When using a body drag to pull a patient on the ground, what should you do?

Using a body drag to pull a patient on the ground effectively requires careful technique to minimize the risk of injury to both the rescuer and the patient. Kneeling to minimize the distance you lean over is an important consideration because it helps to maintain proper body mechanics. When you kneel, you reduce the strain on your back by lowering your center of gravity and utilizing the strength of your legs rather than your back muscles. This position allows you to pull the patient more efficiently and with greater stability.

Kneeling also enables you to leverage your body's weight better, making the drag easier and allowing you to maintain better control over the patient. This technique is especially vital when dealing with potentially heavy or unresponsive patients, as improper lifting and dragging can lead to back injuries for the rescuer as well as increase the risk of further injury to the patient.

The other options may contribute to improper techniques or ineffective dragging methods. For instance, using back muscles for strength could lead to back strain, while dragging the patient by their shoulders or legs could be unsafe and less effective, depending on the situation and condition of the patient. Thus, maintaining the correct posture while kneeling is essential for safe and effective patient movement during an emergency scenario.