FISDAP Patient Lifting, Moving, and Transport

Question 1

In which situation is an EMERGENCY move justified even before spinal precautions are applied?

Accepted Answer

The scene is on fire and the patient cannot be assessed in the current location

Answer

Emergency moves are performed when there is an immediate threat to life — fire, hazardous materials, inability to access a patient in cardiac arrest, or an unsafe scene. The risk of spinal injury from moving must be weighed against the certainty of death if the patient is not moved. Life safety overrides spinal precautions.

Question 2

When using the power lift technique, which body position best protects the EMT from back injury?

Accepted Answer

Keep the back straight, feet shoulder-width apart, and lift with the legs

Answer

The power lift (squat lift) keeps the back straight and in a neutral position, feet shoulder-width apart, with the weight lifted by extending the legs. This transfers the load to the stronger leg muscles and minimizes compressive forces on the lumbar spine, preventing disc injury.

Question 3

A patient is found face-down in a narrow hallway after a fall from standing. There is no immediate threat to life. What is the correct technique to move this patient?

Accepted Answer

Use a log roll with manual spinal stabilization to place the patient supine

Answer

A log roll with a minimum of two providers (one maintaining inline stabilization of the head/neck) is the standard technique to move a patient from prone to supine while maintaining spinal motion restriction. Dragging by ankles or shoulders creates axial torque on the spine.

Question 4

The recommended maximum weight for a two-person carry to protect EMTs from injury is approximately:

Accepted Answer

150 lbs (68 kg)

Answer

General EMS ergonomic guidelines recommend that no individual should lift more than approximately 45 kg (100 lbs), meaning a two-person team can safely manage up to about 150 lbs (68 kg). For heavier patients, additional personnel, mechanical lifts, or bariatric equipment should be used to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Question 5

A stair chair is MOST appropriate for which of the following patients?

Accepted Answer

A conscious, cooperative patient with chest pain and no suspected spinal injury who must be moved down stairs

Answer

A stair chair allows a conscious, cooperative patient to be moved safely down stairs while remaining seated. It is NOT appropriate for unconscious patients, spinal injury patients (who require a long backboard or scoop stretcher for spinal neutrality), or patients requiring active resuscitation.

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

(FISDAP) Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project Practice Test

FISDAP Patient Lifting, Moving, and Transport