Basic First Aid: Safely Moving the Victim
Author: tiger Published Under: Health
It is almost never advised to move an injured person, unless it is absolutely necessary for their safety. This is because if they have injured their spine or neck, moving them could cause permanent damage. However, it is sometimes necessary to move someone to a safer area, so it is important to know how to safely move them.
Basic Principals
The way you move the person is in many ways dependent on their injuries, with the goal being to move them without causing serious injury.
For example, someone who has experienced serious burns, it would be important to avoid touching or rubbing the burned area. If, on the other hand, you believe them to have a neck injury, you would want to try to move them so that you avoid jarring their spine as much as possible. These examples help to highlight why it is always better to avoid moving the person if at all possible.
If at all possible, it is best for the person to move themselves, so start by trying to motivate them to move.
If you must lift them, observe basic safe lifting techniques, such as lifting with your legs and not your back. Also, make sure to stay balanced and keep your legs spread apart. There are several different ways to move someone if you are by yourself.
Moving an Unconscious Person
One of the biggest concerns when moving an unconscious person is that their airway could become blocked. Make sure to keep their head from flopping around, which could cause their airway to close or other damage.
Dragging is usually the best choice, providing it will not cause further injury, especially if the person is too heavy to lift. Grab under the the persons arms and around their chest, cradling their head as much as possible. Make sure to bend your knees and drag them backwards. If you must drag them by their clothes, grasp the person by their shoulders and never try to drag them sideways.
Acting as a Crutch
If at all possible it is best that the person moves by themselves, but you will probably still need to give them a hand and make sure they do not fall. In this regard, you are acting as their crutch.
Place one arm around their waste, while holding the closet hand. While walking, allow them to lean against you. It is important to make them aware of any changes in terrain or obstacles, even if you think they see them.
Take small steps and do not rush the person.
Preforming a Cradle Carry
Cradle carries work very well with children, as it provides a feeling of reassurance. However, it should usually only be preformed on people who are lighter than you, as you risk damaging you back or dropping them if they are too heavy.
One arm should be placed around their waste and the other under their thighs, as you hold their body against your chest. Take small steps and pay attention to changes in terrain, as you might not be able to see directly in front of you.
Carrying Someone on Your Back
Carrying someone piggyback style should only be done in an emergency and if you are sure of your abilities. The actual process of getting them onto your back varies depending on your strength, size, the size of the victim, and their level of consciousness.
You will want both of their arms over your shoulders, while you hold them by their thighs. Their chest should be firmly pressed onto your back.
One of the dangers with the piggy back is that you will fall forward, which will mean the persons weight will fall onto you, so take careful measured steps and try to keep your knees slightly bent.