In a pick-off rescue, what condition must the patient ideally meet?

In a pick-off rescue, the ideal condition for the patient is to be ambulatory, meaning that they can move or walk with assistance. This is important because a pick-off rescue typically involves a scenario where the rescuer can safely assist a patient to change their position or be transferred to a securing device while maintaining the patient's stability. An ambulatory patient is more likely to follow commands and cooperate during the rescue process, which reduces the risk of injury to both the rescuer and the patient. The ability of the patient to move independently or with minimal assistance enhances the safety and efficiency of the rescue operation.

In contrast, patients who are non-ambulatory or unconscious may require alternative rescue techniques which provide different challenges and risks, especially in maintaining their safety during the extraction. Being secured in a litter is also not a requirement for a pick-off rescue, as this technique specifically involves the patient being capable of some movement to facilitate the rescue operation.