Methods of Transfer

1. One – man assist/ carries/ drags

A. Assist to walk

This is for someone who has suffered a minor

injury and merely feels weak. He can still walk,
but needs help.

• Bring one arm over your shoulder.

• Grasp his wrist with the hand now
below the arm.
• Place your free arm around his waist.
• In this manner, walk slowly to your
destination. Allow the victim to set the
pace.

B. Carry in Arms (cradle) / Lover’s Carry

This only works with a child or a very light

person.

C. Pack-Strap Carry

The pack-strap carry, can be used to move a

heavy casualty for some distance.

• Place the casualty face up.

• Lie down on your side along the
casualty's uninjured or less injured side.
Your shoulder should be next to the
casualty's armpit.
• Pull the casualty's far leg over your own,
holding it there if necessary.
• Grasp the casualty's far arm at the wrist
and bring it over your upper shoulder as
you roll and pull the casualty onto your
back.
• Rise up on your knees, using your free arm for balance and support. Hold both of the
casualty's wrists close against your chest with your other hand.
• Lean forward as you rise to your feet, and keep both of your shoulders under the casualty's
armpits.

Do not attempt if the casualty has an injured arm, ribs, neck, or back!

D. Fireman's Carry

The Fireman's Carry is one of the easiest ways to carry

an unconscious casualty.

• 1 .Place the casualty face down. Face the casualty,

and kneel on one knee at the casualty's head. Pass
your hands under the armpits; then slide your
hands down the sides and grasp them across the
back.
• Raise the casualty to his knees. Take a better hold
across the casualty's back.
• Raise the casualty to a standing position and place
your right leg between the casualty's legs. Grasp
the right wrist in your left hand and swing the arm
around the back of your neck and down your left
shoulder.
• Stoop quickly and pull the casualty across your
shoulders and, at the same time, put your right arm
between the casualty's legs.
• Grasp the casualty's right wrist with your right
hand and straighten up. The procedure for
lowering the casualty to the deck is also illustrated.
Do not attempt if the casualty has an injured arm, leg, ribs, neck, or back!
E. Fireman’s Drag/Tied-Hands Crawl

The tied-hands crawl, may be used to drag an

unconscious casualty for a short distance. It is
particularly useful when you must crawl
underneath a low structure, but it is the least
desirable because the casualty's head is not
supported.

• Place the casualty face up. Cross the

casualty's wrists and tie them together.
• Kneel astride the casualty and lift the arms
over your head so that the casualty's wrists are at
the back of your neck.
• When you crawl forward, raise your
shoulders high enough so that the casualty's head
will not bump against the deck.

F. Piggy back Carry

Support the patient’s weight with your arms under

the patient’s thighs

If able, have the patient clasp hands and lean

forward; if not able, grasp the patient’s hands with
yours to keep patient from falling back
G. Blanket Drag

The blanket drag (Fig. 11-17), can be used to move

a casualty who, due to the seriousness of the injury,
should not be lifted or carried by one person alone.

• Place the casualty face up on a blanket, and

pull the blanket along the deck.
• Always pull the casualty head first, with the
head and shoulders slightly raise, so that the
head will not bump against the deck.

H. Armpit/ Shoulder Drag

The armpit/shoulder drag (shoulder pull) is

preferred to the ankle pull. It supports the head of
the victim. The negative is that it requires the
rescuer to bend over at the waist while pulling.

I. Cloth Drag

• When victim has to move in an emergency

and if you suspect the victim head or spinal
injury. This move keeps the victim's head
and spine in alignment. Grab victim's
clothing behind their neck and pull.
• While moving, the victim's head will be
cradled by the clothing and rescuer's hands.
• Move carefully since you will be moving
backwards.
• Bend your legs and keep your back straight.
• This drag is exhausting and strains the back
even if done properly.
J. Feet drag

The feet drag (ankle pull) is the fastest method

for moving a victim a short distance over a
smooth surface. This is not a preferred method of
patient movement.

2. Two – man assists/ carries

A. Assist to Walk (Human Cratch)

For the conscious victim, this carry allows

the victim to swing their leg using the
rescuers as a pair of crutches. For the
unconscious victim, it is a quick and easy
way to move a victim out of immediate
danger.

B. Four Hand Seat

 This technique is for carrying conscious and
alert victims’ moderate distances. The victim
must be able to stand unsupported and hold
themselves upright during transport.

C. Hands as a Litter ( Two – handed Seat)

This technique is for carrying a victim longer

distances. This technique can support an
unconscious victim.

D. Chair Carry

The chair carry, can be used to move a casualty away

from a position of danger. The casualty is seated on a
chair and the chair is carried by two people. This is a
good method to use when you must carry a casualty up
or down steps or through narrow, winding
passageways.

Do not attempt if the casualty has an injured neck,

back, or pelvis!
E. Carry by Extremities

F. Fireman’s Carry with Assistance

3. Three – man Carries

A. Bearers along side

B. Hammock carry

4. Fou/six/eight – man Carry

5. Blanket

6. Improvised Stretcher using Two Poles

7. Commercial Stretcher

8. Ambulance or Rescue Van

9. The Vehicles