How to Logroll an Injured Person During First Aid

If someone who you suspect has a spinal injury (see "Rule out a Spinal Cord Injury") needs to be moved onto an insulating pad or litter, logrolling is the easiest and safest way to do so.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Preparation

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

Position the Rescuers

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 other rescuers on one side of the injured person, one at the chest and one at the pelvis.
4. Place the pad or litter along the other side of the injured person, as close to him or her as possible.
5. Direct the rescuer positioned at the chest to reach across the injured person and grab hold of the upper arm and shoulder.
6. Direct the rescuer positioned at the pelvis to reach across the injured person and grab hold of the lower back and pelvis.

Roll the Injured Person

7. Roll the injured person upon the leader's call: "Roll on three. One, two, three!" Slowly and carefully roll the injured person until he or she is on his or her side.
8. Direct the one remaining rescuer to push the pad or litter to where the injured person was just lying.

Lower the Injured Person

9. Roll the person down on the leader's call: "Down on three. One, two, three!" Slowly and carefully lower the injured person until he or she is down onto the pad or litter.
10. Make a cervical collar, if professional help is far away, to aid in stabilizing the neck (see "How to Make a Cervical Collar").

Tips & Warnings

• At least four rescuers are needed, at least three of whom must be strong adults.
• If there are more than four rescuers, up to two additional people can help out at the legs and between the chest and pelvis, on the same side of the injured person as the other rescuers.
• Nestle the pad or litter right up against the injured person so that he or she will be centered on it when rolled back down.
• Roll as a unit and at the same speed in order to avoid twisting the spine or neck.
• Keep your ears alert for any commands from the leader.
• After rolling, keep one person in charge of maintaining and monitoring neck stability.
• Improper movement of an injured person can cause severe spinal injury.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.