What is a recommended technique for transferring an injured firefighter on rough terrain?

• A. Use a spinal board or harness with multiple rescuers maintaining alignment; use patient-moving techniques that protect spine.
• B. Drag the patient by the arms with one rescuer.
• C. Move the patient by rolling them over one shoulder.
• D. Move the patient by sliding them on the ground.

Answer: (A)

When moving an injured firefighter on rough terrain, the priority is to protect the spine and maintain alignment throughout the transfer. The best approach uses a spinal board or harness to immobilize the body while a team of rescuers coordinates the move, keeping the head, neck, and spine in a straight, stable line. This means one or more rescuers control and maintain alignment at the head and along the spine, while others assist with lifting and guiding the patient onto the immobilization device or through a slope-safe path. Using proper patient-moving techniques designed to protect the spine minimizes side-to-side bending, twisting, or abrupt jolts that could worsen injuries, which is especially crucial on uneven ground.

Other methods fail to preserve spinal alignment and control during transfer. Dragging by the arms can pull on joints and twist the spine; moving the patient by rolling over one shoulder introduces rotational stress; sliding the patient along the ground often causes uncontrolled movement and additional friction injuries. The spine-safe technique with immobilization and coordinated lifting offers the safest evacuation under rough-terrain conditions.