What is a safe method for moving a conscious victim down a flight of stairs?

What is a safe method for moving a conscious victim down a flight of stairs?

• A. Drag by the hair down stairs.
• B. Throw over shoulder and descend.
• C. Use a litter carry or two-person drag with continuous airway management and control.
• D. Carry by wrists only.

Answer: (C)

The safest way to move a conscious victim down stairs is to use a litter carry or a two-person drag with the head, neck, and spine stabilized while one rescuer maintains the airway and monitors breathing. A litter carry provides a rigid, supported surface that keeps the torso and head aligned, distributing the weight so there’s less jolt as you descend. In a two-person drag, one rescuer supports and guides the head and neck to prevent any movement that could worsen a neck or spine injury, while the other helps control the body and legs; continuous airway management means the team stays alert to breathing, keeps the airway clear, and can respond quickly if the victim needs assistance. Dragging by the hair risks scalp and cervical injuries and offers no control over spinal alignment. Throwing over the shoulder creates unstable balance and a high chance of dropping the victim or twisting the spine. Carrying by wrists provides little support for the torso and offers poor stability on stairs, increasing the risk of loss of control and injury.

The safest way to move a conscious victim down stairs is to use a litter carry or a two-person drag with the head, neck, and spine stabilized while one rescuer maintains the airway and monitors breathing. A litter carry provides a rigid, supported surface that keeps the torso and head aligned, distributing the weight so there’s less jolt as you descend. In a two-person drag, one rescuer supports and guides the head and neck to prevent any movement that could worsen a neck or spine injury, while the other helps control the body and legs; continuous airway management means the team stays alert to breathing, keeps the airway clear, and can respond quickly if the victim needs assistance.

Dragging by the hair risks scalp and cervical injuries and offers no control over spinal alignment. Throwing over the shoulder creates unstable balance and a high chance of dropping the victim or twisting the spine. Carrying by wrists provides little support for the torso and offers poor stability on stairs, increasing the risk of loss of control and injury.