What should the team leader use to facilitate a safe and coordinated patient move?

To facilitate a safe and coordinated patient move, using preparatory commands is essential. These commands serve as a way to prepare the team for the task at hand, ensuring everyone understands their roles and what actions they need to take. By employing preparatory commands, the team leader can synchronize the team, emphasizing the importance of timing and clarity before executing the move.

Preparatory commands often include instructions that address the specific technique that will be used for the move, ensuring that all team members are fully aware and ready to proceed at the same time. This minimizes the risk of injury to both the patient and the responders by ensuring that everyone is aligned in their actions and movements.

While physical signals, verbal commands, and hand gestures can all play a role in communication during a patient move, preparatory commands specifically enhance the overall readiness of the team, making them the most effective choice for ensuring a safe and coordinated action.