What characteristic should the litter captain demonstrate while carrying the litter?

The characteristic that a litter captain should demonstrate while carrying the litter is the ability to lean downhill while lifting. This technique is essential for maintaining balance and control during the rescue operation. By leaning downhill, the litter captain can shift their center of gravity, which helps in stabilizing the load and reducing the risk of tipping over or losing control of the litter. This posture enables better leverage and can assist in navigating challenging terrains, ensuring that both the patient and the rescue team are safe throughout the transport process.

While strength and agility are beneficial traits for all team members involved in a rescue, the specific action of leaning downhill is critical when it comes to the litter captain's role. Maintaining strict focus on the team is important in general, but it doesn't directly impact the physical handling of the litter. Consistent pressure on the litter handle could be helpful, but without the correct posture, it might not provide the necessary stability during transport. Thus, leaning downhill is a key technique that supports effective and safe litter carrying.