Manually carrying a disabled person down stairs is a high-risk maneuver reserved strictly for emergency situations when professional assistance or specialized equipment is unavailable. This type of transfer carries a substantial risk of injury to both the person being moved and the carrier, potentially resulting in serious musculoskeletal strains or falls. The force exerted during an unassisted lift and descent is significant, making proper technique and pre-planning necessary to mitigate danger. These instructions are intended only as an absolute last resort when immediate evacuation is required for survival.
Pre-Movement Safety Assessment
Before attempting any physical transfer, an assessment of the person and the environment must be completed to prevent further injury. Communicate clearly with the individual about the situation, the planned movement, and their ability to assist to manage fear and gain cooperation. Quickly determine their physical characteristics, such as approximate weight, areas of fragility, and the location of any medical tubing or catheters that must not be compromised during the move.
The evacuation route must be assessed by ensuring the pathway is completely clear of clutter, rugs, or obstructions that could cause a trip during the descent. Adequate lighting is necessary so the carrier can see each step and landing clearly, reducing the risk of a misstep. If possible, confirm that handrails are secure and can bear weight, as they may be needed for carrier stability.
The carrier must also assess their own physical limitations, prioritizing proper body mechanics to protect their back and joints. Always bend at the knees and hips, keeping a straight back, and lift with the muscles of the legs, maintaining the person’s weight as close to the body as possible. Never twist the torso while carrying a load; instead, pivot the feet to change direction to avoid spinal injury. Recognize when a person’s weight exceeds safe lifting limits and stop the attempt if a safe transfer cannot be maintained.
One-Person Emergency Transfer Techniques
When only one person is available to assist, the transfer demands caution. One method for a single-person emergency transfer is the “Blanket Drag,” suitable for individuals who cannot assist in their own movement. To perform this, carefully roll the person onto a sturdy, non-stretching blanket, rug, or heavy sheet that acts as a buffer and a slide.
Once the person is securely positioned, head-first toward the stairs, the carrier should gather the material at the head end to create a strong grip. The carrier must then position themselves at the top of the stairs, facing the person, and slowly lower the person down one step at a time. This technique uses the friction of the blanket against the stairs for control, relying on gravity and friction management to facilitate the descent.
A modified “Firefighter’s Carry” for stair descent is another high-risk, single-person option, but only attempt it on a fully conscious and cooperative person who can assist by holding on. The carrier must first lift the individual onto their back or shoulder, ensuring their center of gravity is stable and close to the carrier’s body. The carrier then descends the stairs backward, one step at a time, using the railing for balance and taking slow, deliberate steps. This modification is taxing on the carrier’s leg and core muscles and should be considered a last resort when the environment is immediately dangerous.
Two-Person Team Carry Methods
Utilizing a two-person team allows the weight to be distributed and reduces physical strain on any single individual. The “Two-Person Seat Carry” is a common technique where the carriers interlock their forearms to create a seat for the person being moved. Both carriers stand on either side of the person, linking arms behind the person’s back and then linking their other arms under the person’s knees, forming a stable, four-handed cradle.
The strongest carrier should be positioned at the person’s head and take command, calling out synchronized movements like “Ready, lift” and “Step down.” The team must lift using their leg muscles, keeping their backs straight, and moving in unison to prevent jarring or dropping the individual. When descending, the person’s back should be toward the stairs, with the carriers moving backward, one step at a time, ensuring the movement is slow and coordinated.
The “Chair Descent Method” can be used with a sturdy, non-motorized wheelchair or a firm kitchen chair. The person must be securely fastened to the chair with straps or a strong belt to prevent sliding out. The chair is tilted back so the person is facing up the stairs, keeping their head elevated and their weight centered.
The stronger carrier should take a position at the bottom of the stairs, holding the chair’s front frame or legs, while the second person manages the chair’s back from the top. The team moves slowly, lowering the chair one step at a time, with the back carrier controlling the descent speed and the front carrier stabilizing the chair’s weight and angle. This method requires constant, clear verbal communication between the two carriers to maintain the chair’s balance point and prevent a sudden forward tip.
Specialized Evacuation Equipment
Purpose-built equipment designed for stair descent offers the safest and most efficient means of moving a disabled person in a non-ambulatory situation. These devices are engineered to mitigate the risks associated with manual lifting and carrying. Evacuation chairs, often called stair chairs, are the most common type of specialized equipment and are designed for single-person operation.
These chairs feature a seated harness system and a friction-based mechanism, such as a V-belt track, that controls the speed of descent down the stairs. The tracks are designed to glide over the edges of the stairs, distributing the person’s weight and minimizing friction for a smooth, controlled movement. This design reduces the physical exertion required by the operator, making the evacuation process safer for both the carrier and the individual.
Evacuation sleds are another specialized tool, particularly useful for individuals who are non-ambulatory or bariatric. These devices are reinforced mats or bags with handles and straps that allow a person to be quickly transferred and dragged down multiple flights of stairs. The sleds minimize lifting by utilizing a smooth drag method, which is effective for moving individuals who may outweigh their rescuers, offering a more stable and less strenuous alternative to manual carries.