EMT CH.3
A method of lifting and carrying a patient during which one rescuer slips hands under the patient's armpits and grasps the wrists, while another rescuer grasps the patient's knees, is: a) body mechanics. b) an extremity lift. c) a direct carry. d) the draw-sheet method.
b) an extremity lift
Forming a plan for lifting and carrying a patient should be: a) done before assessing your own physical limitations. b) communicated to your partner before putting the plan into action. c) done before assessing the weight of the patient. d) unnecessary in cases when extra help is available.
b) communicated to your partner before putting the plan into action. Rationale: Communicate your plan for lifting and carrying a patient to your partner before putting the plan into action, but continue to communicate about the plan while performing it.
During a cradle carry, one arm is across the patient's back and the other: a) hanging free. b) under her knees. c) around her neck. d) under her ankles.
b) under her knees. Rationale: During a cradle carry, one arm is across the patient's back and the other under her knees.
When pushing or pulling, you should: a) reach and twist at the same time. b) keep your back in a bent position for flexibility. c) keep the line of pull through the center of your body. d) push or pull overhead whenever possible.
c) keep the line of pull through the center of your body. Rationale: When pushing or pulling, you should keep the line of pull through the center of your body.
You want to navigate a responsive patient down several narrow, curving stairways. You want to transport the patient in a sitting position, which means you use a: a) wheeled stretcher. b) long backboard. c) stair chair. d) scoop stretcher.
c) stair chair. Rationale: A stair chair is useful when a wheeled stretcher cannot traverse narrow corridors and doorways, small elevators, and stairways. The benefit of this device is that the patient is in a sitting position, which makes it easier to navigate steps, small elevators, and other types of confined spaces.
When a stretcher is lifted, the number of rescuers lifting from the head and foot of the stretcher should be: a) three. b) one. c) two. d) four.
c) two. Rationale: When the stretcher is lifted, two EMTs should lift at opposite ends of the stretcher - head and foot.
How many rescuers are recommended in moving a patient with a stair chair? a) One b) Five c) Two d) Three
d) Three Rationale: At least two rescuers are needed, but three are recommended: two to lift and one to serve as a spotter.
Which of the following is an indication for an emergency move? a) Dispatch needs you to clear rapidly, as EMS calls are backing up. b) You need to practice your lifting technique. c) The patient is yelling for you to "hurry up." d) You are unable to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care.
d) You are unable to gain access to other patients who need lifesaving care. Rationale: 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.
General guidelines for lifting include: a) positioning your feet approximately six inches apart. b) challenging yourself physically. c) minimizing verbal communication. d) keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
d) keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
Emergency moves may be necessary if: a) There is a meeting later in the afternoon that you do not want to miss. b) additional calls are holding. c) the patient is really screaming. d) there is a threat of fire or possible explosion.
d) there is a threat of fire or possible explosion. Rationale: There are three situations that may require the use of an emergency move: The scene is hazardous, care of life-threatening conditions requires repositioning, or you must reach other patients.
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) scoop stretcher. b) Reeves stretcher. c) Pedi-Mate backboard. d) vest-type extrication device.
d) vest-type extrication device.
Which of the following is an advantage of a vacuum mattress? a) It does not require a pump. b) The cervical collar can be removed. c) It naturally pads voids for greater comfort. d) The device is nonconforming.
c) It naturally pads voids for greater comfort. Rationale: Vacuum mattresses naturally pad voids as air is withdrawn.
Your patient is a 22-year-old female who was involved in a low-speed car crash. Her only complaint is some tenderness in her neck. What is the MOST appropriate way to care for her? a) Apply a short backboard while she is seated in the car b) Use a long backboard to remove her from the vehicle c) Use the rapid extrication technique d) Ask her to sit on the long backboard on your stretcher, and strap her in
a) Apply a short backboard while she is seated in the car Rationale: Because this is a non-urgent move, there are no indications for a rapid extrication, and you suspect that there may be a spine injury. Therefore, it is most appropriate to use the short spine device to immobilize the patient before moving her.
If the weight is below your waist level, what is the proper position for pushing or pulling? a) From a kneeling position. b) From a bent-over position. c) From a standing position. d) From a squatting position.
a) From a kneeling position. Rationale: If the weight is below your waist level, pushing or pulling from a kneeling position is the proper position.
When reaching, pushing, or pulling, the EMT should always: a) keep the back locked in. b) keep the wrists locked in. c) keep the knees locked in. d) keep the elbows locked in.
a) keep the back locked in.
When lifting a stretcher or backboard, which of the following is the best number of people to use? a) 5 b) 4 c) 7 d) 3
b) 4 Rationale: You should always use an even number of people.
Which of the following is a patient who could be transported on a stair chair? a) A patient with a need for airway care b) A patient who is having difficulty breathing c) A patient with a neck or spine injury d) An unresponsive patient
b) A patient who is having difficulty breathing
Which of the choices is a CORRECT statement when transferring a patient from his or her bed to the stair chair? a) Do not use the track to control the rate of descent. b) Do not use the device for unresponsive patients. c) Do not use the straps that restrain the legs while carrying the patient. d) Do not use the device for noncritical patients.
b) Do not use the device for unresponsive patients. Rationale: Contraindications for the stair chair include unresponsive patients and patients with possible spinal injury.
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
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) Get the stair chair and wheel the patient out. b) Use an urgent move to get the patient out. c) An emergency move will be the most appropriate in this case. d) A non-urgent move will work in this case.
c) An emergency move will be the most appropriate in this case.
Which of the choices would be a poor technique to use if you were about to lift a heavy patient? a) Keeping your back locked in b) Squatting rather than bending at the waist c) Lifting the patient and twisting while lowering to the stretcher d) Keeping the weight close to your body
c) Lifting the patient and twisting while lowering to the stretcher
Which of the following must be avoided in lifting? a) Use of the large muscles of your legs b) Moving the patient quickly c) Twisting d) Use of the arm muscles
c) Twisting Rationale: Twisting while lifting or carrying a patient can place an uneven load on the vertebrae of the spine, with the result that intervertebral disks could slip, causing a back injury. If you need to twist while lifting or carrying, shuffle your feet as you turn and avoid twisting with your back.
The term that has to do with patients who are significantly overweight or obese is: a) geriatric. b) calorimetric. c) bariatric. d) pediatric.
c) bariatric. Rationale: Bariatric is the term that has to do with patients who are significantly overweight or obese.
Which of the following techniques will NOT contribute to the safe and efficient movement of a patient from an upstairs bedroom to the ambulance? a) Using the most appropriate equipment for the job b) Sizing up the scene accurately c) Being aware of the physical abilities and limitations of each team member d) Calling for assistance only if you find that you and your partner cannot lift the patient
d) Calling for assistance only if you find that you and your partner cannot lift the patient Rationale: Before lifting the patient, the EMTs on scene should take a moment to accurately appraise the patient's weight and the capabilities of the first crew on scene. Call for help early, not after you learn that you cannot move the patient, because then you are placing the patient and yourself at greater risk of injury.
Which is useful for narrow hallways but is not used for immobilization of a patient? a) Long spine board b) Rigid cervical collar c) Short spine board d) Flexible stretcher
d) Flexible stretcher Rationale: A flexible stretcher is made of canvas or some other rubberized or flexible material, often with wooden slats sewn into pockets, and has three carrying handles on each side. It is useful for narrow hallways but is not a device for immobilization of a patient.
What are body mechanics? a) Research into how to minimize back pain while maximizing the weight that you can lift and carry in an emergency b) The ability to use mechanical lift devices to help you carry heavier loads c) The process by which you package the patient and carry him or her to the ambulance d) The proper use of your body to prevent injury and facilitate lifting and moving
d) The proper use of your body to prevent injury and facilitate lifting and moving Rationale: Body mechanics is the proper use of your body to prevent injury and facilitate lifting and moving.
A device used to carry an unresponsive patient is: a) a flexible stretcher. b) a stair chair. c) a scoop stretcher. d) a vacuum mattress.
d) a vacuum mattress.
When lifting, keep the weight: a) higher than your shoulders. b) away from your body. c) lower than your knees. d) close to your body.
d) close to your body. Rationale: When lifting, keep the weight as close as possible to your body.
Maintaining physical fitness is important for: a) ensuring you and your partner will not need extra help lifting. b) being able to lift a patient without being concerned about the weight. c) being able to lift patients without assistance from your partner. d) decreasing your physical lifting limitations.
d) decreasing your physical lifting limitations
When performing a one-rescuer drag down stairs, you should: a) drag the patient feet first. b) push, not pull, the patient. c) straddle the patient. d) drag the patient head first.
d) drag the patient head first.
In a Fowler or semi-Fowler position, it is normal and not a cause for concern if the patient: a) becomes unresponsive. b) experiences an occluded airway. c) vomits. d) is in a semi-sitting position.
d) is in a semi-sitting position. Rationale: Take special care when carrying a patient in a Fowler or semi-Fowler position in case the patient vomits. Also monitor that the patient does not become unresponsive or develop airway problems. The Fowler or semi-Fowler position is a semi-sitting position, so that is normal and expected.