When transporting a patient with severe abdominal pain, what should be prioritized?

Minimizing movement is critical when transporting a patient with severe abdominal pain because jostling or movement can exacerbate their condition or cause further injury. Severe abdominal pain can be indicative of serious underlying conditions, such as internal bleeding, organ rupture, or inflammation that may worsen with movement. Reducing movement helps to limit discomfort and potential complications. Ensuring that the patient is stable and not in pain during transport is of utmost importance, making this a priority for first responders.

While finding the fastest route, ensuring comfortable seating, and the use of lights and sirens are important factors in emergency transport, they do not address the immediate health and safety needs of the patient as directly as minimizing movement does. The focus must be on stabilizing the patient and preventing any further harm or discomfort during the journey to medical care.