Practice question

Which type of rescue carry is considered the most dangerous when descending an aerial ladder?

  1. Firefighter carry
  2. Over the shoulder carry
  3. Seat carry
  4. Cross-body carry

Answer: B — Over the shoulder carry

The over the shoulder carry is considered the most dangerous when descending an aerial ladder due to the positioning of both the rescuer and the victim during this maneuver. In this carry, the rescuer has the victim draped over their shoulder, which can significantly affect balance and visibility while navigating down the ladder's rungs. This position requires the rescuer to maintain a secure hold on the victim while also ensuring their own footing on the ladder. The added weight and the victim's body being positioned in a way that can obstruct the rescuer's line of sight make it more challenging to safely manage the descent. Additionally, this carry can hinder the rescuer's ability to maintain stability, increasing the likelihood of a slip or fall, which is critical given that ascending or descending an aerial ladder involves inherent risks. In contrast, other carries, such as the firefighter carry or seat carry, might allow for better weight distribution and control, making them safer alternatives in situations involving descending a ladder.

Practice more: Department of Defense (DoD) Driver/Operator Aerial Practice Exam →