Question

An elderly woman must be moved from an unsafe environment quickly. The patient is unconscious and is wearing a thin nightgown. What is the most rapid and effective way for you and your partner to move her?

A. Place a blanket or rug on the ground, roll her onto it, and quickly remove her from the unsafe environment.
B. Grasp the patient by the collar of her nightgown and pull her in the direction of the long axis of her body.
C. Quickly log roll her onto a backboard, secure her to the board with straps, and move her to safety.
D. Place her in a chair and rapidly move her to a place of safety while protecting her head and neck.

Answer 1

The most effective and safe method to evacuate an unconscious elderly woman quickly is to log roll her onto a backboard and move her to safety, ensuring spinal protection during the rapid evacuation from an unsafe environment. the correct option is C. Quickly log roll her onto a backboard, secure her to the board with straps, and move her to safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most rapid and effective way to move an elderly woman who is unconscious is option C: Quickly log roll her onto a backboard, secure her to the board with straps, and move her to safety. This method ensures spinal integrity and is commonly used by emergency personnel. Even if transporting with minimal equipment is necessary, utilizing whatever safe and supportive materials are available to maintain alignment and swift movement out of harm's way is critical.

Option A, involving a blanket or rug, may seem quick, but does not offer the same protection to the patient's spine. Furthermore, option B, which suggests pulling the patient by the nightgown, is not safe as it could aggravate potential spinal injuries and would not support the body properly. As for option D, it is unwise to move an unconscious person in a chair without securing them, as it might lead to further injury.

Therefore, the essence of emergency medical care and first responder training emphasizes that in such circumstances, ensuring the patient's safety and stabilizing their condition is as vital as the rapidity of the evacuation.