In a diamond carry, how many providers carry the patient and where are they positioned?

In a diamond carry, how many providers carry the patient and where are they positioned?

• A. Two providers at the head and foot ends
• B. One at the head end, one at the foot end, and one at each side
• C. Four providers all at the corners of the bed
• D. A single provider moves the patient

Answer: (B)

Diamond carry uses four providers arranged around the patient to share the load and control the movement. One provider stands at the head end, one at the foot end, and one on each side of the patient. This configuration distributes weight evenly, stabilizes the patient so the spine and hips stay aligned, and enables coordinated lifting or sliding rather than twisting or dragging. The setup with only two providers at the ends lacks lateral support, placing the patient at risk; four at the corners of the bed isn’t the standard diamond arrangement; and a single mover cannot safely control the transfer.

Diamond carry uses four providers arranged around the patient to share the load and control the movement. One provider stands at the head end, one at the foot end, and one on each side of the patient. This configuration distributes weight evenly, stabilizes the patient so the spine and hips stay aligned, and enables coordinated lifting or sliding rather than twisting or dragging. The setup with only two providers at the ends lacks lateral support, placing the patient at risk; four at the corners of the bed isn’t the standard diamond arrangement; and a single mover cannot safely control the transfer.