What is the proper stance when guarding on stairs?

What is the proper stance when guarding on stairs?

• A. Outside foot = same step as patient
• B. AP stance
• C. Inside foot = one step below patient
• D. Feet together

Answer: (B)

Guarding on stairs requires a stance that keeps you stable while letting you move quickly with the patient. An anterior-posterior stance, with one foot in front of the other along the line of travel, places your center of gravity over your base of support and lets you step forward or back to prevent a fall. This position provides better balance and responsiveness than having both feet on the same step or side-by-side, which narrows your base and limits how you can move to support the patient. It also avoids misalignment from an inside foot that’s on a lower step, which can throw you off balance. Feet together offer the smallest base and least control on stairs. So the proper guarding stance on stairs is an anterior-posterior stance.

Guarding on stairs requires a stance that keeps you stable while letting you move quickly with the patient. An anterior-posterior stance, with one foot in front of the other along the line of travel, places your center of gravity over your base of support and lets you step forward or back to prevent a fall. This position provides better balance and responsiveness than having both feet on the same step or side-by-side, which narrows your base and limits how you can move to support the patient. It also avoids misalignment from an inside foot that’s on a lower step, which can throw you off balance. Feet together offer the smallest base and least control on stairs. So the proper guarding stance on stairs is an anterior-posterior stance.