the victim is too large, or further immobilization of thelower extremities is necessary, the long spineboardmay be slid at a right angle behind the shortspineboard, and the victim maneuvered onto his sideand secured to the longboard.The possible uses of the spineboard in anemergency situation are limited only by theimagination of the rescuers.Emergency Rescue LinesAs previously mentioned, the steel-wire lifelinecan often be used to haul a person to safety. Anemergency rescue line can also be made from anystrong fiber line. Both should be used only in extremeemergencies, when an injured person must be movedand no other means is available. Figure 3–34 shows anemergency rescue line that could be used to hoist aperson from a void or small compartment. Notice thata running bowline is passed around the body, justbelow the hips, and a half hitch is placed just under thearms. Notice also that a guideline is tied to thecasualty’s ankles to prevent banging against bulkheadsand hatchways.Rescue Drag and Carry TechniquesThere will be times when you, as a Corpsman, willbe required to evacuate a sick or injured person from anemergency scene to a location of safety. Casualtiescarried by manual means must be carefully andcorrectly handled, otherwise their injuries may becomemore serious or possibly fatal. Situation permitting,evacuation or transport of a casualty should beorganized and unhurried. Each movement should beperformed as deliberately and gently as possible.Manual carries are tiring for the bearer(s) andinvolve the risk of increasing the severity of thecasualty’s injury. In some instances, however, they areessential to save the casualty’s life. Although manualcarries are accomplished by one or two bearers, thetwo-man carries are used whenever possible. Theyprovide more comfort to the casualty, are less likely toaggravate his injuries, and are also less tiring for thebearers, thus enabling them to carry him farther. Thedistance a casualty can be carried depends on manyfactors, such asstrength and endurance of the bearer(s),weight of the casualty,nature of the casualty’s injury, andobstacles encountered during transport.You should choose the evacuation technique thatwill be the least harmful, both to you and the victim.When necessary and appropriate, use a one-rescuertechnique (several of which are described in thefollowing section). Two-rescuer techniques and thecircumstances under which those techniques areappropriate are also listed below.ONE-RESCUER TECHNIQUES.—If a victimcan stand or walk, assist him to a safe place. If there areno indications of injury to the spine or an extremity butthe casualty is not ambulatory, he can be carried bymeans of any of the following:Fireman’s Carry: One of the easiest ways tocarry an unconscious person is by means of thefireman’s carry. Figure 3–35 shows the steps of thisprocedure.Pack-strap Carry: With the pack-strap carry,shown in figure 3–36, it is possible to carry a heavyperson for some distance. Use the following procedure:1. Place the casualty in a supine position.2. Lie down on your side along the casualty’suninjured or less injured side. Your shouldershould be next to the casualty’s armpit.3. Pull the casualty’s far leg over your own,holding it there if necessary.3-21Figure 3–34.—Hoisting a person.
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