Moving an injured person must be executed with safety as the foremost concern, as improper technique can worsen an existing condition. These transport techniques, whether from immediate danger or to a waiting vehicle, are temporary measures meant to bridge the gap until professional medical personnel can provide definitive care. Understanding the correct methods for solo or team-based carries allows a bystander to act effectively in a crisis.
Prioritizing Safety and Assessment
Before attempting any movement, a rescuer must first assess the immediate environment for ongoing threats, such as fire, structural collapse, or chemical hazards. If the area is safe, the default protocol is to avoid moving the person entirely, as this minimizes the risk of compounding an injury. Movement is only justified when the current location poses a greater and immediate risk to life than the act of moving the person itself.
A thorough check for signs of head, neck, or spinal injury is the next step, since movement can result in permanent paralysis if the spine is unstable. Severe pain in the neck or back, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs, or an oddly twisted posture are all warning signs that movement should be avoided. If a spinal injury is suspected, the person’s head and neck should be manually supported in a straight line to prevent any rotation or flexion.
The carrier must also employ proper body mechanics to prevent self-injury. When lifting or dragging, the rescuer should maintain a straight back and keep their head in an upward position to help maintain spinal alignment. The proper technique involves bending the knees and lifting with the powerful leg muscles, keeping the person’s weight as close to the carrier’s center of gravity as possible.
Effective Solo Techniques for Short Distances
The quickest methods for extracting a person from immediate danger are various dragging techniques. The Clothes Drag is highly effective because the rescuer grasps the clothing around the shoulders, which helps stabilize the person’s head and neck. When performing this drag, the rescuer should keep their arms on both sides of the person’s head for support and pull backward in a straight path. This method requires a durable shirt or jacket since a thin t-shirt may tear, making the drag ineffective.
The Ankle Drag is the fastest way to move someone over a smooth surface but leaves the head unsupported and vulnerable to bouncing on uneven ground. To perform this, the rescuer grasps both ankles or pant cuffs and uses their legs to pull, ensuring the drag remains in a straight line. Both dragging techniques are appropriate only when a spinal injury is ruled out or when the urgency of the threat overrides the risk of movement.
For a conscious person, the Pack-Strap Carry is suitable for moving moderate distances. The person is helped to a seated position and places both arms over the carrier’s shoulders, which the carrier then crosses and grasps at the opposite wrists. This position balances the load on the carrier’s hips, allowing the legs to bear the weight while the carrier maintains a slight forward lean for stability. For smaller individuals or children, a simple One-Person Lift, or Cradle Carry, can be used by placing one arm under the knees and the other around the back, lifting while keeping the person close to the body.
Team-Based Methods for Stable Transport
When two or more people are available, team-based carries offer significantly greater stability and are appropriate for moving people longer distances.
Two-Person Seat Carry (Four-Handed Carry)
This carry is ideal for a conscious person who can assist by holding onto the carriers for balance. The two carriers face each other and grasp their own left wrist with their right hand, then grasp the other carrier’s right wrist with their left hand, creating a secure square seat. The person sits on this seat and places their arms around the carriers’ shoulders. This allows the team to lift in unison using coordinated verbal commands.
Two-Handed Seat
For an unconscious or heavier person, the Two-Handed Seat provides a more secure transport option, often used to move a person onto a bed or stretcher. The two rescuers squat on either side of the person and reach one arm beneath the shoulders and the other beneath the knees, grasping the other rescuer’s wrists to form a hammock-like seat. The team leader, typically the person nearest the head, gives the command to stand up, ensuring both rescuers lift simultaneously with their legs to prevent jarring the person. This method is typically performed with the person facing the direction of travel for greater control.
Improvised Stretcher
Improvised stretchers can be constructed using materials like blankets or sturdy jackets when the distance of transport is significant and a rigid stretcher is unavailable. A Blanket Stretcher requires a robust blanket or tarp laid flat, with two long, sturdy poles inserted or rolled into the sides to provide structure. At least two people, and preferably four or more, grasp the material or poles to distribute the person’s weight evenly across the surface. The team must coordinate their steps and movements, often using simple commands like “ready, lift, walk” to ensure the person is moved smoothly and without sudden jolts.