Coast Guard Exams
Question 539Deck Safety70% to pass

You abandoned ship in the North Atlantic and one of the crew members is hypothermic. During a SAR helicopter extraction which lifting device should be avoided when hoisting this patient to the aircraft?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) the rescue sling. The rescue sling should be avoided when hoisting a hypothermic patient from the water to the aircraft. Hypothermia can significantly reduce the patient's muscle tone and coordination, making them unable to properly support themselves in the rescue sling. This could lead to further injury or complications during the extraction. Instead, the preferred lifting device in this scenario would be the rescue basket or rescue litter, which provide more support and stability for the patient. The other options, A) the rescue net and D) the rescue litter, are also suitable for hoisting a hypothermic patient, but the rescue sling poses a higher risk of complications and should be avoided.

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