When moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs, which method is most appropriate?

• A. place the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs and carry the patient down the stairs with a stair chair.
• B. secure the patient to a scoop stretcher and carry him or her headfirst down the stairs to the awaiting stretcher.
• C. assist the patient in walking down the stairs and place him or her on the wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs.
• D. collapse the undercarriage of the wheeled stretcher and carefully carry the patient down the stairs on the stretcher.

Answer: (A)

Moving a conscious, weak patient down stairs should minimize lifting and keep the patient well supported. Using a stair chair lets the patient stay seated and secure while responders guide them down safely, which reduces exertion for both the patient and the rescuers. Placing a wheeled stretcher at the bottom allows a smooth transfer from the stair chair to the stretcher once the descent is complete, keeping the patient in a stable position throughout. Options that involve headfirst descent with a scoop stretcher, having the patient walk down with little support, or carrying on a stretcher with the undercarriage collapsed introduce unnecessary risk, instability, or unsafe handling for a weak patient.