Patient/Casualty

Handling

Marlon Bernardo, RN
Centro Escolar University
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lecture demonstration, you should be able to:

 Define emergency rescue, including its indications and

methods.

 Identify the factors to be considered in the selection or

choosing the transfer method.

 Discuss pointers to be observed during transfer.

 Demonstrate methods of transfer: one-man, two-man, three-

man, and four-man assist/carries/drags.
Emergency Rescue
is a rapid movement of patient from
unsafe place to a place of safety.
Indications for Emergency Rescue

1. Danger of fire or explosion.

2. Danger of toxic gases or asphyxia due to lack of
oxygen.
3. Serious traffic hazards.
4. Risk of drowning.
5. Danger of electrocution.
6. Danger of collapsing walls.
Methods of Rescue

1. For immediate rescue without any assistance, drag or

pull the victim.

2. Most of the one-man drags/carries and other transfer

methods can be used as methods of rescue.

Transfer is moving a patient from one place

to another after giving first aid.
Factors to be considered in the selection or
choosing the transfer method:
1. Nature and severity of injury.
2. Size of the victim.
3. Physical capabilities of the first aider.
4. Number of personnel and equipment available.
5. Nature of evacuation route.
6. Distance to be covered.
7. Sex of the victims. (last consideration)
Pointers to be observed during transfer:
1. Victim’s airway must be maintained open.

2. Hemorrhage is controlled.

3. Victim is safely maintained in the correct position.

4. Regular check of the victim’s condition is made.

5. Supporting bandages and dressing remain effectively

applied.
6. The method of transfer is safe, comfortable and as speedy as
circumstances permit.

7. The patient’s body is moved as one unit.

8. The taller first aiders stay at the head of the victim.

9. First aiders/bearers must observed ergonomics

in lifting and moving of patient.
Methods of Transfer
1. One-man assist/carries/drags
- Assist to Walk - Fireman’s Drag

- Carry in Arms (cradle) - Blanket Drag

- Pack Strap Carry - Armpit/Shoulder Drag

- Piggy Back Carry - Cloth Drag

- Fireman’s Carry - Feet Drag

- Inclined Drag (head first- passing

a stairway)
 Assist to Walk

 Ma’am/Sir, I will assist

you to sit in the count of
three. Please cooperate…
One, two, three…

 Ma’am/Sir, I will assist

you to stand in the count of
three. Please cooperate…
One, two, three…
 Carry in Arms
(One-Person Lift)

This only works with a child or a

very light person.
 Fireman’s Carry

This technique is for

carrying a victim longer
distances. It is very
difficult to get the
person up to this
position from the
ground. Getting the
victim into position
requires a very strong
rescuer or an assistant.
 Pack-Strap Carry

When injuries make the

firefighter carry unsafe,
this method is better for
longer distances than the
one-person lift.
Piggyback Carry
Fireman’s Drag
 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.
Cloth Drag
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.
Inclined Drag
 Blanket Drag
This is the preferred method for dragging a victim.
2. Two-man assist/carries

- Assist to Walk

- Four-hand Seat

- Fireman’s Carry with Assistance

- Hands as a Litter

- Carry by Extremities
 Assist to Walk/
Human Crutch/
Two-Person Drag

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.
 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.
 Hands as a Litter
(Two-handed Seat)
This technique is for carrying a
victim longer distances. This
technique can support an
unconscious victim.
 Chair Carry
This is a good method for
carrying victims up and
down stairs or through
narrow or uneven areas.
Carry by Extremities
Fireman’s Carry with Assistance
3. Three-man carries

- Bearer’s Alongside (for narrow alleys)

- Hammock Carry
COMMAND USED IN 2 OR MORE RESCUERS
Preparatory Executory

• Ready to kneel …….…………………… Kneel

• Hands over the patient………………….. Move

• Ready to insert………………………….. Insert

• Patient on your knees, ready to lift ……... Lift

• Patient’s body press to the chest……… .. Press

Preparatory Executory

• Ready to stand…………………………. Stand

• Face the Leg/Head …………………….. Move

• Ready to walk, inner foot first………… Walk

• Ready to stop…………………………… Stop

• Face center……………………………… Move

• On your knees and rest…………………. Kneel

• Ready to unload………………………… Unload

Reminders

All team members must answer “ready” after the

leader gives preparatory command. Likewise,
leader shall only give the executory command
for all members who answered “ready.”
Bearer’s Alongside (for narrow alleys)
 Hammock Carry
(for wide spaces)
Three or more rescuers get on
both sides of the victim. The
strongest member is on the side
with the fewest rescuers.
4. Four-man Carries and with the use of Equipment

- Four-Man Hammock Carry

- Blanket Carry

- Commercial Stretcher
 Four-Man
Hammock Carry
 Blanket Lift

This technique is for lifting a

patient into a bed or stretcher,
or for transporting them short
distances.
Stretcher Lift
 References

 The Philippine National Red Cross (2007). Participant’s Workbook:

Standard First Aid. Philippine Copyright, 1999

 CERT Los Angeles Lifts and Carries (2001). [Accessed online]

http://www.certla.com/liftcarry/Liftcarry.htm