How to Carry an Injured Person by Yourself During First Aid

If someone is injured and needs to be moved fast, and if you don't suspect a spinal injury (see "How to Rule out a Spinal Cord Injury"), use the following technique to carry the injured person.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Position the injured person on his back, with his knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
2. Stand on the injured person's feet, facing him, so that the front half of your feet cover the front half of his feet.
3. Bend your knees and grab the injured person's left hand with your right hand, and his right hand with your left hand.
4. Lean backward. As the injured person nears an upright position, begin to twist yourself counterclockwise.
5. Continue twisting counterclockwise. As you do, lift the injured person's arms over your head so they begin to form an X.
6. Stop twisting when you've gone a half-turn (180 degrees). At the same moment, poke your head through the opening in the X that is closer to his body.
7. Lean forward, pulling forward and down on the injured person's arms, until his feet are off the ground.
8. Walk along, carrying the injured person like a backpack, until you have reached safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your back straight during the entire lift, using your leg muscles as the main source of lifting power. This will help you avoid injuring your back.
• Do the lift in one smooth motion so that you don't lose momentum.
• Practice the carry when you have some spare time so that you're ready to do it in an emergency situation.
• Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross for information on first-aid classes near you.
• Contact the Wilderness Medicine Institute or the National Outdoor Leadership School for information on wilderness medicine courses and books.
• If you can't rule out a spinal cord injury, treat the injured person with full spinal precautions. This means, among other things, that he or she should not be moved except by medical professionals or others trained in such matters.
• Even if you don't suspect a spinal injury, moving the injured
• person might make certain injuries worse. Only move the person if there is
• immediate danger at the scene or if proper care can't be brought to the
• person.
• 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.