New York State Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Exam

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Study for the New York State EMT Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively and ensure your future in emergency services!

Practice this question and more.

What is the first rule of safe lifting?

Lift with palms facing down
Spread legs approximately 20" apart
Keep back in a slightly curved position
Keep back in a straight, vertical position

The correct answer is: Keep back in a straight, vertical position

The first rule of safe lifting is to maintain a straight, vertical position of the back. This technique helps to utilize the strong muscles of the legs and minimizes the strain on the spinal column. By keeping the back straight, you ensure that your body can distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of injury when lifting heavy objects. This posture aligns the spine properly, allowing for a safer transfer of weight from the legs, which are much stronger than the back muscles. Proper lifting techniques are essential, especially in an EMT context, where lifting patients or equipment is a frequent task. The other methods may not provide the same level of protection against injury. For example, having the palms faced down might affect the grip and stability on the object being lifted, while spreading legs too far apart or allowing the back to curve can increase the risk of lifting-related injuries. Therefore, keeping the back straight is fundamental to safe lifting practices.