Emergency carries

Emergency carries are techniques used to move a casualty from the initial location (street, home, workplace, wilderness) to the ambulance.

The patient must be stabilised before moving them to avoid causing further injury.

Each carry has advantages depending on the speed of movement and agility needed, the consciousness of the patient, the patient injuries and ability to assist. If the evacuation involve moving the patient some distance then improvised stretchers are preferred.

VERY IMPORTANT if there is suspected spinal injury and the patient is safe - we prefer to leave the movement of the patient to competent emergency medical  staff.

Walking assist

Walking assist is used with conscious patients - it is the easiest method to move people with light injuries. The injured patient puts their arm/s over the shoulders of one or two people. This is handy for less injured people to move out of a dangerous position and to a point where they can safely wait to be treated or evacuated.

WWI March-July1918
911 victims helping one another
WWI Sketchbook Somme 1916
Official photograph taken on the British Western Front in France

Single rescuer carries

Fireman's lift

Piggy back

This is probably the easiest way to carry a patient with a foot injury. It is used for moving a conscious patient - they hold on to your shoulders and you hold their legs above your hip-bone. This is easier if the patient is able to hold on to you.