Casualties are carried on the litter feet first except when going uphill or upstairs. Which scenario is the exception?

• A. Going downhill
• B. Going uphill or upstairs
• C. On flat ground
• D. In a vehicle

Answer: (B)

The idea is about how to position the casualty on the litter to keep the load stable and easy to control as you move. Feet-first orientation works well for level ground and downhill because the team can push from the back, use gravity to help keep the torso aligned, and reduce the risk of the head hitting obstacles.

When you have to go uphill or upstairs, that feet-first setup becomes hard to manage as you lift and guide the weight upward. Leading with the head changes the balance so the rescuers can better control the upper body and use leverage to lift, while keeping the head and airway safer during the ascent. That’s why uphill or upstairs is the exception: you switch to head-first orientation to climb more safely.