What should be assessed before lifting a patient with an injury?

Assessing changes in the patient’s condition prior to lifting is crucial for several reasons. First, the patient's overall stability, pain levels, and any signs of distress can influence the safest approach to lifting. For instance, if a patient is experiencing increased pain or has a change in responsiveness, this indicates the need for additional care and a potentially modified lifting technique.

Monitoring the patient's condition ensures that you are not inadvertently exacerbating any existing injuries. This is particularly important for patients with traumatic injuries where specific movements may lead to further harm. Understanding the status of the patient allows the EMT to make informed decisions regarding the lift, including whether to use additional support or equipment to safeguard the patient’s well-being.

Assessing other factors, such as weather conditions or available lifting equipment, while also important in specific contexts, does not directly address the immediate needs of the patient’s health status before the lift. Evaluating the patient's height and weight may aid logistical planning but should be secondary to understanding their medical condition at the moment of the lift.