1. Select an appropriate method of transporting the casualty.

WARNING

DO NOT USE MANUAL CARRIES TO MOVE A CASUALTY WITH A NECK OR SPINE INJURY UNLESS A LIFE-THREATENING HAZARD IS IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. SEEK MEDICAL PERSONNEL FOR GUIDANCE ON HOW TO MOVE AND TRANSPORT THE CASUALTY.

a. The two-man support carry can be used for both conscious and unconscious casualties.


b. The two-man arms carry is useful for moderate distances and for placing a casualty on a litter. In extreme emergencies, the two-man arms carry is the safest one for transporting a casualty with a back or neck injury. If possible, two more bearers should be used to keep the casualty's head and legs in alignment with his or her body.


c. The for-hand seat carry is good for a casualty who can stand but cannot walk. It is good for moderate distances. It can be used to place a casualty on a litter.


d. The two-man fore-and-aft carry is useful for long distances and for placing a casualty on a litter.


e. The two-hand seat carry is useful for carrying a casualty short distances and for placing the casualty on a litter.


f. Litters should be used if materials are available and the casualty must be moved a long distance or manual carries will cause further injury.

2. Perform the carry.

a. Two-man support carry.





(1) Both bearers help the casualty to his or her feet.


(2) The bearers support the casualty with their arms around his or her waist.


(3) The bearers grasp the casualty's wrists, drawing his or her arms around their necks.





NOTE: If the casualty is taller than the bearers, they may have to lift his or her legs and let them rest on their forearms.





b. Two-man arms carry.





(1) Position the casualty on his or her back, if necessary.


(2) Both bearers kneel at one side of the casualty.


(3) The bearers place their arms beneath the casualty's back (shoulders), waist, hips, and knees.


(4) The bearers lift the casualty as they rise to their knees.





NOTE: Keep the casualty's body level to prevent unnecessary movement and further injury.


(5) As the bearers rise to their feet, they turn the casualty toward their chests.


(6) The bearers carry the casualty high and as close to their chests as possible to lessen fatigue.





c. Two-man fore-and-aft carry.





(1) Position the casualty on his or her back, if necessary.


(2) The taller of the two bearers kneels at the casualty's head.


(3) The shorter bearer spreads the casualty's legs, kneeling between the legs with his or her back to the casualty.


(4) The shorter bearer positions his or her hands behind the casualty's knees.


(5) The taller bearer slides his or her hands under the casualty's arms and across the chest, locking his or her hands together.


(6) The bearers rise together while lifting the casualty.





NOTE: An alternate method, with both bearers facing the casualty, is useful in placing the casualty on a litter.





d. Two-hand seat carry.





(1) Position the casualty on his or her back, if necessary.


(2) A bearer kneels on each side of the casualty at the hips.


(3) Each bearer passes his or her arms under the casualty's thighs and back far enough so that he or she can grasp the other bearer's wrists.


(4) The bearers rise while lifting the casualty.





e. Four-hand seat carry.





(1) Each bearer grasps one of his or her own wrists and one of the other bearer's wrists to form a packsaddle.


(2) The bearers lower themselves sufficiently for the casualty to sit on the packsaddle.


(3) The casualty places his or her arms around the bearers' shoulders for support.


(4) The bearers rise to an upright position.





f. Improvised litter.





NOTE: Construct a litter as described in step 2f(1) oor step 2f(2) bbelow and then continue with step 2f(3).





(1) Use a poncho and two poles or limbs.





(a) Open the poncho on the ground.


(b) Lay the two poles lengthwise across the center, forming three equal sections.


(c) Reach in, pull the hood up toward you, and lay it flat on the poncho.


(d) Fold one section of the poncho over the first pole.


(e) Fold the remaining section of the poncho over the second pole to the first pole.





(2) Use shirts or jackets and two poles or limbs.





(a) Button two or three shirts or jackets.


(b) Turn them inside out, leaving the sleeves inside.


(c) Lay the shirts or jackets on the ground.


(d) Pass the poles through the sleeves.





(3) Place the casualty on the litter, using one of the following one-man or two-man carries.





(a) One-man arms carry.


(b) Two-man arms carry.


(c) Two-man fore-and-aft carry.


(d) Two-hand seat carry.


(e) Four-hand seat carry.





(4) The bearers lift the litter at the same time, keeping the litter as level as possible.





NOTE: Use caution when transporting on a sloping incline or hill.

Brief Soldier:
Tell the soldier that the casualty has been given first aid. Describe a situation in terms of the casualty's injuries, whether the casualty is conscious or unconscious, and what distance (short, moderate, or long) the casualty must be moved. Tell the soldier to transport the casualty with the help of the other soldier.

NOTE: Do not make the situation too complex and remember, when scoring the soldier, that two or more of the carries might be appropriate for the situation. The most important thing is that the selected carry should not cause further injury to the casualty.