What is a critical consideration when extricating a patient from a vehicle resting on an incline?

• A. Move the vehicle off the incline before patient access.
• B. Prevent movement by securing with cribbing, chocks, and devices to resist gravity.
• C. Ignore the incline to speed up.
• D. Only use rope restraints; not necessary to secure.

Answer: (B)

When a vehicle is resting on an incline, gravity creates a real risk that the vehicle will shift, roll, or settle while you work, potentially injuring the patient or responders. The essential action is to immobilize and secure the vehicle so it cannot move during access and extrication. Using cribbing to create a solid, stable base, wheel chocks to prevent rolling, and devices like struts or other gravity-resisting supports to hold the vehicle in place establishes a controlled work area and protects both patient and crew.

Moving the vehicle off the incline before patient access can be beneficial when possible, but stabilization must come first because attempting to move without secure support can lead to sudden movement. Ignoring the incline to speed up introduces serious danger, as the slope contributes to unpredictable movement. Ropes alone do not provide sufficient resistance to gravity and immediate movement; they must be supplemented with proper securing methods to prevent any shift during the extrication.