Which type of carry is commonly used for children, but is not practical for unconscious adults?

• A. Cradle-in-arms life/carry
• B. Fireman’s carry
• C. Two-person seat carry
• D. Piggyback carry

Answer: (A)

The question asks which carrying method best fits a child but isn’t practical for an unconscious adult, focusing on how loads are managed and safety constraints differ with size and condition. The cradle-in-arms carry is designed for small children: the rescuer holds the child close with the head supported and the body cradled in the arm. This setup works well for a baby or toddler who can be kept secure with minimal strength and a gentle, snug hold.

For an unconscious adult, though, this approach becomes impractical because the load is much heavier and less controllable with one arm. It’s hard to maintain spinal alignment and airway safety when trying to balance a large torso and head in a cradle position, and you need both hands and a stable posture to move the person safely, especially over uneven ground or stairs. Other carries are more suited to larger, less cooperative loads: the fireman’s carry places the person over the rescuer’s shoulder for rapid movement of an unconscious adult; the two-person seat carry uses a second rescuer to share the load and stabilize the patient; and the piggyback carry allows another method of carrying a heavier load on the back. So the cradle-in-arms carry is the one designed for children and not practical for an unconscious adult.