West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What is a correct statement regarding emergency patient moves?

1. The spine must be fully immobilized before performing an emergency move

2. The patient is dragged against the body's long axis during an emergency move

3. An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment

4. It is not possible to perform an emergency move without injuring the patient

The correct answer is: An emergency move is performed before the primary assessment and treatment

An emergency move is indeed performed before the primary assessment and treatment in situations where a patient's life is at immediate risk, such as in the case of fire, explosion, or hazardous environments. The primary goal of an emergency move is to quickly relocate the patient to a safer area to ensure their survival until further evaluation and care can be provided. In such scenarios, rapid action takes precedence to prevent further injury or loss of life. This is why emergency moves prioritize speed and safety over formal assessment processes. After ensuring the patient is in a safer location, further assessment and the necessary medical treatment can then be initiated. While the other statements touch on important aspects of patient handling and care, they do not reflect the fundamental principle of when and how emergency moves should be executed in critical situations.