Moving an injured or incapacitated person is a serious physical task, often required during unexpected emergencies. The primary objective is to relocate the individual from a hazardous environment to safety without causing further harm. Before attempting any movement, assess the situation and the person’s condition, as improper handling can turn a minor injury into a permanent disability. Successfully carrying someone requires situational awareness, proper technique, and protecting both the casualty and the rescuer. Understanding appropriate methods balances the immediate need to move the person with the long-term goal of their recovery.
Prioritizing Safety: When Moving Is Dangerous
The first step in any rescue scenario is a rapid assessment for signs of head, neck, or spinal trauma. If the person reports neck or back pain, has numbness or tingling in their extremities, or displays an altered level of consciousness, assume a spinal injury. In these circumstances, the person should not be moved, as slight rotation or flexion of the spine can sever the spinal cord. Moving the person is only justified if their immediate location presents a greater, life-threatening danger, such as an active fire, toxic fumes, or an unstable structure.
If spinal injury is suspected, stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position using your hands and immediately contact emergency medical services. Attempting to lift or carry someone with an unstable spinal column risks catastrophic neurological injury. Waiting for trained professionals with specialized equipment is the safest course of action.
Single-Rescuer Methods for Urgent Situations
When circumstances demand immediate removal from a high-risk area and only one rescuer is present, methods must minimize movement of the injured person’s torso and spine. The dragging technique is often the most suitable option, as friction keeps the person close to the ground, limiting vertical movement.
Dragging Techniques
A simple ankle drag involves grasping the person’s ankles and pulling them along the floor in a straight line. This is effective for moving someone quickly over a short distance. A blanket drag offers a better solution by distributing the pulling force across the body, reducing the risk of injury from concentrated pressure points. To execute a blanket drag, place the blanket underneath the person, gather the material at the head end, and pull the bundled blanket while keeping the casualty’s head and neck stable.
Fireman’s Carry
For a person who is unconscious or too heavy to drag but does not have a suspected spinal injury, the fireman’s carry is an effective technique. This method leverages the rescuer’s center of gravity and balances the load across the shoulders, though it demands significant upper body strength and balance. The technique begins with the rescuer standing over the person, grasping their wrist, and pulling them up into a sitting position.
The rescuer then squats, places their head under the person’s armpit, and reaches across to grasp the person’s opposite thigh. The final stage involves standing up while simultaneously rolling the person’s torso across the rescuer’s shoulders. The rescuer holds one of the person’s legs with their free hand for counterbalancing. This technique places the weight high on the rescuer’s back, making walking easier. It should only be used if the person is relatively stable and the rescuer is strong enough to manage the lift without stumbling or dropping the load.
Two-Person Carries for Stability and Support
When two rescuers are available, moving an incapacitated person is significantly safer, allowing for greater control and stability over short to moderate distances. The second person distributes the load more evenly, reducing strain on the rescuers and minimizing jarring movements for the person being moved. Effective communication between the two carriers is paramount to ensure synchronized lifting and movement, preventing sudden shifts in weight.
Two-Handed Seat Carry
The two-handed seat carry is ideal for moving a conscious or semi-conscious person who can use their arms to stabilize their upper body. The two rescuers stand facing each other, one on each side of the seated person. Each rescuer grasps the person’s closest wrist, and then interlocks their other hands beneath the person’s thighs, creating a supportive seat with their forearms. Lifting must be executed simultaneously on a pre-determined count, with the person instructed to wrap their arms around the rescuers’ necks for stability. This technique provides a secure, low-impact method for moving someone from a chair or bed, or for navigating tight spaces.
Fore-and-Aft Carry
For situations requiring movement over a longer distance, the fore-and-aft carry offers superior control over the person’s entire body. One rescuer positions themselves at the person’s head, supporting the torso and upper back, and stabilizing the neck and shoulders. The second rescuer manages the person’s lower body, supporting the hips and legs, and focuses on lifting the lower body in unison. Both carriers must lift and step at the same pace, maintaining alignment of the person’s body to prevent unnecessary strain.
Essential Body Mechanics for the Carrier
Regardless of the carrying technique, the rescuer must protect their own musculoskeletal system through proper body mechanics. The fundamental principle is to maintain a neutral spine position, keeping the back straight and avoiding bending at the waist during lifting. Lifting power should be generated primarily from the large muscle groups of the legs and hips, not the back.
The rescuer should squat down close to the person, ensuring their feet are shoulder-width apart for a stable base. Once a secure grip is established, the load must be kept as close to the body as possible, minimizing the leverage effect that increases back strain. Any movement, whether lifting or transporting, should be slow and deliberate, strictly avoiding sudden movements or twisting the torso while carrying weight.
Twisting the spine while under load increases the shear forces on the intervertebral discs, posing a risk of herniation. Focusing on smooth, controlled movements and maintaining the back’s natural alignment minimizes the risk of injury and ensures the rescuer remains available to provide further assistance.