the victim is too large, or further immobilization of the
lower extremities is necessary, the long spineboard
may be slid at a right angle behind the short
spineboard, and the victim maneuvered onto his side
and secured to the longboard.
The possible uses of the spineboard in an
emergency situation are limited only by the
imagination of the rescuers.
Emergency Rescue Lines
As previously mentioned, the steel-wire lifeline
can often be used to haul a person to safety.
An
emergency rescue line can also be made from any
strong fiber line. Both should be used only in extreme
emergencies, when an injured person must be moved
and no other means is available. Figure 334 shows an
emergency rescue line that could be used to hoist a
person from a void or small compartment. Notice that
a running bowline is passed around the body, just
below the hips, and a half hitch is placed just under the
arms.
Notice also that a guideline is tied to the
casualtys ankles to prevent banging against bulkheads
and hatchways.
Rescue Drag and Carry Techniques
There will be times when you, as a Corpsman, will
be required to evacuate a sick or injured person from an
emergency scene to a location of safety. Casualties
carried by manual means must be carefully and
correctly handled, otherwise their injuries may become
more serious or possibly fatal. Situation permitting,
evacuation or transport of a casualty should be
organized and unhurried. Each movement should be
performed as deliberately and gently as possible.
Manual carries are tiring for the bearer(s) and
involve the risk of increasing the severity of the
casualtys injury. In some instances, however, they are
essential to save the casualtys life. Although manual
carries are accomplished by one or two bearers, the
two-man carries are used whenever possible. They
provide more comfort to the casualty, are less likely to
aggravate his injuries, and are also less tiring for the
bearers, thus enabling them to carry him farther. The
distance a casualty can be carried depends on many
factors, such as
strength and endurance of the bearer(s),
weight of the casualty,
nature of the casualtys injury, and
obstacles encountered during transport.
You should choose the evacuation technique that
will be the least harmful, both to you and the victim.
When necessary and appropriate, use a one-rescuer
technique (several of which are described in the
following section). Two-rescuer techniques and the
circumstances under which those techniques are
appropriate are also listed below.
ONE-RESCUER TECHNIQUES.If a victim
can stand or walk, assist him to a safe place. If there are
no indications of injury to the spine or an extremity but
the casualty is not ambulatory, he can be carried by
means of any of the following:
Firemans Carry: One of the easiest ways to
carry an unconscious person is by means of the
firemans carry. Figure 335 shows the steps of this
procedure.
Pack-strap Carry: With the pack-strap carry,
shown in figure 336, it is possible to carry a heavy
person for some distance. Use the following procedure:
1. Place the casualty in a supine position.
2. Lie down on your side along the casualtys
uninjured or less injured side. Your shoulder
should be next to the casualtys armpit.
3. Pull the casualtys far leg over your own,
holding it there if necessary.
3-21
Figure 334.Hoisting a person.