Body Mechanics and Lifting Practice Questions

35 multiple-choice questions on Body mechanics and lifting for paramedic and EMT students, from Chapter 2 (Workforce Safety and Wellness). Read each question, pick your answer, then tap Show answer to check it and read the explanation.

35 practice questions

1. The power lift position is characterized by:

   1. A. A slight twist to engage the obliques
   2. B. A straight back, lifting with the legs
   3. C. Arms extended well away from the body
   4. D. Bending at the waist, legs kept straight
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A straight back, lifting with the legs

   The legs are far stronger than the back and take the load safely. Feet stay flat.

2. The load being lifted should be kept:

   1. A. At chest height with elbows locked
   2. B. On one hip to free a hand
   3. C. As close to the body as possible
   4. D. At arm's length for balance
   Show answer

   Answer: C. As close to the body as possible

   Every inch away from the body multiplies the strain on the back. Holding a load high with locked elbows or on one hip moves it off the body's center and loads the spine unevenly.

3. When lifting, a paramedic should avoid:

   1. A. Lifting with palms facing up
   2. B. Keeping a wide, staggered stance
   3. C. Bending the knees deeply
   4. D. Twisting the torso under load
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Twisting the torso under load

   Twisting under load is a common mechanism for disc injury. The palms-up power grip and a wide stance are both safe techniques, so there is no reason to avoid them.

4. Before any lift, the crew should:

   1. A. Move as quickly as possible together
   2. B. Lift first and adjust once moving
   3. C. Agree on a plan and who calls it
   4. D. Let the stronger provider decide alone
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Agree on a plan and who calls it

   One person calls the lift so both move together. Count off before lifting.

5. When possible, it is safer to:

   1. A. Push a load
   2. B. Carry the load alone
   3. C. Lift over an obstacle
   4. D. Pull a load
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Push a load

   Pushing uses body weight and keeps the load closer.

6. A stair chair is preferred over a stretcher on stairs because it:

   1. A. Is more comfortable for supine patients
   2. B. Requires only one provider to operate
   3. C. Allows secure, controlled stair descent
   4. D. Is faster than carrying a stretcher
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Allows secure, controlled stair descent

   A patient who cannot sit up needs a different device, such as a scoop or basket.

7. Powered stretchers and load systems reduce injury by:

   1. A. Taking the lift load off the crew
   2. B. Replacing proper body mechanics
   3. C. Eliminating the need for training
   4. D. Allowing one-person use in all cases
   Show answer

   Answer: A. Taking the lift load off the crew

   Proper technique still matters with powered equipment. This covers the highest-risk movements.

8. When a patient exceeds the crew's safe lifting capacity, the crew should:

   1. A. Use a stair chair to reduce the load
   2. B. Ask family members to help with the lift
   3. C. Call for more help or a bariatric unit
   4. D. Attempt the lift anyway, carefully
   Show answer

   Answer: C. Call for more help or a bariatric unit

   Planning ahead prevents dropped patients and injured providers. A device makes a move easier to control but does not reduce the patient's weight.

9. During a log roll, the provider at the head:

   1. A. Counts silently to avoid confusion
   2. B. Handles the legs and pelvis
   3. C. Lifts the shoulders during the roll
   4. D. Directs the move and holds the head
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Directs the move and holds the head

   The whole team moves on that provider's count. In-line stabilization of the head and neck is maintained.

10. The best way to reach for something during patient movement is to:

    1. A. Lean over the stretcher from the waist
    2. B. Reach overhead with arms straight
    3. C. Keep the back locked and limit reach
    4. D. Extend the arms and twist toward it
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Keep the back locked and limit reach

    Long reaches strain the lower back the same way heavy loads do. Avoid reaching more than about 20 inches in front of the body.

11. Before lifting, the crew should evaluate:

    1. A. Only the distance to the unit
    2. B. Weight, route, help, and equipment
    3. C. Only the number of stairs involved
    4. D. Only the patient's estimated weight
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Weight, route, help, and equipment

    Most lifting injuries begin with a bad plan. Obstacles along the path matter too.

12. The base of support during a lift refers to:

    1. A. The height setting of the cot
    2. B. Hand position on the device
    3. C. Back position during the lift
    4. D. Feet shoulder width apart
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Feet shoulder width apart

    A wide stable base prevents loss of balance.

13. The power grip is used to:

    1. A. Maximize force with palms up
    2. B. Allow safe one-handed lifting
    3. C. Reduce hand fatigue only
    4. D. Lock the wrists to protect the back
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Maximize force with palms up

    It distributes the load across the hands. Hands are about 10 inches apart. Grip position does not protect the back; a locked back and the legs do.

14. Lifting with the back rather than the legs increases risk because:

    1. A. The legs tire more quickly
    2. B. It takes longer to complete the lift
    3. C. The load ends up farther away
    4. D. Spinal structures take excess force
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Spinal structures take excess force

    Disc injury results from repeated loading.

15. The single most important rule when lifting is to:

    1. A. Keep weight close, back locked
    2. B. Lift with a slightly rounded back
    3. C. Pivot at the waist toward the cot
    4. D. Keep the knees straight and locked
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Keep weight close, back locked

    Distance multiplies load on the spine. A rounded back, twisting at the waist, and lifting with straight knees all move the load onto the spine.

16. You and two firefighters are about to lift a 250-lb patient from the floor onto a cot. One firefighter says, 'Let's just grab him and go.' What should happen first?

    1. A. One person states the plan, assigns positions, and counts
    2. B. Each lifter lifts when ready so no time is wasted
    3. C. The strongest person lifts the torso alone to save time
    4. D. Lift first, then adjust grips and positions once moving
    Show answer

    Answer: A. One person states the plan, assigns positions, and counts

    Uncoordinated lifts shift the load onto whoever moves first, and that is how backs and patients get hurt. A short plan with one voice calling the count keeps the lift synchronized. Lifting on your own timing, putting the torso on one person, or adjusting grips mid-lift all cause uneven, twisting loads.

17. An emergency move is indicated when:

    1. A. The patient is stable but uncomfortable
    2. B. The patient requests to be moved
    3. C. There is immediate danger
    4. D. Transport is delayed by heavy traffic
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    Answer: C. There is immediate danger

    Speed takes priority over spinal precautions in true danger. Examples include fire, an unsafe scene, or needing to reach a more critical patient.

18. An urgent move is used when:

    1. A. The crew wants to shorten its time on scene
    2. B. The condition demands rapid movement
    3. C. No threats or time pressure exist
    4. D. The scene is actively on fire
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The condition demands rapid movement

    The rapid extrication technique is an example. An example is altered mental status with poor airway control. Crew convenience never justifies a rapid move; the patient's condition does.

19. A nonurgent move allows:

    1. A. Lifting by a single strong provider
    2. B. Moving without any equipment at all
    3. C. Rapid dragging of the patient
    4. D. Planning and proper devices
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Planning and proper devices

    Most transports fall into this category.

20. An alert patient with a hip fracture who cannot bend at the hip must be brought down a narrow staircase. Which device is the best choice?

    1. A. A stair chair
    2. B. A scoop stretcher or a flexible stretcher
    3. C. A wheelchair
    4. D. Walking her down with two-person assist
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A scoop stretcher or a flexible stretcher

    A stair chair needs a patient who can sit with the hips flexed. A hip fracture patient who cannot bend at the hip needs a device that carries her supine, such as a scoop or flexible stretcher, which also fits narrow stairs. A wheelchair has the same sitting problem and is unsafe on stairs. Walking her down is not an option with a suspected hip fracture.

21. A scoop stretcher is useful because it:

    1. A. Assembles around the patient
    2. B. Provides rigid spinal immobilization
    3. C. Lets the patient sit upright on stairs
    4. D. Replaces the cot for transport
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Assembles around the patient

    It splits into halves. This requires minimal patient movement. Sitting upright on stairs describes a stair chair, not a scoop.

22. A basket stretcher is primarily used for:

    1. A. Routine ambulance transport
    2. B. Rough terrain and technical rescue
    3. C. Bariatric patient transport
    4. D. Standard indoor stair descents
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Rough terrain and technical rescue

    It secures the patient during difficult carries.

23. A flexible stretcher is helpful for:

    1. A. Bariatric patient moves
    2. B. Tight spaces and confined areas
    3. C. Rigid spinal immobilization
    4. D. Long-distance transports
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Tight spaces and confined areas

    It conforms around obstacles.

24. When carrying a patient down stairs, the patient should generally be positioned:

    1. A. Sideways for balance
    2. B. Prone for airway drainage
    3. C. Feet first, head elevated
    4. D. Head first, face up
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Feet first, head elevated

    It prevents the sensation of falling forward and helps blood pressure.

25. Bariatric patients require:

    1. A. Special equipment and planning
    2. B. No special handling considerations
    3. C. Fewer providers to reduce crowding
    4. D. Standard equipment used carefully
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Special equipment and planning

    Attempting a lift beyond capacity endangers everyone.

26. A patient lies across the far side of a bed against the wall. To move her to the near edge before a transfer, you should:

    1. A. Lean far over the bed from the waist and pull her
    2. B. Reach across with straight arms and twist toward the cot
    3. C. Kneel on the bed or have a partner pull a sheet toward you
    4. D. Pull her by the arms from the near side
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Kneel on the bed or have a partner pull a sheet toward you

    Long reaches, especially combined with twisting, load the lower back much like a heavy weight. Getting closer, or using a sheet so you pull with your legs and keep the load close, keeps the spine in a safe position. Leaning, twisting, or pulling her by the arms strains your back, and arm pulling can injure the patient's shoulders.

27. You must move a loaded cot 30 feet across a parking lot to the ambulance. Which technique puts the least strain on your back?

    1. A. Pull it behind you with arms extended
    2. B. Push it with elbows bent and the load close, back straight
    3. C. Lift and carry it at waist height
    4. D. Push it with arms locked straight, leaning over it
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Push it with elbows bent and the load close, back straight

    Pushing lets you use your body weight with the load in front and close. Keeping the elbows bent and the back straight keeps the force in the legs and core. Pulling with outstretched arms and carrying the cot both add needless spinal load. Leaning over the cot with locked arms puts the push through a bent back.

28. During a log roll of a supine trauma patient, the provider holding the head sees that the patient's shoulders are turning faster than the hips. What should happen?

    1. A. The hip provider pulls harder to catch up
    2. B. The team finishes the roll, then checks alignment
    3. C. The head provider lets go of the head to help the shoulders
    4. D. The head provider calls a stop, realigns the team, and re-counts
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The head provider calls a stop, realigns the team, and re-counts

    The provider at the head directs the roll and keeps the head, neck, and torso in line. If the body starts to twist, stop, realign, and roll again on the count. Pulling harder or finishing the roll makes the twist worse. Letting go of the head gives up manual stabilization.

29. The correct height to carry a cot is:

    1. A. Waist height at all times for comfort
    2. B. The lowest setting that clears obstacles
    3. C. Shoulder height for better leverage
    4. D. The highest setting for visibility
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The lowest setting that clears obstacles

    A lower center of gravity reduces tipping.

30. Your agency just installed powered cots and powered loading systems. Which task still carries the highest lifting risk for the crew?

    1. A. Raising the loaded cot to working height
    2. B. Loading the cot into the ambulance
    3. C. Moving the patient from the floor onto the cot
    4. D. Lowering the cot at the hospital
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Moving the patient from the floor onto the cot

    Powered cots and loaders take over raising, lowering, and loading. Transferring a patient from the floor, a bed, or a chair onto the cot is still done by hand, so body mechanics and enough help still matter.

31. If a patient begins to fall during a transfer, the provider should:

    1. A. Step back to avoid being injured
    2. B. Try to hold the full weight
    3. C. Catch them firmly by the arms
    4. D. Guide the fall, protect the head
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Guide the fall, protect the head

    Trying to stop the fall entirely injures providers. Then reassess the patient.

32. Repeated small lifts are a risk because:

    1. A. They are rarely supervised
    2. B. Cumulative loading causes injury
    3. C. They are always safe if light
    4. D. They build protective strength
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Cumulative loading causes injury

    Most back injuries develop over time. Injury can occur even without a single dramatic event.

33. A provider who feels a strain during a lift should:

    1. A. Finish the shift and say nothing
    2. B. Take over-the-counter medication and continue
    3. C. Stop, report it, and seek evaluation
    4. D. Work light duty without reporting
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Stop, report it, and seek evaluation

    Unreported injuries complicate workers' compensation.

34. Team lifting requires:

    1. A. Silent, synchronized movement
    2. B. Equal strength among lifters
    3. C. One strong provider to lead
    4. D. Coordination and communication
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Coordination and communication

    Mismatched lifting shifts load unevenly. Match lifter height where possible.

35. Carrying a patient over rough terrain is best done with:

    1. A. The same four carriers the whole way
    2. B. A two-person extremity carry
    3. C. Extra personnel and carrier rotation
    4. D. A single uninterrupted carry
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Extra personnel and carrier rotation

    Fatigue leads to drops. Plan rest points as well. Without rotation, carriers tire and drop patients, and a two-person extremity carry is not suited to long distances over rough ground.