How to Carry an Injured Person Using Two People

This is often called a "seat carry," since the formation resembles a seat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Position the injured person on his or her back, with knees bent at 90 degrees.

2. Stand facing each other on either side of the injured person.

3. Squat down, keeping the back as straight as possible.

4. Put one arm under the injured person's back, crossing your arm with that of the other rescuer so that you are grabbing each other's shoulders.

5. Put the other arm under the injured person's thighs, crossing your arm with that of the other rescuer so that you are grabbing each other's wrists.

6. Lift the injured person by straightening your legs, being careful to keep your back as straight as possible.

7. Carry the injured person to safety.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your back as straight as possible during the entire lift, using your leg muscles as the main source of lifting power. This will help you avoid injuring your back.
• 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 (see "How to Rule Out a Spinal Cord Injury"), then you should 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 reach the person.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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