Moving an unconscious person requires speed, safety, and careful technique. Since the person cannot assist, movement risks causing further injury, especially if trauma is involved. Understanding the correct sequence of assessment and movement methods is essential for ensuring the person’s welfare and the rescuer’s physical safety. This guidance provides practical steps for handling this situation, from the initial safety check to post-movement monitoring.
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Before movement, the scene must be assessed for immediate hazards, prioritizing rescuer safety. Look for environmental dangers like active fire, unstable structures, or traffic that necessitate a rapid move. Movement should only be considered before a full assessment if the person is in a life-threatening location.
The next step involves a rapid check for responsiveness and severe injury. Gently try to elicit a response by speaking loudly to the person and lightly tapping their collarbone. If there is no response, suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury, especially following a fall or motor vehicle incident. Signs of potential spinal injury include an oddly positioned neck or torso, severe pain complaints, or a change in consciousness after impact.
Moving a person with a suspected spinal injury risks permanent paralysis and should be avoided unless immediate danger outweighs the risk, following the rule of “life over limb.” If movement is required, the goal is to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned as one unit during the process. Before a lift, secure any loose clothing or limbs that could snag or cause an awkward shift in weight. This helps stabilize the body for the rescuer and prevents further injury.
One-Person Emergency Carrying Methods
When immediate evacuation is necessary and only one rescuer is present, the drag and the carry are the principal methods. The Drag is typically the fastest and safest method when a spinal injury is possible, as it minimizes vertical movement and keeps the body low. To execute a clothes drag, grasp the person’s clothing firmly behind the neck or shoulders, ensuring the head is cradled or supported by the fabric. Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and use your legs to pull the person in a straight line, maintaining spinal alignment.
The Pack-Strap Carry is an option for longer distances when a spinal injury is not suspected and the terrain is uneven. This method involves placing both of the person’s arms over your shoulders, crossing them over your chest, and grasping their wrists. The rescuer squats slightly, drives their hips into the person’s body, and stands up, balancing the person’s weight on their hips and supporting the load with their legs. This technique allows the rescuer to use their stronger lower body muscles for movement over a greater distance. For any one-person carry, the rescuer must be mindful of physical limits, as poor body mechanics can lead to injury.
Team-Based and Assisted Movement
When two or more people are available, movement becomes safer, more stable, and less physically taxing on the rescuers. Team-based methods allow for weight distribution and better control over the person’s body, which is particularly beneficial for heavier individuals or those with complex injuries. One common technique is the Two-Person Seat Carry, requiring rescuers to face each other and grasp wrists to form a supportive seat with their arms. For an unconscious person, rescuers must coordinate the lift to ensure synchronized movement, preventing jarring.
The Blanket Drag is an effective assisted method that uses a common item to reduce friction and distribute weight evenly. By rolling the person onto a blanket, rug, or sheet, rescuers can pull the material, which acts as a makeshift sled for easier movement over rough or slick surfaces. A sturdy chair can also serve as a temporary litter for moving an unconscious person not suspected of having a spinal injury, especially in narrow passages. One rescuer holds the back of the chair while the other holds the front legs, ensuring the head remains supported. Communication is essential in all team-based efforts, with one person giving clear commands for lifting and lowering.
Post-Move Stabilization and Monitoring
Once the person has been successfully moved out of immediate danger, the goal shifts to stabilization and continuous monitoring while awaiting professional medical help. If the person is breathing normally and there is no suspicion of a spinal injury, they should be placed in the recovery position. This lateral (side) lie prevents the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway, a common risk in unconscious individuals due to muscle relaxation.
To place someone in the recovery position, gently extend the arm closest to the rescuer out at a right angle. Bring the far arm across the chest, placing the back of that hand against the cheek closest to the rescuer. The far leg is then bent at the knee, and the person is gently rolled toward the rescuer, using the bent knee and bent arm for stability. The downward angle of the mouth allows gravity to assist in the drainage of fluids, preventing aspiration.
After establishing the recovery position, continuously monitor the person’s breathing and pulse until emergency services arrive. If breathing stops or becomes abnormal, roll the person onto their back immediately to begin Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Even if the person remains unconscious, speaking to them can be reassuring, as hearing is often the last sense to be lost.