For moving a patient across rough terrain, which device is most appropriate?

For moving a patient across rough terrain, which device is most appropriate?

• A. Stair chair
• B. Scoop stretcher
• C. Basket stretcher
• D. Vacuum mattress

Answer: (C)

When moving a patient over rough terrain, you want a device that is rigid, secure, and easy to carry by a team over uneven ground. A basket stretcher provides that stability: its solid frame supports the patient securely, distributes weight evenly, and can be used with rope or hoisting systems for extraction from rough terrain. It also allows immobilization to stay in place during transport, which helps protect the spine and reduce movement on unstable surfaces. The stair chair is designed for smooth floors and stairs, not for rugged ground, so it lacks the stability needed on uneven terrain and isn’t ideal for spinal immobilization during rough-terrain movement. The scoop stretcher is useful for confined spaces or when you need to minimize movement during transfer onto a board, but it doesn’t offer the same rugged stability and ease of transport over rough ground. The vacuum mattress molds to the patient for immobilization on flat surfaces, but its reliance on a flat surface and heavier setup makes it impractical for moving across uneven terrain.

When moving a patient over rough terrain, you want a device that is rigid, secure, and easy to carry by a team over uneven ground. A basket stretcher provides that stability: its solid frame supports the patient securely, distributes weight evenly, and can be used with rope or hoisting systems for extraction from rough terrain. It also allows immobilization to stay in place during transport, which helps protect the spine and reduce movement on unstable surfaces.

The stair chair is designed for smooth floors and stairs, not for rugged ground, so it lacks the stability needed on uneven terrain and isn’t ideal for spinal immobilization during rough-terrain movement. The scoop stretcher is useful for confined spaces or when you need to minimize movement during transfer onto a board, but it doesn’t offer the same rugged stability and ease of transport over rough ground. The vacuum mattress molds to the patient for immobilization on flat surfaces, but its reliance on a flat surface and heavier setup makes it impractical for moving across uneven terrain.