First Aid Guide 07
Moving an Injured or Ill Person
Patient Movement
Unnecessary movement can worsen injuries. In most situations, leave a seriously injured person where they are, protect them from the environment, and let emergency responders decide how to move them. Move a person only when the current location is dangerous, lifesaving care cannot be given where they are, or evacuation is necessary and professional help cannot reach the location promptly.
Suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury after a significant fall, dive, vehicle crash, blow to the head, or whenever the person has neck or back pain, numbness, weakness, unusual posture, or altered alertness. Minimize movement.
Walking assist
A walking assist can help a conscious person with a minor illness or injury who can safely bear weight. Stand on the weaker side, place the person's arm across your shoulders, support the wrist or forearm, and place your other arm around the waist. Move slowly and stop if pain, dizziness, or weakness increases.
Two-person seat carry
Two rescuers can sometimes carry a conscious person who cannot walk but can sit upright and does not have a suspected spine or major leg injury. Rescuers should coordinate the lift, keep their backs as straight as practical, lift with their legs, and stop if the patient becomes unstable or pain increases.
Emergency drags
A drag is an emergency method for moving a person a short distance away from immediate danger, such as fire, traffic, or a collapsing structure. A blanket drag or clothes drag can help keep the body aligned better than pulling on arms or legs. Move only as far as needed to reach safety.
Stretchers and wilderness evacuation
Long-distance evacuation is physically demanding and can injure both the patient and rescuers. Use a purpose-built litter when available. Improvised stretchers made from poles, blankets, tarps, or sturdy clothing should be tested before use and should support the patient securely. Assign a leader, coordinate commands, rotate carriers, and reassess the patient often.
Do not use risky carries casually
Fireman carries, ankle drags, and one-person pack-strap carries can worsen injuries, drop the patient, or injure the rescuer. They should not be routine transportation methods. In a true immediate-danger emergency, use the safest movement technique you know that gets the person out of danger with the least movement necessary.
