West Coast EMT Block One Exam

To minimize the risk of injuring yourself when lifting or moving a patient, you should:

1. avoid the use of log rolls or body drags.

2. use a direct carry whenever possible.

3. flex at the waist instead of the hips.

4. keep the weight as close to your body as possible.

The correct answer is: keep the weight as close to your body as possible.

Keeping the weight as close to your body as possible is essential for minimizing the risk of injury when lifting or moving a patient. This technique allows you to maintain better control over the load and reduces the strain on your back and other muscles. When the weight is positioned close to your center of gravity, it helps to distribute the load more evenly, making it easier to lift and maneuver without risking injury. This principle is rooted in body mechanics, where proper body alignment and weight distribution are crucial for safe lifting practices in emergency medical situations. The other choices suggest practices that might contribute to injury or ineffective lifting techniques. Avoiding the use of log rolls or body drags could hinder the ability to safely move a patient, while flexing at the waist instead of the hips can lead to back injuries due to improper spinal alignment. Using direct carries may not always be appropriate or safe for all patients, depending on their condition or the environment, which could risk further harm to both you and the patient involved. Therefore, the emphasis on keeping the weight close to your body is the safest and most effective choice for lifting techniques.