![people with interlocked arms people with interlocked arms](https://georgewatts.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Child-arms-interlocked.jpg)
In this case, the blanket can be placed under the patient. One-person blanket pull: Sometimes, you might find yourself alone with the victim and can’t wait for help to move them. It should be noted that this method should only be used if the weather is such that rescuers can tolerate the loss of the jacket or shirt during transport. A second shirt or jacket goes onto the other end of the pole when the transporters reverse roles. The jacket automatically moves onto the poles, forming a “bed” for the stretcher.
![people with interlocked arms people with interlocked arms](https://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/interlocked-hands-four-people-260nw-855563.jpg)
While the first transporter is grasping the litter poles, a second pulls the first’s garment off, inside out. You’ll need two buttoned jackets or shirts, preferably still on the rescuers. The jacket stretcher is a variation of this method. Once done, the patient’s weight will keep the blanket and folds in place during transport. Fold both of the outer thirds over the sticks, back toward the middle. Lay the blanket flat on the ground and then place the two sticks on top so that the blanket is divided into thirds. If you have two long poles or sticks about 6 or 7 feet long and 2 or more inches thick, you can easily make a litter. Two-person blanket stretcher: With fewer assistants, you’ll need additional support. Simply place the victim on the stretched-out blanket and then roll the sides inward to form handholds to lift and carry.
![people with interlocked arms people with interlocked arms](https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/two-women-linking-arms-walking-23565911.jpg)
TRANSPORT USING BLANKETS OR CLOTHINGįour-person blanket stretcher: Even if you have no backboard, a blanket and/or sturdy poncho can help move a casualty. For short distances, the second transporter can face the victim, but it would be easier for longer distances to face forward. The second transporter grasps the chair legs in front, and both lift the chair. One transporter stands in back of the chair, grasping it from the sides and tilting it back. In this method, the patient sits or is placed on the chair. If you have a conscious casualty, a sturdy chair can be used by itself as a reasonable litter. Folded-over paracord, blankets or rope can be used to serve as handholds and to prevent the patient’s arms or legs from dangling off the litter or backboard.Īnother example of an easily found item in an abandoned building is a chair. However, abandoned residential buildings in urban or rural settings will contain a number of found materials that can serve the purpose.Īn inside door, blankets or even an ironing board will be easy finds after all, who takes their ironing board when they bug out? All these can function as a litter or backboard-as long as enough helpers are present to hold the victim in place. In a survival setting, an injury will likely occur without a commercially made stretcher readily available. Keep stable – The more rotation and jerking, the more pressure on the discs and muscles.Close to body – Avoid reaching to pick up a load it causes more strain on muscles and joints.Avoid twisting – Joints can be damaged if twisted.Back straight – Muscles and discs can handle more weight safely when the back is straight.It’s important to remember the simple acronym, BACK, when transporting a person: A simple “Prepare to lift,” “Lift” and “March” command should suffice to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This entails making sure the patient is transferred to the stretcher safely and also that all team members lift and evacuate at the same time. You, as medic, will serve as leader of the transport team. If you have several helpers, transporting the patient is easier but requires coordination. Keep the head in alignment with the spine during transport. An unstable neck, especially in an unconscious victim, could easily be traumatized, even if not involved in the original accident. If you know the amount of assistance you’ll have, you can choose a method of evacuation that will cause the least trauma to both patient and medic.Ī person with a possible spinal injury should be “logrolled” onto a stretcher as a unit without bending their neck or back if possible. A cervical collar and supportive blocks with straps can be used to secure the spine of all patients suspicious for injury. Have as many helpers available as possible to assist you before you move the patient. If you are unable to do this, consider having a group member get the supplies needed to make transport safer. This means assuring open airways, stopping all bleeding, splinting orthopedic injuries and more. Cervical and lumbar vertebrae are most commonly injured.īefore deciding whether to transport, stabilize the patient as much as possible.