How to Move a Person With a Spinal Injury During First Aid

When you suspect a spinal injury, only medical professionals should move an injured person. But when there is more immediate danger (for example, a slippery slope or an icy river), you - and those with you - may need to move the injured person to safety yourselves.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Preparation

1. Appoint a leader: The most experienced person on the scene is the leader, who issues all commands.

Position the Lifters

2. Place the leader at the top of the injured person's head, facing the injured person's toes. The leader holds the head with both hands, stabilizing it by holding firmly and allowing no motion.
3. Position two of the other rescuers on one side of the injured person: one at the chest, one at the pelvis.
4. Position the other two rescuers on the other side of the injured person: one at the waist, one at the legs.
5. Visualize where each rescuer's arms will go by having each rescuer hold their arms, palms up, over the portion of the injured person's body that they plan to lift.

Lift, Move and Lower

6. Place the hands, as positioned in step 5, underneath the injured person. Nestle the hands and forearms as far under the person as possible, being careful not to jar the injured person.
7. Lift the injured person on the leader's call: "Lift on three. One, two, three!" Elevate as high as necessary to avoid any obstacles along the route.
8. Move the injured person on the leader's call: "Move on three. One, two, three!"
9. Lower the injured person on the leader's call: "Down on three. One, two, three!"

Tips & Warnings

• At least five strong adults are needed.
• If the injured person is not on his or her back, first do steps 1 through 3, 5 through 6, and 9 of a logroll (see "How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid").
• Position the arms so that those of rescuers on opposite sides interlace. For instance, the arm of the chest lifter that is closest to the injured person's toes will be in between the two arms of the waist lifter.
• Squat, with the back straight, when getting in position.
• Lift with the legs, keeping your back straight, in order to maximize lifting power and minimize the risk of back injury to yourself.
• Be careful not to bend or twist the injured person's body. The best way to do this is to follow all commands of the leader (at the head), who can best see whether the person is being twisted.
• Improper movement of an injured person can cause severe spinal injury.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.