North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Patients in shock should generally be positioned to enhance venous return to the heart and improve perfusion to vital organs. The Trendelenburg position involves placing the patient on their back with the legs elevated higher than the head. This positioning can help increase blood flow to the heart and brain, which is particularly important in cases of shock where circulation is compromised.

In trauma cases or specific types of shock, the use of the Trendelenburg position may vary based on the patient's condition and the mechanism of injury. It is essential for emergency responders to assess individual circumstances and modify positioning accordingly. Overall, the key principle behind using this position during transport is to combat the effects of shock by optimizing blood flow to critical areas of the body.