When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:

When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, you should:

• A. Place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair.
• B. Move the patient up first and then down
• C. Move the patient down using only one rescuer
• D. Carry the patient in a prone position

Answer: (A)

Moving a conscious, weak patient down stairs should be done with a stair chair and two rescuers, with a wheeled stretcher ready at the bottom to receive the patient. This setup allows a controlled, supported descent while the patient stays seated, which helps maintain airway and comfort and reduces the strain on both the patient and the rescuers. The stair chair provides a stable, safety-focused way to navigate stairs, and transferring to the stretcher at the bottom minimizes lifting and the chance of dropping or jostling the patient. Moving the patient up before down, using only one rescuer, or carrying a patient prone would increase risk and discomfort.

Moving a conscious, weak patient down stairs should be done with a stair chair and two rescuers, with a wheeled stretcher ready at the bottom to receive the patient. This setup allows a controlled, supported descent while the patient stays seated, which helps maintain airway and comfort and reduces the strain on both the patient and the rescuers. The stair chair provides a stable, safety-focused way to navigate stairs, and transferring to the stretcher at the bottom minimizes lifting and the chance of dropping or jostling the patient. Moving the patient up before down, using only one rescuer, or carrying a patient prone would increase risk and discomfort.