New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

When carrying a patient on a backboard up or down stairs, what is the correct position to maintain?

1. Keep your palms facing down

2. Keep the head end elevated

3. Carry the patient headfirst

4. Keep the foot end elevated

The correct answer is: Keep the head end elevated

Maintaining the correct position when carrying a patient on a backboard, especially up or down stairs, is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of both the patient and the medical team. Elevating the head end is the recommended practice because it helps to protect the patient's airway, provides better visibility for the person in the lead, and reduces the risk of potential injury to the patient. This position ensures that the patient's head and neck are less likely to come into contact with the stairs, avoiding bumps and jarring movements that could exacerbate any existing injuries. Moreover, elevating the head end allows for better overall control of the backboard during the ascent or descent, facilitating smoother movements and minimizing the risk of tipping or destabilizing the patient. This technique also aids in the management of patients who may be unconscious or have compromised airway management, making it a fundamental approach in emergency care situations.