Final answer:
The flexible stretcher is the ideal choice for moving a patient through a narrow hallway due to its ability to bend and adapt to confined spaces, making it easier for responders to maneuver.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device best suited for maneuvering a patient through a narrow hallway is A. Flexible stretcher. In emergency medical situations, especially when dealing with tight spaces such as narrow hallways, the flexible stretcher is the most appropriate choice. Unlike the basket stretcher, wheeled stretcher, or long backboard, a flexible stretcher is designed to be bendable and adaptable to confined areas. This flexibility allows responders to navigate through narrow passages with greater ease.
The wheeled stretcher, while convenient for movement, is not optimal in very constricted spaces due to its rigid structure and need for clearance space. The basket stretcher and long backboard are similarly disadvantaged in narrow spaces; they are better suited for stabilizing patients in outdoor or unconfined environments. For these reasons, the flexible stretcher's ability to conform to the space around it makes it the top option for safely and effectively moving a patient without causing additional distress or injury.