So, Tomorrow evening I take a physical agility test so I can join the local rescue squad. For the most part, I think it is well designed. Its geared toward things we actually do in the field, and not firefighting.
Step one is loading/unloading a cot plus patient from the ambulance
Step two is 10 mins of CPR
Step three involves carrying a patient and STRETCHER up and down a flight of stairs.
Now, all of these make perfect sense to me. Except the stretcher part. I specifically asked if it was a stretcher or if I could us a Reeves sleeve, stair chair, backboard, or some other device. I was told it has to be done using the stretcher from the ambulance.
Maybe I'm spoiled, but I have NEVER carried the entire stretcher up a flight of stairs before. I've hauled many a patient down many flights of stairs, and never found it necessary to carry the entire stretcher up a flight. Maybe up a few outside stairs, but that's it. Reeve's sleeves, stair chairs, backboards, sling chairs; I've used these and more to carry patients down stairs.
So, does anybody else carry their stretchers upstairs? Is this reasonable?
I'm having a hard time even thinking about how its supposed to be carried without injuring the rescuers. Wheels up or down?
So, opinions please. Is this done routinely? Is this a fair test?
It’s the People You Meet Along the Way
6 days ago
2 comments:
Many components of tests are never used in the field. Is it fair? Of course not, but just figure out a way to do it to the best of your ability and move on. And do it better than anybody else:) Good luck! Oh, and I never carried a stretcher up any stairs, never mind back down with a patient on it, thats a recipie for disaster!
I (we) never do a flight of stairs without help. Usually go for the stair chair, and find many can walk. But my suggestion is lower the cot a bit. Take the foot end if possible. I have seen some grab the foot end and then want to lower it way down. With that, the person on the head end is nearly on their knees. Good Luck
Post a Comment