When a person sustains a suspected musculoskeletal injury, careful handling becomes paramount. Moving someone improperly can worsen the damage, potentially turning a minor injury into a more serious condition. Moving the individual with caution is crucial for preventing further harm and supporting their recovery.
Assessing the Situation and When to Seek Professional Help
Before any movement, a rapid assessment of the injured person’s condition is essential. Look for clear signs that necessitate immediate professional medical attention, such as obvious deformity of a limb or joint, significant swelling and discoloration, or if bone fragments are visible or heard rubbing together. A snap or pop sound at the time of injury, inability to move or bear weight on the affected part, or a limb feeling cold and numb also indicate a need for emergency services. Injuries involving the head, neck, or spine, or if the person has trouble breathing, demand an immediate call to emergency responders.
The guiding principle is “do no further harm.” If emergency help is on the way, prioritize stabilizing the patient in their current position. Before transport, check for responsiveness and assess their ABCs—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Ensuring an open airway, confirming normal breathing, and checking for a pulse and severe bleeding are initial steps to address life-threatening conditions.
Core Principles for Safe Movement
Foundational principles ensure safety for both the injured person and the rescuer. Keeping the injured body part as still as possible, often referred to as stabilization, is a primary goal to prevent additional damage. Providing firm and consistent support, particularly to the head, neck, and any injured limb, helps maintain alignment and comfort during movement.
Clear communication with the injured person and any assisting individuals is fundamental, ensuring everyone understands the plan and moves in coordination. Rescuers should employ proper body mechanics to protect themselves from injury: bending at the knees and hips, lifting with leg muscles, and keeping the person close. Avoiding twisting the rescuer’s back or the patient’s spine or injured limb is also important. If specialized equipment is unavailable, improvisation with blankets or jackets can provide additional comfort and support, though these are not substitutes for professional medical devices.
Single-Person Transport Methods
When a single rescuer must move an injured individual, especially from immediate danger, several practical methods can be employed. The clothes drag involves grasping the person’s sturdy clothing, such as a jacket or collar, firmly behind the neck or under the armpits. The rescuer crouches low and pulls backward, using their legs for power, striving to keep the person’s body aligned and the head supported if possible.
A blanket drag offers another effective single-person method, particularly if the ground is rough or the person is unresponsive. Roll the person onto a sturdy blanket or tarp, gather the material at the head end. The rescuer can then pull the blanket, effectively dragging the person, which reduces friction and makes movement easier.
If the injured person can partially bear weight, a one-person assist (walking assist) can be used. The rescuer supports the person on one side, allowing them to lean while moving slowly. These methods are for short distances or emergency evacuations, recognizing their limitations and the continued need for professional medical evaluation.
Two-Person Transport Methods
When two rescuers are available, they provide greater support and control, making transport safer. The chair carry is effective for moving a person through confined spaces or up/down stairs, using a sturdy chair. One rescuer grasps the chair’s back, while the second rescuer supports the chair’s front legs, lifting and moving in a coordinated manner.
The two-person assist (fore-and-aft carry) allows for balanced weight distribution. One rescuer positions themselves at the person’s head, supporting their upper body and under their arms, while the second rescuer supports the person’s legs, often by grasping under their knees. Both rescuers lift simultaneously, moving in unison.
For an improvised stretcher carry, a strong blanket, coat, or similar item can be used. The person is carefully rolled onto the makeshift stretcher, and the two rescuers, positioned on opposite sides, grasp the edges of the material. They coordinate their lift and movement, ensuring the person remains stable and supported throughout the transfer. Clear communication between rescuers is essential for all two-person methods to maintain synchronization.
After the Move
Once the injured person has been safely moved to a more secure location, or while awaiting professional medical assistance, immediate follow-up actions are important. Re-assess their condition for any changes that may have occurred during the move. Make the person as comfortable as possible, perhaps by providing a blanket or coat for warmth, to help manage potential shock. Continuously monitor their vital signs, including their breathing and level of consciousness. If the injured area is not already immobilized, gently secure it to prevent further movement, which can reduce pain and prevent additional damage until medical professionals arrive. Professional medical evaluation remains essential for proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of the injury.