What should you do when moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs?

Using a wheeled stretcher at the bottom of the stairs while employing a stair chair is the most appropriate method for moving a conscious, weak patient down a flight of stairs. This approach ensures the patient receives adequate support and minimizes the risk of injury during the descent.

The stair chair is specifically designed for navigating stairs and allows for safer and more controlled movement when transporting patients who may be unable to walk or stand without assistance. This method also enables EMTs to maintain the patient's stability and comfort. Placing the wheeled stretcher at the bottom allows for a quick transfer and reduces strain on both the patient and the EMTs involved.

Other methods, such as having the patient walk down the stairs or sliding them on a blanket, may pose safety risks. Encouraging the patient to walk, even with assistance, could lead to falls or exacerbate their condition due to their weakness. Similarly, sliding a patient down stairs can be dangerous and uncomfortable, increasing the risk of injury to both the patient and the responders. Therefore, using the stair chair with proper support is the safest and most effective option for managing the situation.