Direct ground lift requires at least how many rescuers?

• A. Two
• B. Four
• C. Three
• D. Five

Answer: (C)

Direct ground lift relies on steady, coordinated lifting with control of the patient’s head and neck while two rescuers lift the body from the sides. One person at the head keeps the airway open and maintains spinal alignment, while the other two grasp under the arms/torso and legs to lift in unison. This three-person setup provides the necessary stability and control to move the patient safely from the ground to where they’re being placed (for example, onto a backboard or chair). Two rescuers wouldn’t be able to reliably stabilize the head and neck while lifting from both sides, increasing the risk of twisting, dropping, or injuring the patient. Four or five rescuers aren’t required for a direct lift and are not the minimum needed.