Disclaimer:
The content of this manual is provided as is, and does not ascertain to be the absolute authority on
technical rescue procedures contained herein. This manual was written with the safety of all rescuers to
be its primary mission.
This information is to be utilized only by those persons participating in the actual classroom lecture and
practical application of these skills.
“Character is not made in a crisis --- it is only exhibited.”
Robert Freeman.
“Disaster—Light Search & Rescue”
Revision—1997
 1992 By Anthony D. Bennett
EMS Rescue Resources
All Rights Reserved. No part of this
manual may be reproduced, without
the express written consent provided
by the author.
Printed in the United States of America.
Page 2
Index
Unit I
Basic Rescuer Safety
4
Unit II
Light Search & Rescue Methodology
10
Unit Ill
Search Methods and Markings
22
Unit IV
First Aid Triage
30
Unit V
Basic Construction and Utility Control
33
Unit VI
Lifting Heavy Objects
42
Unit VII
Lifting & Moving Patients
48
Appendix
61
Resource List
62
Page 3
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT I
BASIC
RESCUER SAFETY
Page 4
A. Definition of a Disaster
1. When the situation overwhelms the available resources
2. Example: Two people in a room or building uninjured, need to treat remaining injured people
3. Rescuers need to maintain safety through proper procedures and equipment
B. Minimum Equipment
1. Helmet or hard hat
a. To protect the head from falling debris and contact with sharp objects
2. Goggles or other form of eye protection
a. To protect the eyes from dust, debris, and sharp objects
3. Leather work gloves
a. To protect the hands from cuts and abrasions
4. Dust mask
a. To protect the nose and respiratory tract against dirt and dust
5. Safety identification vest (bright orange with reflective tape)
a. To identify those members who are trained and assigned a specific function
6. Flashlight
a. To illuminate confined spaces and night time operations
7. Extra clothing and a hat
a. To protect the body from cuts, abrasion, sunburn and evening cold
8. Sturdy and comfortable shoes or boots
a. To protect the feet against cuts, abrasion, and sprained ankles
b. High heels and sandals are unsafe
Page 5
C. Operational Procedures
1. Buddy system
a. Work in teams of at least two persons and stay together.
2. Safety officer
a. If possible, each rescue team should have its own assigned safety officer. With limited
personnel this is often not possible. Two person teams are more likely, making it even more
important for both members to maintain a constant awareness of their surroundings.
b. The safety officer should not actively engage in the rescue operation but watch out for
hazardous conditions, unsafe actions, and overall rescue team safety.
D. Communications
1. Radio or other forms of communications are vital to safely coordinate and control search and
rescue operations.
2. Runners may be used where radios do not exist, or become inoperable.
3. When using a radio, if you haven't been answered, you haven't been heard.
E. Entrapped Signal
1. Pre-arrange a signal for rescuers to use if they become entrapped. Yelling and whistles work well
in open areas but sound vibrations have to travel farther in confined spaces. Tapping with a hard
object onto a solid part of the structure can be heard further away than verbal sounds.
2. Similar to the international SOS signal: a continuous three taps - pause - three taps -pause is a
suggested signal for entrapped rescuers or patients.
F. Evacuation Signal
1. A loud identifiable and pre-arranged signal will be sounded when hazardous conditions require
immediate evacuation of the structure.
a. Whistle, megaphones, or bullhorns, etc.
b. The following signals are internationally recognized by professional rescue teams:
(I)
Evacuate3-1 second blasts
(II)
Stop work/maintain silence1-3 second blast
(III)
Resume Operations1-3 second blast; 1-1second blast
2. Each team or structure should have its own distinct evacuation signal when multiple rescue
operations are taking place in the same area.
Page 6
G. Safety Hazards Around Disaster Sites
1. Secondary collapse of unstable structures
a. Fractured or leaning buildings, walls, utility poles, freeway overpasses
b. Shifting debris piles and building contents
H. Overhead Hazards
1. Damaged attachment points not designed to hold this type of load can suspend large heavy pieces
of the structure.
2. Unsecured building contents such as file cabinets, bathtubs, refrigerators, etc.
3. Low hanging wires i.e., electrical, phone, television cable, etc.
a. Electrocution, tripping, and entanglement
b. Might be found outside, under canopies, or inside rooms
4. Heavy lifting construction equipment
a. Cranes and backhoes lifting heavy objects over rescuers
5. Unorganized rescue teams on floors and roofs above
a. Places unnecessary weight and movement above rescuers
I. Ground Level Hazards
1. Sharp objects like glass, nails, re-bar, and broken concrete
2. Slippery and uneven surfaces
3. Surface water
a. Electrocution if contacting energized power lines
b. Drowning
4. Contaminated atmospheres
a. Areas of chemical storage, i.e. garage, basement areas
b. Flammable, toxic, or oxygen deficient
Page 7
J. Below-Grade Hazards
1. Contaminated atmospheres
a. Basement or cellar storage areas
b. Flammable, toxic, or oxygen deficient
2. Flooding
a. Eliminates view of floor or walking surface
b. Electrocution
c. Drowning
K. Basic Hazardous Materials Safety
1. Household hazardous materials
a. Kitchen area
(I)
Ammonia, bleach, caustic oven and drain cleaners under sink
b. Laundry area
(I)
Ammonia, bleach, spot remover in cabinets and near washing machines
c. Garage area
(I)
Gasoline, paint thinners, pesticides, caustic paint removers, pressurized cans in
cabinets, on shelves, and on floor
2. Hospitals and laboratories
a. Flammable gases, flammable liquids, poisons, radioactive isotopes, and biological hazards
3. Schools, local retail, business offices
a. Approved and unapproved items under sinks and in closets
L. Basic Infectious Disease Safety
1. If patient does not have a disease prior to injury or death they will not be infectious because of the
injury or death
2. Use the same type personal protective equipment already discussed
a. Helmet
(I)
To protect the head from cuts and abrasions
b. Goggles
(I)
Will stop body fluids from coming in contact with the eyes
Page 8
c. Dust masks
(I)
Will stop body fluids from coming in contact with the face and respiratory tract
d. Latex gloves
(I)
May have to put under leather work gloves to prevent body fluids coming in contact
with the hands during work activities
3. Wash with soap or disinfectant as soon as possible if contact with body fluids
4. Remove or wash clothing with soap soon as possible if contact with body fluids
5. Immunization against Hepatitis B and tetanus should be kept current
6. Water contamination and broken sewage systems will cause most of illnesses following a
structural collapse disaster unless proper purification and sanitation procedures are used.
a. Schools will need to establish remote sanitation sites for human waste. The method and
location for use and storage will need to be considered carefully.
Page 9
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT II
SEARCH AND RESCUE
METHODOLOGY
Page 10
A. Majority of Rescues After a Disaster
1. Most rescues happen shortly after the event by uninjured people who were next to the injured
people.
2. Civilian rescuers and not the usual emergency response organizations (fire, law enforcement, and
medical) will perform the majority of rescues.
3. Emergency response organizations respond first to hazards which have major consequences, like
large fires and haz-mat spills. Search and rescue for more severely trapped patients is attempted
later.
B. Most of the injuries are minor and can be prevented by securing building contents inside the
structures.
1. Easy to identify building content hazards.
2. Easy and inexpensive to correct most building content hazards.
C. Disaster Service Workers
1. You should be prepared to stay in your school until relieved.
2. Self Preparedness
a. You and your family need to be prepared for a disaster.
b. If the disaster occurs while you are at work you will be able to function more efficiently
knowing your family is prepared and hazards were reduced.
Page 11
D. Four Types of Structural Collapse Disaster Rescue Situations
1. Injured, Not Trapped
a. Injury is usually caused by falling debris hitting the victim or the victim falling and hitting
the ground. Also known as "surface victims".
b. Removing the victim to a safe location and treatment of wounds is required for rescue.
c. Usually accounts for 50% of victims.
2. Non-Structural Entrapment
a. The building still looks like the original building. Also known as "light rescue".
b. Building contents like file cabinets, book shelves, refrigerator, and small pieces of debris will
trap victims.
c. Locating the victim and lifting the building contents or small pieces of debris off them is
usually accomplished with common hand tools. Removing the victim to a safe location and
treatment of wounds is required for rescue.
d. Usually accounts for 30% of victims.
3. Void Space Non-Structural Entrapment
a. The building no longer looks like the original building. Partial or complete collapse has
occurred. This is a hazardous and dangerous situation.
b. Victims are still trapped by the building contents such as file cabinets, bookshelves,
refrigerator, and small pieces of debris. But they are located inside void spaces created by the
collapsed structure(s).
c. Securing the structure, locating the victim, lifting the building contents or small pieces of
debris off them, removing the victim to a safe location, and treatment of wounds is required
for rescue.
d. Rescuing a victim in this category usually takes about four (4) hours.
e. Usually accounts for l5 of victims.
Page 12
4. Entombed
a. The building no longer looks like the original building. Partial or complete collapse has
occurred. This is a very hazardous and dangerous situation.
b. Victims are trapped by structural components like walls, floors, and roofs.
c. Securing the structure, locating the victim, lifting, removing or breaching the structural
components away from them, removing the victim to a safe location, and treatment of
wounds is required for rescue.
d. Rescuing entombed victims usually takes longer than four (4) hours. The average time is
about eight (8) hours.
e. Usually accounts for 5% of victims.
Page 13
E. Four Training Levels For Each Type of Rescue Situation
1. Injured, Not Trapped
a. Spontaneous Rescue Teams
(I)
(II)
Co-workers, relatives, and civilians near the structural collapse.
Preventing damage and injury from building contents with Non-Structural Hazard
Mitigation programs and Basic First Aid.
2. Non-Structural Entrapment
a. Disaster Assistance Response Teams
(I)
Business and Industry, City Employees, Schools, and organized community group
teams.
(II)
In addition to the above training, basic tool knowledge used to release victims
entrapped by building contents and small pieces of debris, utility control, basic fire
fighting and basic urban search management and techniques.
3. Void Space Non-Structural Entrapment
a. Emergency Service Providers
(I)
Fire departments, law enforcement, medical, military, volunteer search and rescue
teams, and industrial response teams.
(II)
In addition to the above training, good tool knowledge and use to release victims
entrapped by building contents and small pieces of debris inside voids of the collapsed
structure. Basic structural collapse hazard awareness and mitigation techniques, and
Incident Command System (ICS) training.
4. Entombed
a. Urban Search and Rescue Teams
Note:
(I)
Fire Departments, structural engineers, general contractors, and specialist rescue
teams from the public, private and federal level.
(II)
In addition to the above training, any additional training useful in locating entrapped
victims and lifting, removing or breaching structural components away from them.
At least 80% of the injured and entrapped victims of past structural collapse disasters have been
rescued within the first 24 hours following the incident.
Page 14
F. The Five Stages of Rescue
1. STAGE I
a. Scene organization & management
(I)
Establish the Incident Command Site
(II)
Establish a Medical Treatment Area
(III)
Assign staff according to the School Disaster Plan i.e. light search and rescue,
damage assessment, communications, first aid, safety and security, sheltering and special
needs
(IV)
Remaining staff and students become "worker resource pool" waiting for an
assignment
(V)
Collect staff input and accounting information
(VI)
Assign Search and Rescue operations based on known victims and their location
2. STAGE II
a. Rescue & remove surface victims
(I)
During the site survey
(II)
Exterior of structure only
(III)
On top of and under debris piles
Page 15
3. STAGE III
a. Search likely survival places
(I)
After completing Stage I utilizing “known victim” list
(II)
Type of structure (buildings that still look like buildings)
(III)
Time of day (people at work, kids in school, etc.)
(IV)
Info from staff, students, or visitors
(V)
Use search markings (/-enter and x -exit)
b. Locating methods
(I)
Visual and vocal search
(II)
Hailing system
c. Search building content voids
(I)
Identify type of void
(II)
Identify hazards
(III)
Search the building content void spaces
(IV)
Identify structural voids and report info to the Incident Manager
(V)
DO NOT ENTER buildings that don't look like the original building
Page 16
4. STAGE IV
a. Selected Debris Removal
*** ERT members may assist at the perimeter***
of selected debris removal operations with
direction and supervision from trained
light search and rescue team members
(PROCEDURES BELOW LINE EXCEED ERT MEMBER CAPABILITIES)
(I)
Remove all rescue personnel from structure
(II)
Correct all possible hazards
(III)
Develop a systematic plan for removing the selected portions of debris
(IV)
Selection of debris to be removed is based on highest probability of finding live
victims
(V)
Keep number of rescue team members inside the structure to a minimum
(VI)
Remove debris from top and work towards the bottom
(VII) Mark debris piles that have been removed to prevent future rescue teams from
searching the rubble
(VIII) Have a contingency plan if a live or deceased victim is found
5. STAGE V
a. General Debris Removal
*** ERT members may assist at the perimeter***
of general debris removal operations with
direction and supervision from trained
light search and rescue team members
(PROCEDURES BELOW LINE EXCEED ERT MEMBER CAPABILITIES)
Probability of finding live victims is highly unlikely
(I)
Structure and debris are systematically removed with heavy equipment without
regard or preference to any particular location
(II)
Rubble removed from the structure must be inspected for bodies and body parts.
(III)
Any bodies or body parts found must be taken to a predetermined location.
Page 17
Hailing System
Entrapped Victim Locating Method
1. Place rescuers in calling and listening positions around the search area
2. Rescue team leader calls for silence and all work in the area to stop
3. Go "around the clock" each rescuer calls or taps some object
4. All rescuers listen and try to get a "FIX" on any sound they may hear
5. Any sound heard should be verified with at least one additional "FIX" from another angle
Page 18
Page 19
Page 20
Page 21
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT III
SEARCH
METHODS AND MARKINGS
Page 22
A. The Search Function
1. Locating persons known to be in a general area
2. Ensure all persons are out of a specific location
3. Must be thorough and systematic to reduce duplication of effort
4. Use your school site map for search and rescue
a. Contact the Incident Manager after completing the search of each area
B. School Accounting Form
1. Identifies the students and staff currently present
2. Identifies the students and staff not present
3. Identifies the students and staff with injuries and their location
C. Known Location of Victim
1. Go the most direct and safest route
D. Unknown Location of Victim
1. Multiple rooms
a. Enter: Go right and stay right
(I)
Stay in contact with the wall
b. Exit: Go left and stay left
(I)
Stay in contact with the wall
2. Open Areas (recreation centers, churches, etc.)
a. Line Search
(I)
Spread team members straight across the open area
(II)
Slowly walk through the area to the other side
(III)
Team members on the ends of the line search perimeter rooms usinggo right and
stay right method
E. Search Markings
1. Easy to read, easy to make, easy to understand
2. Use chalk, paint, crayons, tape
3. Start the marking symbol when you enter the room or structure, complete it when you exit
Page 23
Page 24
Page 25
Page 26
Page 27
School Site Map
Room 101
Room 102
Room 103
Room 104
Room 105
Room 106
Room 107
Room 108
Page 28
Page 29
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT IV
FIRST AID TRIAGE
Page 30
S.T.A.R.T. Plan
Simple Triage and Rapid Transport
A. The Plan
1. Was developed for use in pre-hospital MCI's (Mass Casualty Incident)
2. Allows Emergency Medical Service personnel to survey a patient and quickly make an initial
assessment for treatment and transportation needs.
3. Simple to learn and use, and utilizes the ABC's of patient assessment.
4. Does not require any special skills or specific patient diagnostics.
5. Allows for immediate stabilization of life threatening airway and bleeding problems.
6. Uses three criteria to categorize patients
a. R - Respiration’s
b. P - Perfusion
c. M-Mental Status
B. Step 1
1. Initial medical responder enters incident, identifies self, and directs all patients who can walk to
gather and remain in a safe place.
a. This will identify those patients that do not have respiratory, circulatory or mental/motor
function problems
b. Most of these patients will be tagged green (delayed)
c. Do not tag at this time, these patients will be reassessed later
d. This is the initial triage and patient status may change
C. Step 2
1. Begin evaluating the non-ambulatory (unable to walk) patients where they are lying.
2. Assess RESPIRATIONS - normal, rapid, absent
a. If absent, open airway to see if breathing begins
b. If not breathing, tag black (dead)
DO NOT PERFORM CPR
c. If patient needs assistance to maintain open airway, or a respiratory rate greater than 30, tag
red (attempt to use a bystander to hold airway open)
d. If respiration’s are normal, go to next step
Page 31
D. Step 3
1. Assess PERFUSION - pulse, bleeding
a. Use the capillary refill test or check radial (wrist) pulse
b. If capillary refill is greater than 2 seconds, or radial pulse is absent, tag red
c. If capillary refill is less than 2 seconds, or radial pulse is present, go to next step
d. Any life threatening bleeding should be controlled at this time, and if possible, raise patient's
legs to treat for shock (attempt to use bystander to hold pressure for bleeding control)
E. Step 4
1. Assess MENTAL STATUS - commands, movement
a. Use simple commands/tasks to assess
b. If patient can not follow simple commands, tag red
c. If the patient can follow simple commands they will be tagged yellow or green
d. This will depend on other conditions, where their injuries will determine the priority of
yellow vs. green (i.e. multiple fracture would require a higher level of treatment than
superficial lacerations)
F. Conclusion
1. The S.T.A.R.T. Plan is a simple, step by step triage and treatment method to be used by all care
providers at an MCI.
2. This method will allow for rapid identification of those patients who are at greatest risk for early
death and the provision of basic life-saving stabilization techniques.
Page 32
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT V
BASIC CONSTRUCTION
AND
UTILITY CONTROL
Page 33
A. Basic Construction
1. More than a dozen different types of construction for buildings
2. The most common two
a. Light frame construction
b. Heavy wall construction
B. Light Frame Construction
1. Light weight materials (usually wood) built with an internal framework which supports light
weight floors and roofs giving the building a lot of flexibility
2. Hazards come from heavy objects attached to the outside of the structure
a. Chimneys, brick veneer, heating and air conditioning units, etc.
C. Heavy Wall Construction
1. Thick and heavy walls supporting light weight floors and roofs
2. Hazards
a. Very rigid walls that can break and fall off. When the walls fail, nothing supports the floors
and roofs
b. Walls can fall their entire height away from the building
c. Heavy objects attached to the building can fall off
D. Stuck Doors
1. After buildings flex, doors can become stuck against the door frame
2. Make sure the door is unlocked before attempting to pry it open
3. Use whatever tools you have available
a. A regular pry bar (crow bar) will work fine
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
Opening a Stuck Door
Doors can become jammed after an earthquake. They are usually stuck because the door frame shifts and
wedges against the door. First make sure the door is unlocked before attempting to force open any door.
Force the top of a pry bar into the area which appears to be stuck. Push the pry bar against the door in the
direction the door would normally open.
Page 37
Utility Control Safety
E. Natural Gas (Safety & Security Team will probably control)
1. Flammable, explosive, and oxygen deficient atmospheres
2. Shut off gas valve(s) next to structure after looking for fast moving dials that could indicate a leak
inside the structure.
F. Electricity (Safety & Security Team will probably control)
1. Electrocutions from direct contact with wires
2. Electrocution from energized metal objects in contact with wires
3. Fire or explosion ignition source
4. Shut off electricity by
a. Shutting off circuit breaker panels and fuse boxes
(I)
Start at bottom and work up
(II)
Knife box switches
(III)
Start with small switches first
b. Cutting drip loops
(I)
Only with proper training and equipment
G. Water (Safety & Security Team will probably control)
1. Electrocution from water in contact with energized wires.
2. Weight of water pooled on floors or absorbed into the porous structural components could cause
further collapse.
3. Drowning
4. Shut off the water valve(s) next to the structure and also the valve next to the street or alley, if
possible. (Right to Tight - Left to Loosen)
Page 38
Page 39
Page 40
Page 41
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT VI
LIFTING
HEAVY OBJECTS
Page 42
A. Lifting Heavy Objects by Hand
1. Keep your back straight and bend your legs
2. Obtain secure footing and balance
3. Look up and lift with your leg muscles
4. Get more people to help lift
5. Coordinate the lift with other rescuers to prevent overexertion and load imbalance
a. One person must be in charge of the lift
6. Once raised, hold at waist height
B. Tools for Lifting Heavy Objects
1. Lifting tools
a. Prybar
b. Automobile jack
2. Improvised pry bars
a. Pipes
b. Timbers
C. Lifting Heavy Objects with Tools
1. Secure the object from slipping
a. Use foot, shim, etc.
2. Crib under the object to prevent it from lowering onto the victim
3. Lift the object with a lifting tool
a. Pry bar, automobile jack, etc.
4. Crib or shim under the object to remove all available space
5. Remove the victim after the object is secure and completely clear of the victim
Page 43
Page 44
Page 45
Page 46
Page 47
LIGHT
SEARCH
AND RESCUE
UNIT VII
Lifting & Moving
Patients
Page 48
A. Reasons to move a patient
1. Environment
a. Possible structural collapse
b. Toxic atmosphere
c. Fire or explosion
2. Further treatment needed
a. Dictated by patient’s injuries
b. Care available at the patient location may not be adequate
B. Considerations before moving a patient
1. Quick removal
a. Location immediately dangerous to rescuer or patient
b. Patient’s condition is declining
2. Slower removal
a. Patient injuries require stabilization prior to movement
(I)
Bleeding
(II)
Fractures
(III)
Etc.
3. More rescuers needed in order to move patient
a. Patient size
b. Exit pathway
c. Patient’s injuries
Page 49
C. Proper lifting techniques
1. Keep back straight
2. Lift with your legs
3. Look up when you start to lift
4. Rescuer at patients head gives directions when to lift or move
D. Patient drags
1. Reasons to use drags
a. Facilitates fast patient removal
b. Only one rescuer is needed
c. Used for short distances
d. Material at hand will suffice
Page 50
2. The three patient drags
a. Shirt drag
(I)
Pull patient with shoulders of shirt
(II)
Pull towards you, moving backwards
(III)
Caution - Do not choke patient
Shirt Drag
Page 51
b.
Sheet drag
(I)
Place sheet over patient’s chest
(II)
Bring ends of sheet under patient’s arms
(III)
Place together at back of patient’s head
(IV)
Use sheet to pull patient towards you
(V)
Caution - Do not choke patient
Sheet Drag
Page 52
c. Blanket drag
(I)
Place or roll patient on top of a sturdy blanket
(II)
Wrap the blanket around patient
(III)
Grab the blanket near the patient head and pull towards you
(IV)
Caution - Do not choke patient
Blanket Drag
Page 53
E.
The miscellaneous patient carries
1. Standing Carry
a. Patient has minor injuries
b. One or two rescuers of average strength
c. Used for short distances
d. Procedures - One rescuer
(I)
Rescuer stands next to injured side of patient
(II)
Place patient’s arm around rescuer’s neck and grasp the wrist
(III)
Rescuer places arm around patient’s hips
(IV)
Patient assists the rescuer by hopping or limping
Standing Carry—1 Rescuer
Page 54
e. Procedures - Two rescuer
(I)
Rescuers stand on both sides of patient
(II)
Place both of patient’s arms around rescuers necks
(III)
Rescuers place other arms around patients hips
(IV)
If possible, patient will assist rescuers by hopping or limping
Standing Carry—2 Rescuers
Page 55
2. Two handed seat carry
a. Patient has minor injuries
b. Needs two rescuers with above average strength
c. Used for short distances
d. Procedures
(I)
(II)
Rescuers stand on both sides of patient
Rescuers grasp each others wrists behind the patient’s knees, and place other arms on
top of each other behind patient’s back
(III)
Patient sits on rescuer’s arms
(IV)
Patient can assist rescuers by holding their shoulders
Two Handed Seat Carry
Page 56
3. Extremity carry
a. Patient has minor injuries
b. Needs two rescuers with above average strength
c. Used for short distances
d. Procedures
(I)
(II)
One rescuer stands behind patient, the other in front
Rescuer behind patient reaches around and grasps the patients opposite wrists, and
pulls them into the patient’s abdomen
(III)
Rescuer in front faces the patient and holds behind their knees
(IV)
Keep back straight, look up, and lift when both rescuers are ready
(V)
Caution - Do not close off patients airway
Extremity Carry
Page 57
4. Chair carry
a. Patient has minor injuries
b. Need a sturdy chair and two rescuers with above average strength
c. Used for short distances
d. Procedures
(I)
Place patient in a chair (use the extremity carry to accomplish this)
(II)
One rescuer stands behind patient and one in front
(III)
Rescuer behind patient grasps the back of the chair
(IV)
Rescuer in front faces patient and grasps the front legs of the chair
(V)
Tilt chair backwards
(VI)
Keep backs straight, look up, and lift with your legs
Chair Carry
Page 58
5. Stretcher carry
a. Patient can have minor or major injuries
b. Needs a stretcher, table, shelve, door, etc.
c. Needs two or four rescuers of average strength
d. Used for short or long distances
e. Safest technique for both the rescuer and patient
f.
Procedures
If needed, Team leader stabilizes the patient’s head
(I)
(II)
Place both thumbs on top of patient’s collar bones and secure patient’s head with
your forearms
(III)
Direct other rescuers into position
(IV)
One rescuer will hold patients shoulder and waist
(V)
One rescuer will hold patients hips and ankles
(VI)
One rescuer will hold the stretcher in position
(VII) Under the direction of the Team leader, roll patient as a single unit onto the stretcher
(log roll technique)
Backboard Carry
Page 59
Stretcher Carry
Page 60
APPENDIX
Page 61
Resource List
Page 62
Notes
Page 63