The position of the patient with the
head lower than the
feet, used by EMTs and hospitals.
The purpose of this is to:
1. Increase the volume of blood in the veins of the neck and upper extremities (This can be important for putting in an IV line in the arms or a "central line" in the veins in the neck.) By tilting the patient, you're increasing blood pressure to the head.
2. decrease the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid in the lower spinal cord and cauda equina (as for treatment of lumbar dural tear).
This is Standard protocol for EMTs who are treating a patient in shock and/or blood loss, since MAST Pants are no longer used.
Reverse Trendelenberg is the position of the patient with the feet lower than the head.