Emergency Victim Carries

                           Richland District CERT    

                            Emergency Victim Carries

 

Ankle Pull (Short Distances)

1. Grasp the victim by both ankles or pant cuffs. Pull him or her away using your legs, not your back. You should try to keep your back as straight as possible.

Drag the victim in as straight a line as possible. Note that this carry does not support the head or neck.

• This method is the quickest way to move a person over a smooth surface. It should only be used if the rescuer cannot bend over or the victim is in immediate danger.

Shoulder Pull (Short Distances)

1. Grasp the victim's clothing underneath his or her shoulders. You will have to bend over in order to pull the victim away.
2. Support the person's head by keeping an arm along each side of it. Pull the victim away, keeping the body as aligned as possible.
• This method of moving injured people is preferred over the ankle pull because the rescuer is able to support the victim's head. However, it is not suitable for rescuers with back injuries.

Blanket Pull (Short to Medium Distance)

1. Lay out a blanket on the floor as close to the victim as possible.
2. Roll or lift the victim carefully onto the blanket. You should keep the head and neck as aligned as possible while transferring the person to the blanket.
• The head of the victim should be placed about 2 feet (61 cm) from a corner of the blanket.
3. Gather the corners around the victim's head and pull them away. You should keep your back as straight as possible while moving the person.

One Person Lift (For Child or Small Adult Over All Distances)

1. Place one arm around the victim's back and the other underneath his or her knees and lift the person into your arms.
2. Walk to safety. Have the victim place an arm around your shoulders while walking, if possible.

Firefighter Carry (Longer Distances)

1. Crouch down and place one of the victim's arms across your shoulder. Wrap your arm around the victim's legs and grasp the other arm of the victim.
2. Lift the person using your legs and carry the person to a safe place.
• This method of carrying a victim is good for longer distances. However, the rescuer must be very strong to place the victim in this position. This method is also not suitable for a victim with a spinal injury.

Pack Strap Carry (Longer Distances

1. Crouch down in front of the victim and place both of his or her arms over your shoulders.
2. Cross the person's arms and grasp the opposite wrist with both of your hands. You should be holding onto his or her left wrist with your right hand and vice-versa.
3. Pull the injured person's arms close to your chest and squat slightly.
4. Push your hips into the victim while bending forward slightly. Balance the person's weight with your hips while walking.
• This carrying technique is good for long distances with a larger adult. It is more suitable for victims whose injuries make the firefighter's carry unsafe.

Know your abilities when moving a victim. A few of the rescue carries are designed for strong first responders or those without back injuries. Remember, if you get hurt then you cannot help the original victim.