How To Safely Carry Someone Out of An Emergency Situation?

Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and knowing how to safely move someone who is injured or unable to walk is an important skill. Whether it’s due to injury, illness, or a dangerous situation, you may need to act quickly to help. However, carrying someone without using the right method can cause further harm to both the person being helped and the rescuer.

This guide explains the safe techniques to carry someone in an emergency, how to prepare, what to do when you can’t carry, and best practices to carry them so you can provide help safely and effectively.

Why Safe Carrying Techniques Matter?

Lifting someone the wrong way can make their injuries worse or cause new ones. For the person doing the lifting, using the wrong technique can lead to back or muscle injuries. By using the right methods, both the person being carried and the person lifting stay safe.

Proper and safe carrying also helps move the person quickly and smoothly, which is very important in emergencies when time is critical.

What Are the Preparations Before Carrying Someone?

Before carrying someone, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure you and the person you’re helping stay safe.

• Check the area for dangers such as fire, smoke, falling objects, or anything that could cause harm.
• Make sure the scene is safe before approaching or moving the person.
• Plan the best route to carry the person, avoiding obstacles or anything that could slow you down.
• Only attempt to lift the person if you are physically strong enough to do so safely.
• If the person is conscious, explain what you’re going to do to keep them calm.
• Ask for their permission to help, especially if they are an adult, to respect their consent.

Types of Carrying Techniques

Below are various carrying methods, ranging from solo techniques to team-based approaches, each designed to ensure the safe and efficient transport of an injured person:

1. One Rescuer Techniques

1. Pack Strap Carry

To do the pack strap carry, first, help the person sit up if they can. Turn your back to them and have them put their arms over your shoulders. If they are unconscious, cross their arms and place them over your shoulders yourself, holding their wrists. Pull their arms close to your chest. Squat down a little, lean forward, and push your hips into them as you stand up. Use your legs to lift, not your back, and keep the weight balanced on your hips. Walk carefully and keep your posture straight.

2. Hip Carry

While performing hip carry, roll the person onto their side and bend their knees to prepare for lifting. Then, position yourself beside them- ideally sitting on the edge of a bed or stable surface and reach behind to firmly grasp the victim under their knees and around their far shoulder. With a secure hold, carefully stand up while leaning slightly forward to maintain your balance. The person’s weight rests evenly on your hip, allowing you to carry them comfortably and securely.

3. Cradle Drop

If the person is in bed, lower the bed and place a towel, sheet, or blanket on the floor next to it. Carefully pull the patient off the bed, resting them briefly on your knee before moving them onto the blanket. Once the patient is on the blanket, fold the corners near their head and use it to drag the patient safely across the floor.

4. One Person Lift

Stand beside the person with your feet stable. If the person can, have them bend their knees to help support themselves. Place one arm under their back and the other under their knees, holding them close to your body. Bend your knees and use your legs to lift, not your back, to avoid injury. Lift slowly and keep the person’s body steady and close to you. Make sure you hold them securely and stay balanced as you move them. This method works best for lifting someone who isn’t too heavy or unsteady.

5. Firefighter Carry

Start by getting the person into a standing position. If they’re unconscious, roll them onto their stomach and kneel by their head. Put your arms under their armpits and around their back, then lift them to their feet using your legs, not your back.

Next, shift your weight to your right leg and place it between their legs. Grab their right hand with your left hand and put it over your shoulder. Put your head under their right armpit and wrap your right arm around the back of their right knee. Squat down and lift them onto your shoulders, making sure their weight is balanced on both sides.

Hold their right hand with your right hand to help keep them steady. Your left hand is now free. Once they’re secure on your shoulders, start moving carefully, keeping their body stable as you go.

2 . Two Rescuer Techniques

1. Extremity Carry

One rescuer stands behind the person and reaches under their arms, locking their hands across the person’s chest. The second rescuer squats between the person’s legs, facing forward, and lifts the person by placing their arms under the knees. Both rescuers lift simultaneously, ensuring the person’s body remains level and stable. They then walk in sync, keeping the person supported and balanced throughout the movement. This method is helpful when a stretcher is unavailable and quick movement is necessary.

2. Swing Carry

Sit next to the patient and have them place their arms around your shoulders. Lock your forearms behind their back for support, then reach under their knees. Carefully lift the patient, swinging their legs and body across your body into a stable position. The swing carry is especially useful when you need to lift a patient out of a wheelchair, as it helps keep their body balanced while you lift them. Make sure to hold them securely and move them carefully.

3. Two-Handed Seat

The two-handed seat carry is performed by two rescuers to move a conscious person who cannot walk but can sit upright without back support. Both rescuers kneel on either side of the person. Each places one arm behind the person’s back and the other under their knees. They then grasp each other’s wrists to create a secure seat using their arms. Once ready, they lift the person together in a smooth, coordinated motion, making sure the person is well-supported and balanced. The rescuers then walk slowly and in sync to safely transport the person to their destination.

4. Improvised Stretcher

To make an improvised stretcher, lay a blanket, sheet, or jacket flat on the ground. Place two strong sticks or poles (like broom handles or branches) lengthwise on top, about shoulder-width apart. Fold the edges of the blanket over the poles to keep them in place. Then, carefully place the person in the center of the blanket. Two people can lift and carry the stretcher by holding the ends of the poles. This is a simple way to carry someone when a real stretcher is not available.

5. Chair Carry

Find a strong chair without wheels and place it next to the person. Help them sit down and make sure they are sitting safely. One person stands behind the chair and holds the back of it. The second person stands in front, facing the person, and holds the front legs of the chair. When both are ready, lift the chair together at the same time, keeping it steady and balanced. Walk slowly and talk to each other to make sure the person stays safe. This method is good for moving someone who is awake through tight spaces or up and down stairs.

3. Three Rescuer Techniques

1. Hammock Carry

Have three or more rescuers kneel on both sides of the victim. Make sure the strongest person is on the side with fewer rescuers. Each rescuer reaches under the victim and grabs one wrist of the person across from them to form a secure hold. The rescuers at the head and feet may only be able to grab one wrist; they should use their free hand to support the victim’s head or legs. Once everyone is ready, the rescuer nearest the head gives the signal. All rescuers squat, lift together, and use proper lifting technique to raise the victim safely and evenly.

2. Human stretcher Lift

Human stretcher lift method is used to lift a patient onto a bed, stretcher, or to carry them a short distance. Each rescuer kneels beside the patient, with the knee closest to the patient’s feet on the ground. On the command from the rescuer at the head, everyone lifts the patient and rests them on their thighs. If the patient is being moved to a low stretcher or basket, they are gently lowered onto it on the next command. If the patient needs to be lifted onto a higher surface or carried, the rescuers turn the patient to face them, allowing the patient’s body to rest against their chests. On another command, all rescuers stand up together, keeping the patient steady. When moving, they walk side by side, starting on the same foot to stay coordinated.

What should you do when you cannot carry the victim?

If carrying a victim isn’t possible, a victim drag is a quick way to move them to safety. This method involves lifting part of the victim’s body and dragging them instead of picking them up fully. Drags can be helpful when the victim is too heavy or injured to carry, but they can be uncomfortable and might cause more harm, especially if the person has neck or back injuries.

Despite the risks, drags are often faster than carrying, which is why they are useful in emergencies. Before dragging someone, make sure the area is clear of obstacles to avoid causing further injury. If you have a blanket, sheet, or towel, this is the best option to use, as it spreads out the weight and makes the drag less painful for the victim. If you don’t have any of these items, you can drag them by their shoulders or feet, but you must be careful not to twist their neck or spine. While drags are quick, they should only be used when necessary because they can be more painful and risky than other methods. Always think about the victim’s condition and how urgent the situation is before deciding to drag them.

When should you not move your victims?

You should not move a victim if doing so could make their injuries worse. Moving someone without proper care can cause serious harm, especially in the following situations:

1. Do not move someone with a possible head, neck, or spine injury unless there’s immediate danger (like fire or collapse).
2. Avoid moving someone with severe broken bones, especially in the leg, hip, or pelvis.
3. If there is heavy bleeding, especially from the chest or abdomen, keep the person still and focus on stopping the bleeding.
4. If you’re unsure how to move them safely or you’re not strong enough, wait for trained help.

Best Practices to Carry Individuals in Crisis

Here are the best practices for carrying individuals in crisis, in shorter points:

1. Ensure the victim’s head, neck, and body are well-supported, especially if unconscious.
2. Move slowly and steadily and avoid sudden movements that could worsen injuries.
3. Remain calm to reduce the victim’s anxiety and help them cooperate.
4. Watch for changes in their condition during the move and adjust as needed.
5. Call for backup if you’re unable to safely move the victim alone.
6. Don’t attempt to carry someone beyond your physical capability. Wait for trained help if necessary.

Conclusion

The key to safely carrying someone in an emergency is being prepared, using the right techniques, and knowing when it’s better not to move them. Emergencies can happen without warning, but if you know what to do, you can help without making things worse. Always look at the situation carefully, choose the safest way to move the person, and lift them correctly to avoid injuries. Your main goal is to get them to safety without causing more harm, and sometimes, the safest choice is to wait for trained medical help.

These techniques are taught in our First Aid classes, where you’ll learn the proper methods for assessing injuries, carrying victims, and responding effectively in emergencies. To feel confident and prepared to act in real-life situations, you should consider joining our Heart Start CPR First Aid class. At Heart Start CPR, we are an AHA-accredited training center offering hands-on instruction and expert guidance to help you build life-saving skills.

Register today and take the first step toward becoming someone’s hero when they are in an emergency.