What should you do if you feel a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back while carrying a stable patient down a flight of stairs?

If you experience a sudden, sharp pain in your lower back while carrying a patient, the most responsible and safest action is to stop the move and request additional lifting assistance. This choice emphasizes the importance of personal safety and injury prevention in emergency medical situations. Continuing to move the patient while in pain not only puts you at further risk of aggravating a potential injury but could also compromise the safety and care of the patient you are transporting.

Requesting additional assistance allows for a more stable and safe movement of the patient, minimizing the risk of both personnel injury and patient discomfort or harm. It underscores the understanding that the safety of both the provider and the patient is paramount, especially in challenging environments like a flight of stairs. Ensuring proper lifting techniques and adequate manpower can help prevent back injuries, which are common among emergency responders.