West Coast EMT Block One Exam

If you feel a sharp pain in your lower back while carrying a patient down a flight of stairs, you should:

1. stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.

2. stop the move and have the patient walk down the stairs.

3. guide your partner while moving the chair backwards.

4. reposition your hands and continue to move the patient.

The correct answer is: stop the move and request additional lifting assistance.

Experiencing sharp pain in the lower back while carrying a patient is a significant indication that something may be wrong with your body mechanics or that the lifting technique being used is inappropriate for your current physical condition. In such a situation, prioritizing your safety and the safety of the patient is crucial. By stopping the move and requesting additional lifting assistance, you are taking a proactive approach to prevent further injury to yourself and ensure that the patient is handled safely. It's vital to maintain proper techniques when lifting and moving patients, and if you feel discomfort, it’s a signal that you may need more support to carry out the task safely. Not only does this approach protect your health, but it also ensures that the patient does not experience any unnecessary risk. Additional lifting assistance could involve one or more people helping you, using equipment that could alleviate some of the load, or finding a better technique to navigate the stairs safely. Prioritizing your own physical well-being ultimately impacts the quality of care you can provide to your patients; if you're injured, it can hinder your ability to assist them effectively.