What is the stair/ladder rule for transporting patients and tools?

• A. Patients and tools are not to be carried up or down stairs/ladders.
• B. Always carry patients downstairs only.
• C. Tools can be carried up stairs but not down.
• D. Patients can be carried down ladders if carried by two people.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that stairs and ladders are high-risk work areas where balance, visibility, and control are easily compromised. The rule is that patients and tools should not be carried up or down stairs or ladders. This protects the patient from being jolted or dropped and prevents injuries to rescuers from losing grip or footing. It also prevents accidents from tools slipping or swinging during movement.

In practice, you move patients with appropriate devices such as a wheeled stretcher or other immobilization equipment, and you manage tools with separate means—like passing them up with a crew using proper staging, or moving them on trolleys or via rope/hoist systems—so you keep both hands free and loads secure. Carrying loads on stairs or ladders dramatically increases the chance of a fall or dropped equipment, which is why this rule prioritizes safety over trying to move a load in those environments.