How can responders minimize movement of an entrapped patient during egress?

• A. Maintain in-line stabilization, use a KED or backboard, and perform careful patient lifting and transfer.
• B. Move the patient quickly without stabilization to reduce time.
• C. Allow the patient to shift freely to assess comfort.
• D. Remove all immobilization devices to speed up movement.

Answer: (B)

Minimizing movement during egress hinges on protecting the spine and preventing additional injury by keeping the patient as stable as possible while you move them to safety. The safest approach is to maintain in-line stabilization and immobilize the patient with a cervical collar, a Kendrick Extrication Device (KED) or backboard, and then lift and transfer them carefully as a single unit. This keeps the head, neck, and torso aligned and limits motion—no twisting, bending, or rapid shifts—which reduces the risk of worsening potential spinal injuries as you extricate. Moving quickly without stabilization can increase motion and injury risk, and letting the patient shift freely or removing immobilization devices defeats the protections that limit movement, potentially leading to greater harm. So, the best practice is controlled, immobilized movement that preserves alignment throughout the egress.