Manual Carries

Casualties carried by manual means must be carefully and correctly handled, otherwise their injuries may become more serious or possibly fatal. Situation permitting, evacuation or transport of a casualty should be organized and unhurried. Each movement should be performed as deliberately and gently as possible. Casualties should not be moved before the type and extent of injuries are evaluated and the required emergency medical treatment is given. The exception to this occurs when the situation dictates immediate movement for safety purposes (for example, it may be necessary to remove a casualty from a burning vehicle); that is, the situation dictates that the urgency of casualty movement outweighs the need to administer emergency medical treatment. Manual carries are tiring for the bearer(s) and involve the risk of increasing the severity of the casualty's injury. In some instances, however, they are essential to save the casualty's life. Although manual carries are accomplished by one or two bearers, the two-man carries are used whenever possible. They provide more comfort to the casualty, are less likely to aggravate his injuries, and are also less tiring for the bearers, thus enabling them to carry him farther. The distance a casualty can be carried depends on many factors, such as--

• Strength and endurance of the bearer(s).
• Weight of the casualty.
• Nature of the casualty's injury.
• Obstacles encountered during transport.

a. One-man Carries (081-831-1040).

(1) Fireman's carry (081-831-1040). The fireman's carry (Figure B-1) is one of the easiest ways for one person to carry another. After an unconscious or disabled casualty has been properly positioned, he is raised from the ground. An alternate method for raising him from the ground is illustrated (Figure B-1 I). However, it should be used only when the bearer believes it to be safer for the casualty because of the location of his wounds. When the alternate method is used, take care to prevent the casualty's head from snapping back and causing a neck injury. The steps for raising a casualty from the ground for the fireman's carry are also used in other one-man carries.

Figure B-1 Fireman carry.

(2) Support carry (081-831-1040). In the support carry (Figure B-2), the casualty must be able to walk or at least hop on one leg, using the bearer as a crutch. This carry can be used to assist him as far as he is able to walk or hop.

(3) Arms carry (081-831-1040). The arms carry is used when the casualty is unable to walk. This carry (Figure B-3) is useful when carrying a casualty for a short distance and when placing him on a litter.

(4) Saddleback carry (081-831-1040). Only a conscious casualty can be transported by the saddleback carry (Figure B-4), because he must be able to hold onto the bearer's neck.

(5) Pack-strap carry (081-831-1040). This carry is used when only a moderate distance will be traveled. In this carry (Figure B-5), the casualty's weight rests high on the bearer's back. To eliminate the possibility of injury to the casualty's arms, the bearer must hold the casualty's arms in a palms-down position.

(6) Pistol-belt carry (081-831-1040). The pistol-belt carry (Figure B-6) is the best one-man carry when the distance to be traveled is long. The casualty is securely supported by a belt upon the shoulders of the bearer. The hands of both the bearer and the casualty are left free for carrying a weapon or equipment, climbing banks, or surmounting obstacles. With his hands free and the casualty secured in place, the bearer is also able to creep through shrubs and under low hanging branches.

(7) Pistol-belt drag (081-831-1040). The pistol-belt drag (Figure B-7) and other drags are generally used for short distances. In this drag the casualty is on his back. The pistol-belt drag is useful in combat. The bearer and the casualty can remain closer to the ground in this drag than in any other.