5. Protect From Furtherfnjury

Transporting by Stretcher

When a person must be moved for some distance or his or her injuries are serious, you should carry the person on a stretcher. When available, use a litter or rescue basket made especially for transporting injured persons. If none is available, make one of the following improvised stretchers and use the method shown in the illustrations to place the victim on the improvised stretcher:

OVERLAP BOTTOMS OF THE SHIRTS.

Shirt stretcher. Make a stretcher out of two poles (longer than the victim is tall), for example, strong branches, tool handles, oars, or the poles from a wall tent.

Secure two Scout shirts (inside out, with all the buttons buttoned) over the poles to form a stretcher. If possible, overlap the bottoms of the shirts to form a more secure bedding.

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Blanket stretcher. Place a pole on the blanket. Fold over twofifths of the blanket. Place a second pole 6 inches from the edge of the folded-over part. Bring the edge of the blanket over the pole. Fold over the rest of the blanket. The person's weight will keep the blanket from unwinding. Board stretcher. Use a surfboard, door, bench, or ironing board to make this stretcher. A board stretcher is sturdier than a blanket stretcher but heavier and less comfortable for the victim. When two rescuers carry a stretcher, have one or two other rescuers, if available, walk at the sides to share the weight and help keep the victim from rolling off.

Transporting someone by stretcher (or improvised stretcher) can be difficult and exhausting work, requiring at least four rescuers. Stretcher bearers should trade off with each other to conserve their strength. At least one first-aider should stay by the victim's head at all times to monitor the person's condition and note any changes.

To place someone on a stretcher or improvised stretcher, have three rescuers hold the victim straight and steady. A fourth rescuer can slide the stretcher beneath the victim. Gently place the victim on the stretcher. The rescuers can lift and carry the stretcher.

If only three rescuers are available, they may try the hammock carry without a stretcher. First, they should position themselves at the victim's shoulders, torso, and legs to achieve full support. Then, they should lift and carry the victim, being sure to support the head, arms, and legs.

A stretcher can

be formed by lashing three metal pack frames together. To work well, the frames must have roughly the same width.

Use sleeping bags for padding.

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