What should you do to minimize the risk of back injuries when lifting patients?

Engaging your leg muscles by squatting is the correct approach to minimize the risk of back injuries when lifting patients. This method promotes proper body mechanics by allowing the strong muscles in your legs to do the heavy lifting instead of straining your back. By bending your knees and keeping your back straight, you distribute the weight evenly and avoid putting excessive strain on your spinal column.

Proper lifting techniques are vital for EMTs, as back injuries can occur easily in a profession that involves frequent lifting and moving of patients. Utilizing leg muscles enables a safer and more efficient lift, ensuring that the upper body remains stable and less prone to injury.

In contrast, using back muscles for support, keeping feet close together, or bending at the waist are all more likely to lead to strain and injury during lifting. Relying on back muscles alone does not provide the strength needed for heavy lifting, while close feet can reduce stability and increase the risk of losing balance. Bending at the waist shifts the weight onto the lower back, which is not designed for lifting heavy loads. Thus, squatting and engaging leg muscles is a fundamental technique for safely managing patients in the field.