Unconventional patient moves

EMS is a dynamic occupation. Every day, we face new challenges. Without some "outside-the-box" thinking, it is difficult, if not impossible, to keep up. In this article, we have discussed only a few of the "tools" we apply in adverse situations. As members of the only hospital-based EMS heavy-rescue unit in the United States, we believe collectively that our primary mission is safety, first for providers and then for patients. Much of what is carried on an average heavy-rescue unit goes unused or is used only rarely. If we can take tools, equipment and techniques that we would ordinarily only apply for their most obvious use and use them in a unique and unconventional way while promoting the safety of all parties involved, then we have accomplished our primary objective. Don't let your equipment collect dust because you are only willing to use it for obvious reasons. Apply it to every rescue situation you safely can.