What should you always do before moving a patient?

What should you always do before moving a patient?

• A. Communicate with the patient about their condition
• B. Assess the scene for safety and the patient for stability
• C. Check your own physical condition
• D. Contact family members for permission

Answer: (B)

Before moving a patient, it is essential to assess the scene for safety and evaluate the patient's stability. This step ensures that the environment is safe for both the patient and the EMT, reducing the risk of injury or complications during transport. It is vital to consider potential hazards in the surroundings, such as traffic, other individuals, or unstable surfaces that could pose a danger during the lifting process. Evaluating the patient's stability is equally important. This involves checking whether the patient is conscious, responsive, and has any obvious injuries that could worsen with movement. Understanding the patient's condition allows the EMT to plan the safest and most effective way to lift and transport them, minimizing further injury and ensuring appropriate care during the move. Taking these precautions helps in creating a safe environment and protecting both the patient and the EMT.

Before moving a patient, it is essential to assess the scene for safety and evaluate the patient's stability. This step ensures that the environment is safe for both the patient and the EMT, reducing the risk of injury or complications during transport. It is vital to consider potential hazards in the surroundings, such as traffic, other individuals, or unstable surfaces that could pose a danger during the lifting process.

Evaluating the patient's stability is equally important. This involves checking whether the patient is conscious, responsive, and has any obvious injuries that could worsen with movement. Understanding the patient's condition allows the EMT to plan the safest and most effective way to lift and transport them, minimizing further injury and ensuring appropriate care during the move.

Taking these precautions helps in creating a safe environment and protecting both the patient and the EMT.