UNIT V.

METHOD OF TRANSPORT OF INJURED PERSON/CASUALTIES

Transportation of the Injured

The process of moving an injured person to a hospital or other treatment center. In
serious injuries such as cranial and spinal trauma, airway is compromise, and hemorrhage, the
patient should be moved by properly trained support personnel with equipment to stabilize vital
structures and prevent further injury. In particular, the airway should be secured, ventilation
provided, circulation supported, and the spine protected from injury with designated appliances.
It is crucial that critically injured persons receive definitive care within the first hour of their
injury to optimize their chances of survival. Patients with lesser injuries whose vital signs are
relatively stable may be transported by ambulance litter, private vehicle, or wheelchair.
Unless the area becomes dangerously unsafe, it is best to avoid moving an injured or ill
person. The reason for this is because any unnecessary movement can cause additional injury
and pain to the person; resulting in complications for their recovery.

Types of Carry
1. Walking Assist
This method requires the injured person to be conscious.

Technique:
 Place the injured or ill person’s arm across your shoulder and hold it in place with
one hand.
 Use your other hand and place it around the person’s waist to support them.

2. Two-Person Seat Carry

This method requires two people to assist the conscious person in need of transport.

Technique:
 Put one arm behind the person’s thighs and the other across the person’s back
 Interlock your arms with those of the second person assisting in the transport so
that it goes behind the person’s legs and across their back.
 Lift the injured or ill person that is sitting on a seat created by the arms of the first
aiders
3. One Person Carry
This method can be used for both conscious and unconscious persons. Similar methods
include piggyback style, fireman carry, or pack-strap carry.

Technique:
 Kneel in front of the person with your back to them
 Bring your arms around the victim’s knees
 Grasp their hands over your chest

4. Drag Methods
This method includes the blanket drag and the clothes drag.

Technique:
 With the blanket drag method, gather half of the blanket and place it against the
person’s side
 Roll the person on the blanket and gather the blanket at the head and drag
 With the ankle drag method, firmly grasp the person’s ankles and move
backward in a straight line.
 With the clothes drag method, grasp the person’s clothing behind the neck
(gather enough to secure a firm grip).
* Blanket Drag

*Ankle Drag

*Clothes Drag

5. Stretcher
A stretcher is a devise that is used to transport an ill or injured person by having the
person lie on the object. This requires at least two people to help assist in the transport.
When a stretcher is not available, objects can be used to create one. There are several
ways to make a stretcher.

Technique:
 Use two poles that are somewhat longer than the victim’s height
 With a few shirts and push the poles through sleeves
o Note: you can also use a tarp or blanket and wrap the poles in between