCORRECT. EMTs should always avoid pushing or pulling anything that is in an overhead position. Page Ref: 56

What is the main benefit of using a stair chair with a track-like system over a traditional stair chair? A) A stair chair with a track-like system can be manipulated to lift into an ambulance using a hydraulic system. B) A stair chair with a track-like system prevents the patient from having to be lifted down stairs. C) There is no benefit of a track-like stair chair over a traditional stair chair. D) Only one EMT is required to operate a stair chair with a track-like system.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. Stair chairs are used to move patients down stairs to a wheeled stretcher for transport, not into an ambulance. B) CORRECT. Stair chairs with a track-like system allow EMTs to gently slide the patient down a staircase at a controlled speed instead of lifting her. C) INCORRECT. The track-like stair chair has several safety benefits over a traditional stair chair. D) INCORRECT. At least two EMTs are required to safely move a patient using a stair chair with a track-like system. Page Ref: 65-66

Which of the following is NOT correct when performing a log roll? A) Keep your back straight. B) Lean forward from the hips. C) Use your shoulder muscles. D) Place both feet flat on the ground.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The EMTs should keep their backs straight when log rolling a patient. B) INCORRECT. Leaning forward from the hips is the correct log roll technique. C) INCORRECT. When performing a log roll, providers should utilize their shoulder muscles. D) CORRECT. The EMTs should be on their knees when performing a log roll. Page Ref: 57, 60

For a patient without a possibility of spinal injury, which of the following carries should be used to move him from a bed to a stretcher? A) Firefighter's carry B) Direct-ground lift C) Draw-sheet method D) Extremity lift

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The firefighter's carry is an emergency move and completely unnecessary in this situation. B) INCORRECT. A direct ground lift is performed when a patient with no suspected spine injury needs to be lifted from the ground to a stretcher. C) CORRECT. The draw-sheet method is used when a patient with no suspected spine injury must be moved from a bed to a stretcher. D) INCORRECT. An extremity lift is used to carry a patient with no suspected spine or extremity injuries to a stretcher or a stair chair. It can be used to lift a patient from the ground or from a sitting position. Page Ref: 69-70

You and your partner arrive on the scene of a 400-pound patient lying in bed. He complains of nausea and vomiting for the past 3 days. When he tries to sit up, he gets very dizzy and has a syncopal episode. Realizing that he cannot assist you in getting on the stretcher, you decide to do which of the following? A) Use the patient's sheets to slide him over to the stretcher. B) Place the patient on a backboard to provide better gripping points to move the patient. C) Use the power lift technique to carefully and safely lift the patient to the stretcher. D) Call for additional manpower to move the patient.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The patient's sheets are not designed to hold a person's body weight and could tear, causing injury to the patient. B) INCORRECT. Using a backboard and proper lifting techniques can prove useful; however, because the patient is over 400 pounds, he is simply too heavy for two people to safely lift. C) INCORRECT. Two rescuers trying to move 400 pounds is not safe, regardless of proper body mechanics or lifting technique. D) CORRECT. For the safety of the EMTs and the patient, additional manpower is required. Page Ref: 54

You are treating an unconscious patient who does not have a possibility of spinal injury and who is breathing adequately. Which of the following is the BEST position for transporting the patient? A) Supine B) Fowler position C) Semi-Fowler position D) Recovery position

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The supine position is for conscious patients who are believed to be in shock and could potentially compromise the airway of this patient. B) INCORRECT. The fully inclined Fowler position would not be appropriate for an unconscious patient; the patient's head could fall forward and compromise the airway. C) INCORRECT. The semi-Fowler position would not be best for transporting this unresponsive patient since it would be more difficult to protect the airway in the event of vomiting. D) CORRECT. Unresponsive patients with no suspected spine injury should be placed in the recovery position. Page Ref: 73

Which urgent move should be performed for a patient seated in a vehicle? A) Rapid immobilization B) Rapid extrication C) Rapid takedown D) Rapid takeout

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The term rapid immobilization indicates that the patient is being immobilized rather than moved. B) CORRECT. The rapid extrication procedure should be used if the patient has critical injuries and taking the time to immobilize him with a short backboard or vest while he is still in the car may cause a deadly delay. C) INCORRECT. A rapid takedown would not be appropriate for a patient seated in a vehicle. D) INCORRECT. There is no urgent move commonly referred to as a rapid takeout. Page Ref: 60

Which of the following factors should be considered before lifting any patient? A) The weight of the patient B) Your physical limitations C) Communications D) All of the above

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. The weight of the patient is obviously an important factor when coordinating a lift, but it is not the only consideration. B) INCORRECT. An EMT should be clear on their own physical limitations before attempting to move a patient, but it is not the only consideration. C) INCORRECT. Communicating effectively with other providers is critical when attempting to move a patient, but it is not the only consideration. D) CORRECT. The weight of the patient, physical limitations, good communication, and proper body mechanics are all important factors to consider before attempting a lift. Page Ref: 54

When lifting a patient, a basic principle is to: A) lift with your lower back. B) extend your arms to maximize your lift. C) rush your lift to minimize your lift time. D) know your lifting limits.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. To avoid injury, lift with the legs and not the lower back. B) INCORRECT. When lifting a patient, your arms should be kept as close as possible to the body when lifting; the farther the reach, the greater the chances for injury. C) INCORRECT. Never hurry a patient lift; consider all safety factors and ensure proper body mechanics. D) CORRECT. It is important for the EMT to know their own — and their partner's — physical limits. Page Ref: 54

The term body mechanics describes the proper use of your body to lift without injury. What are the three considerations to review before any lift? A) Equipment, patient injury, and communication B) The object, patient injury, and communication C) The object, your limitations, and communication D) Environment, physical limitations, and communication

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. When focusing on proper body mechanics, equipment and the patient's injury are not necessarily things to consider prior to beginning a lift. B) INCORRECT. A patient's injury is not really relevant to proper body mechanics when considering a move. C) CORRECT. Body mechanics refers to the proper use of the body to prevent injury and to facilitate lifting and moving. The object to be lifted, the limitations of the lifters, and effective communication should all be considered before the move. D) INCORRECT. Although the environment is important to consider from a safety perspective, it is not related to proper body mechanics. Page Ref: 54

When a stretcher with a patient secured to it is elevated, what occurs? A) The patient feels more comfortable being at near normal height. B) The center of gravity is raised and this causes a tip hazard. C) The stretcher is more stable and easily pushed. D) The EMTs lessen the possibility of injury from being bent over the patient.

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. When patients are being moved, they generally feel less safe the higher they are positioned. B) CORRECT. Wheeling a stretcher in the elevated position raises the center of gravity, making it easier for the stretcher to tip over. C) INCORRECT. A wheeled stretcher is most stable when closest to the ground. D) INCORRECT. As long as the EMTs are using proper body mechanics, moving a lowered stretcher does not increase the possibility of injury. Page Ref: 61

Which of the following should you do when reaching for something? A) Keep your back in a locked-in position. B) Avoid twisting. C) Avoid reaching more than 15 to 20 inches in front of your body. D) All of the above

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. When reaching, an EMT should keep her back in a locked-in position, but that is not the only consideration. B) INCORRECT. Following proper body mechanics, a person should avoid twisting while reaching for an object, but that is not the only consideration. C) INCORRECT. To prevent injury, rescuers should avoid reaching more than 15-20 inches in front of their bodies, but that is not the only consideration. D) CORRECT. To safely reach for an object, an EMT should keep his back in a locked-in position; avoid twisting; and avoid reaching more than 15 to 20 in front of his body. Page Ref: 55-56

You have responded to a multiple casualty incident involving an overturned bus. Patients have been thrown around the interior of the bus and several are piled on top of each other. What type of move would you perform to gain access to the most critically injured patients? A) Non-urgent move B) Extremity lift C) Urgent move D) Emergency move

Explanation: A) INCORRECT. With critical patients that need to be accessed, there is not enough time to perform non-urgent moves. B) INCORRECT. Extremity lifts are used to move patients with no suspected spinal injuries to carrying devices. C) INCORRECT. The importance of reaching the critical patients quickly would not allow rescuers to consider spinal precautions for those needing to be moved out of the way. D) CORRECT. When there are patients at the scene requiring care for life-threatening problems, you may have to perform emergency moves on other patients who are blocking access. Page Ref: 57