Figure 13-20.- Stokes stretcher.
the head and shoulders. The casualty should be lowered gently onto the stretcher and be made as comfortable as possible. The feet must be fastened to the end of the stretcher so they will not slide down. Another blanket (or more, if necessary) should be used to cover the casualty.
The casualty must be fastened to the stretcher by means of straps that go over the chest, hips, and knees. Make sure the straps go over the blanket or other covering, to hold it in place.
Figure 13-21.- Army litter.
ARMY LITTER.- The Army litter (fig. 13-21) is a collapsible stretcher made of canvas and supported by wooden or aluminum poles.
It is useful for transporting battle casualties in the field. However, because it is sometimes difficult to fasten the casualty onto the Army litter, its use is limited aboard ship.
It is most useful aboard ship in mass casualty situations to hold casualties in one stationary area.
The litter is designed so its legs keep the patient off the ground and fit into the restraining tracks of a jeep or field ambulance to hold the litter in place.
IMPROVISED STRETCHER. - Standard stretchers should be used whenever possible to transport a seriously injured person. If no stretcher is available, you may have to improvise. Shutters, doors, boards, and even ladders may be used as stretchers. An improvised stretcher must be well padded and great care must be taken to see that the casualty is fastened securely in place.
Sometimes a blanket may be used as a stretcher (fig. 13-22). The casualty is placed in the middle of the blanket on his/her back. Three or four people kneel on each side and roll the edges of the blanket toward the casualty (see A in fig. 13-22). When the rolled edges are tight and large enough to grab securely, the casualty can be lifted and carried (see B in fig. 13-22).
Figure 13-22.- Blanket used as an improvised stretcher
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