What is used to secure patients to litters?

• A. Duct tape
• B. 1 inch webbing in 30 ft sections
• C. Rope and carabiners
• D. Nylon strap

Answer: (B)

Securing a patient to a litter relies on a strap system that can distribute load evenly, stay secure under movement, and be quick to deploy and adjust. One-inch webbing cut into 30-foot sections is ideal for this because the wide strap spread reduces pressure points and minimizes injury risk, while the flexible length allows you to create multiple tie‑offs and wrap securely around the patient and the litter with room to maneuver. It works well with standard litter hardware like buckles and carabiners, making it reliable for various rescue scenarios.

Duct tape, while handy for some quick fixes, lacks the strength, durability, and predictable performance needed to safely hold a patient during transport. Rope and carabiners are useful for rigging, but they can flex, shift, or cause pressure injuries if used directly to secure a patient to a litter. A nylon strap could function similarly to webbing, but the established practice uses 1-inch webbing in fixed lengths because of its known load characteristics, ease of use, and compatibility with the litter system.