FIRST AID. Field Manual (2002)

Table 8-2. More Serious Stress Reaction (Continued)

TREATMENT PROCEDURES**

6. GIVE THE SERVICE MEMBER EASY TASKS TO DO WHEN NOT SLEEPING,

EATING, OR RESTING.

7. ASSURE THE SERVICE MEMBER HE WILL RETURN TO FULL DUTY IN 24

HOURS; AND, RETURN HIM TO NORMAL DUTIES AS SOON AS HE IS

READY.

* THESE SIGNS ARE PRESENT IN ADDITION TO THE SIGNS OF MILD STRESS

REACTION.

** DO THESE PROCEDURES IN ADDITION TO THE SELF- AND BUDDY AID

CARE.

Table 8-3. Preventive Measures to Combat Stress Reaction

1. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS INTO YOUR TEAM, GET TO KNOW THEM

QUICKLY. IF YOU ARE NEW, BE ACTIVE IN MAKING FRIENDS.

2. BE PHYSICALLY FIT (STRENGTH, ENDURANCE, AND AGILITY).

3. KNOW AND PRACTICE LIFESAVING SELF- AND BUDDY AID.

4. PRACTICE RAPID RELAXATION TECHNIQUES (FM 22-51).

5. HELP EACH OTHER OUT WHEN THINGS ARE TOUGH AT HOME OR IN THE

UNIT.

6. KEEP INFORMED; ASK YOUR LEADER QUESTIONS, IGNORE RUMORS.

7. WORK TOGETHER TO GIVE EVERYONE FOOD, WATER, SHELTER,

HYGIENE, AND SANITATION.

8. SLEEP WHEN MISSION AND SAFETY PERMIT; LET EVERYONE GET TIME

TO SLEEP.

• SLEEP ONLY IN SAFE PLACES AND BY STANDING OPERATING

PROCEDURE (SOP).

• IF POSSIBLE, SLEEP 6 TO 9 HOURS PER DAY.

• TRY TO GET AT LEAST 4 HOURS SLEEP PER DAY.

• GET GOOD SLEEP BEFORE GOING ON SUSTAINED OPERATIONS.

• CATNAP WHEN YOU CAN, BUT ALLOW TIME TO WAKE UP FULLY.

• CATCH UP ON SLEEP AFTER GOING WITHOUT.

8-11

APPENDIX A

FIRST AID CASE AND KITS,

DRESSINGS, AND BANDAGES

A-1.

First Aid Case with Field Dressings and Bandages

Every service member is issued a first aid case (Figure A-1A) with a field

first aid dressing encased in a plastic wrapper (Figure A-1B). He carries it at

all times for his use. The field first aid dressing is a standard sterile (germ-

free) compress or pad with bandages attached (Figure A-1C). This dressing

is used to cover the wound, to protect against further contamination, and to

stop bleeding (pressure dressing). When a service member administers first

aid to another person, he must remember to use the wounded person’s

dressing; he may need his own later. The service member must check his

first aid case regularly and replace any used or missing dressing. The field

first aid dressing may normally be obtained from his unit supply.

Figure A-1. Field first aid case and dressing (Illustrated A—C).

A-2.

General Purpose First Aid Kits

General-purpose first aid kits are listed in the common table of allowances

(CTA) 8-100. The operators, crew, and passengers carry these kits on Army

vehicles, aircraft, and boats for use. Individuals designated by unit TSOP to

be responsible for these kits are required to check them regularly and replace

all items used. The general-purpose kit and its contents can be obtained

through the unit supply system.

A-1

NOTE

Periodically check the dressings

(for holes or tears in the

packaging) and the medicines (for expiration date) that are in

the first aid kits. If necessary, replace defective or outdated

items.

A-3.

Dressings

Dressings are sterile pads or compresses used to cover wounds. They usually

are made of gauze or cotton wrapped in gauze (Figure A-1C). In addition to

the standard field first aid dressing, other dressings such as sterile gauze

compresses and small sterile compresses on adhesive strips may be available

under CTA 8-100.

A-4.

Standard Bandages

Standard bandages are made of gauze or muslin and are used

over a sterile dressing to secure the dressing in place, to close off its edge

from dirt and germs, and to create pressure on the wound and control

bleeding. A bandage can also support an injured part or secure a splint.

Tailed bandages may be attached to the dressing as indicated

on the field first aid dressing (Figure A-1C).

A-5.

Triangular and Cravat (Swathe) Bandages

Triangular and cravat (or swathe) bandages (Figure A-2) are

fashioned from a triangular piece of muslin (37 by 37 by 52 inches) provided

in the general-purpose first aid kit. If it is folded into a strip, it is called a

cravat. Two safety pins are packaged with each bandage. These bandages

are valuable in an emergency since they are easily applied.

To improvise a triangular bandage, cut a square of available

material, slightly larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, and fold it diagonally. If two

bandages are needed, cut the material along the diagonal fold.

A cravat can be improvised from such common items as

T-shirts, other shirts, bed linens, trouser legs, scarfs, or any other item

made of pliable and durable material that can be folded, torn, or cut to the

desired size.

A-2

APPENDIX B

RESCUE AND TRANSPORTATION

PROCEDURES

B-1.

General

A basic principle of first aid is to evaluate the casualty’s injuries and

administer first aid before moving him. However, adverse situations or

conditions may jeopardize the lives of both the rescuer and the casualty if this

is done. It may be necessary first to rescue the casualty before first aid can

be effectively or safely given. The life and/or the well-being of the casualty

will depend as much upon the manner in which he is rescued and transported,

as it will upon the first aid and medical treatment he receives. Rescue actions

must be done quickly and safely. Careless or rough handling of the casualty

during rescue operations can aggravate his injuries.

B-2.

Principles of Rescue Operations

When faced with the necessity of rescuing a casualty who is

threatened by hostile action, fire, water, or any other immediate hazard, DO

NOT take action without first determining the extent of the hazard and your

ability to handle the situation. DO NOT become a casualty.

The rescuer must evaluate the situation and analyze the factors

involved. This evaluation involves three major steps:

•

Identify the task.

•

Evaluate circumstances of the rescue.

•

Plan the action.

B-3.

Considerations

First determine if a rescue attempt is actually needed. It is a

waste of time, equipment, and personnel to rescue someone not in need of

rescuing. It is also a waste to look for someone who is not lost or needlessly

risk the lives of the rescuer(s). In planning a rescue, attempt to obtain the

following information:

•

Who, what, where, when, why, and how the situation

happened?

B-1

•

How many casualties are involved and the nature of their

injuries?

•

What is the tactical situation?

•

What are the terrain features and the location of the

casualties?

•

Will there be adequate assistance available to aid in the

rescue/evacuation?

•

Can first aid and/or medical treatment be provided at the

scene; will the casualties require movement to a safer location?

•

What specialized equipment will be required for the

rescue operation?

•

Is the rescue area contaminated? Will decontamination

equipment and materiel be required for casualties, rescue personnel, and

rescue equipment?

•

How much time is available?

The time element can play a significant role in how the rescue

is attempted. If the casualties are in imminent danger of losing their lives

(such as near a burning vehicle or in a burning building) the time available

will be relatively short and will sometimes cause a rescuer to compromise

planning stages and/or the first aid which can be given. However, if the

casualty is in a relatively secure area and his physical condition is strong,

more deliberate planning can take place. A realistic estimate of time available

must be made as quickly as possible to determine action time remaining. The

key elements are the casualty’s physical and mental condition, the tactical

situation, and the environment.

B-4.

Plan of Action

The casualty’s ability to endure is of primary importance in

estimating the time available. Age, physical condition, and extent of wounds

and/or injuries will differ from casualty to casualty. Therefore, to determine

the time available, you will have to consider—

•

Endurance time of the casualty.

•

Extent of injuries.

B-2

•

Type of situation.

•

Personnel and/or equipment availability.

•

Weather.

•

Terrain (natural and man-made).

•

Environment (contaminated or uncontaminated).

In respect to terrain, you must consider altitude and visibility.

In some cases, the casualty may be of assistance because he knows more

about the particular terrain or situation than you do. Maximum use of

secure/reliable trails or roads is essential.

When taking weather into account, ensure that blankets and/or

rain gear are available. Even a mild rain can complicate a normally simple

rescue. In high altitudes and/or extreme cold and gusting winds, the time

available is critically shortened. Be prepared to provide shelter and warmth

for the casualty as well as the rescuers.

B-5.

Proper Handling of Casualties

You may have saved the casualty’s life through the application

of appropriate first aid measures. However, his life can be lost through

rough handling or careless transportation procedures. Before you attempt to

move the casualty—

•

Evaluate the type and extent of his injuries.

•

Ensure that dressings over wounds are adequately

reinforced.

•

Ensure that fractured bones are properly immobilized

and supported to prevent them from cutting through muscle, blood vessels,

and skin.

Based upon your evaluation of the type and extent of the

casualty’s injury and your knowledge of the various manual carries, you

must select the best possible method of manual transportation. If the casualty

is conscious, tell him how he is to be transported. This will help allay his

fear of movement and gain his cooperation and confidence.

Buddy aid for chemical agent casualties includes those actions

required to prevent an incapacitated casualty from receiving additional injury

B-3

from the effects of chemical hazards. If a casualty is physically unable to

decontaminate himself or administer the proper chemical agent antidote, the

casualty’s buddy assists him and assumes responsibility for his care. Buddy-

aid includes—

•

Administering the proper chemical agent antidote.

•

Decontaminating the incapacitated casualty’s exposed skin.

•

Ensuring that his protective ensemble remains correctly

emplaced.

•

Maintaining respiration.

•

Controlling bleeding.

•

Providing other standard first aid measures

•

Transporting the casualty out of the contaminated area.

B-6.

Positioning the Casualty

The first step in any manual carry is to position the casualty to be lifted. If he

is conscious, he should be told how he is to be positioned and transported.

This helps lessen his fear of movement and to gain his cooperation. It may

be necessary to roll the casualty onto his abdomen, or his back, depending

upon the position in which he is lying and the particular carry to be used.

To roll a casualty onto his abdomen, kneel at the casualty’s

uninjured side.

(1)

Place his arms above his head; cross his ankle which is

farther from you over the one that is closer to you.

(2)

Place your hands on the shoulder which is farther from

you; place your other hand in the area of his hip or thigh (Figure B-1).

(3)

Roll him gently toward you onto his abdomen (Figure B-2).

To roll a casualty onto his back, follow the same procedure

described in a above, except gently roll the casualty onto his back, rather

than onto his abdomen.

B-4

Figure B-1. Positioning the casualty.

Figure B-2. Rolling casualty onto his abdomen.

B-7.

Medical Evacuation and Transportation of Casualties

Medical evacuation of the sick and wounded (with en route

medical care) is the responsibility of medical personnel who have been

provided special training and equipment. Therefore, unless a good reason

for you to transport a casualty arises, wait for some means of medical

evacuation to be provided. When the situation is urgent and you are unable

to obtain medical assistance or know that no medical evacuation assets are

available, you will have to transport the casualty. For this reason, you must

know how to transport him without increasing the seriousness of his condition.

Transporting a casualty by litter

(FM 8-10-6) is safer and

more comfortable for him than by manual means; it is also easier for you.

B-5

Manual transportation, however, may be the only feasible method because of

the terrain or the combat situation; or it may be necessary to save a life. In

these situations, the casualty should be transferred to a litter as soon as one

can be made available or improvised.

B-8.

Manual Carries

Casualties carried by manual means must be carefully and correctly handled,

otherwise their injuries may become more serious or possibly fatal. Situation

permitting, transport of a casualty should be organized and unhurried. Each

movement should be performed as deliberately and gently as possible.

Casualties should not be moved before the type and extent of injuries are

evaluated and the required first aid is administered. The exception to this

occurs when the situation dictates immediate movement for safety purposes

(for example, it may be necessary to remove a casualty from a burning

vehicle); that is, the situation dictates that the urgency of casualty movement

outweighs the need to administer first aid. Manual carries are tiring for the

bearers and involve the risk of increasing the severity of the casualty’s injury.

In some instances, however, they are essential to save the casualty’s 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. The distance a casualty can be carried depends on many factors,

such as—

•

Nature of the casualty’s injuries.

•

Strength and endurance of the bearer(s).

•

Weight of the casualty.

•

Obstacles encountered during transport (natural or manmade).

•

Type of terrain.

One-man Carries. These carries should be used when only

one bearer is available to transport the casualty.

(1)

The fireman’s carry (Figure B-3) is one of the easiest

ways for one individual to carry another. After an unconscious or disabled

casualty has been properly positioned, he is raised from the ground, then

supported and placed in the carrying position.

B-6

(a) After rolling the casualty onto his abdomen,

straddle him. Extend your hands under his chest and lock them together.

(b) Lift the casualty to his knees as you move

backward.

casualty’s legs and locking his knees.

(d) Walk forward, bringing the casualty to a standing

position; tilt him slightly backward to prevent his knees from buckling.

(e) As you maintain constant support of the casualty

with one arm, free your other arm, quickly grasp his wrist, and raise his arm

high. Instantly pass your head under his raised arm, releasing it as you pass

under it.

(f)

Move swiftly to face the casualty and secure your

arms around his waist. Immediately place your foot between his feet and

spread them apart (approximately 6 to 8 inches).

(g) Grasp the casualty’s wrist and raise his arm high

over your head.

(h) Bend down and pull the casualty’s arm over and

down on your shoulder, bringing his body across your shoulders. At the

same time, pass your arm between his legs.

(i)

Grasp the casualty’s wrist with one hand, and place

your other hand on your knee for support.

(j)

Rise with the casualty positioned correctly. Your

other hand is free for use.

Figure B-3. Fireman’s carry (Illustrated A—J).

B-7

(2)

The alternate method of the fireman’s carry for raising a

casualty from the ground is illustrated in Figure B-4; however, it should be

used only when the bearer believes it to be safer for the casualty because of

the location of his wounds. When the alternate method is used, care must be

taken to prevent the casualty’s head from snapping back and causing a neck

injury. The steps for raising a casualty from the ground for the fireman’s

carry are also used in other one-man carries.

(a) Kneel on one knee at the casualty’s head and face

his feet. Extend your hands under his armpits, down his sides, and across his

back.

(b) As you rise, lift the casualty to his knees. Then

secure a lower hold and raise him to a standing position with his knees

locked.

Figure B-4. Fireman’s carry (alternate method) for lifting a

casualty to a standing position (Illustrated A—B).

(3)

In the supporting carry

(Figure B-5), the casualty must

be able to walk or at least hop on one leg, using the bearer as a crutch. This

carry can be used to assist him as far as he is able to walk or hop.

(a) Raise the casualty from the ground to a standing

position by using the fireman’s carry.

(b) Grasp the casualty’s wrist and draw his arm around

your neck.

now able to walk or hop using you as a support.

B-9

Figure B-5. Supporting carry.

(4)

The arms carry (Figure B-6) is useful in carrying a

casualty for a short distance (up to 50 meters) and for placing him on a litter.

(a) Raise or lift the casualty from the ground to a

standing position, as in the fireman’s carry.

(b) Place one arm under the casualty’s knees and your

other arm around his back.

(d) Carry the casualty high to lessen fatigue.

Figure B-6. Arms carry.

B-10

(5)

Only a conscious casualty can be transported by the

saddleback carry (Figure B-7), because he must be able to hold onto the

bearer’s neck. To use this technique—

(a) Raise the casualty to an upright position, as in the

fireman’s carry.

(b) Support the casualty by placing an arm around his

waist. Move to the casualty’s side. Have the casualty put his arm around

your neck and move in front of him with your back to support him.

(d) Stoop, raise him on your back and clasp your hands

together beneath his thighs, if possible.

Figure B-7. Saddleback carry.

(6)

In the pack-strap carry (Figure B-8), the casualty’s weight

rests high on the your back. This makes it easier for you to carry the casualty a

moderate distance (50 to 300 meters). To eliminate the possibility of injury to

the casualty’s arms, you must hold his arms in a palms-down position.

(a) Lift the casualty from the ground to a standing

position, as in the fireman’s carry.

(b) Support the casualty with your arms around him

and grasp his wrist closer to you.

shoulders.

B-11

(d) Move in front of him while still supporting his

weight against your back.

(e) Grasp his other wrist and place this arm over your

shoulder.

(f)

Bend forward and raise or hoist the casualty as

high on your back as possible so that his weight is resting on your back.

NOTE

Once the casualty is positioned on the bearer’s back, the bearer

remains as erect as possible to prevent straining or injuring his

back.

Figure B-8. Pack-strap carry.

(7)

The pistol-belt carry (Figure B-9) is the best one-man

carry for a long distance

(over 300 meters). The casualty is securely

supported upon your shoulders by a belt. Both your hands and the casualty’s

(if conscious) are free for carrying a weapon or equipment, or climbing

obstacles. With your hands free and the casualty secured in place, you are

also able to creep through shrubs and under low-hanging branches.

(a) Link two pistol belts

(or three, if necessary)

together to form a sling. Place the sling under the casualty’s thighs and

lower back so that a loop extends from each side.

NOTE

If pistol belts are not available for use, other items such as a rifle

sling, two cravat bandages, two litter straps, or any other suitable

material, which will not cut or bind the casualty may be used.

B-12

(b) Lie face up between the casualty’s outstretched

legs. Thrust your arms through the loops and grasp his hands and trouser leg

on his injured side.

abdomen, bringing him onto your back. Adjust the sling, if necessary.

(d) Rise to a kneeling position. The belt will hold the

casualty in place.

(e) Place one hand on your knee for support and rise

to an upright position.

(The casualty is supported on your shoulders.)

(f)

Carry the casualty with your hands free for use in

rifle firing, climbing, or surmounting obstacles.

Figure B-9. Pistol-belt carry (Illustrated A—F).

B-13

(8)

The pistol-belt drag

(Figure B-10), as well as other

drags, is generally used for short distances (up to 50 meters). This drag is

useful in combat, since both the bearer and the casualty can remain closer to

the ground than in any other drags.

(a) Extend two pistol belts or similar objects to their

full length and join them together to make a continuous loop.

(b) Roll the casualty onto his back, as in the fireman’s

carry.

it across his chest and under his armpits. Then cross the remaining portion of

the loop, thus forming a figure eight. Keep tension on the belts so they do

not come unhooked.

(d) Lie on your side facing the casualty.

(e) Slip the loop over your head and turn onto your

abdomen. This enables you to drag the casualty as you crawl.

Figure B-10. Pistol-belt drag.

(9)

The neck drag (Figure B-11) is useful in combat because

the bearer can transport the casualty as he creeps behind a low wall or

shrubbery, under a vehicle, or through a culvert. If the casualty is

unconscious, his head must be protected from the ground. The neck drag

cannot be used if the casualty has a broken arm.

NOTE

If the casualty is conscious, he may clasp his hands together

around your neck.

(a) Tie the casualty’s hands together at the wrists.

B-14

(b) Straddle the casualty in a kneeling face-to-face

position.

your neck.

(d) Crawl forward dragging the casualty with you.

NOTE

If the casualty is unconscious, protect his head from the ground.

Figure B-11. Neck drag.

(10) The cradle drop drag (Figure B-12) is effective in

moving a casualty up or down steps.

(a) Kneel at the casualty’s head (with him lying on his

back). Slide your hands, with palms up, under the casualty’s shoulders and

get a firm hold under his armpits.

(b) Rise (partially), supporting the casualty’s head on

one of your forearms.

(You may bring your elbows together and let the

casualty’s head rest on both of your forearms.)

(The

casualty is in a semisitting position.)

(d) Back down the steps, supporting the casualty’s

head and body and letting his hips and legs drop from step to step.

NOTE

If the casualty needs to be moved up the steps, you should back

up the steps, using the same procedure.

B-15

(b) Have the casualty place one leg into the loop

formed by your suspenders and pistol belt.

place his other leg into the loop, also.

(d) Have the casualty place his arms over your

shoulders, lean forward onto your back, and lock his hands together.

(e) Stand up and lean forward into a comfortable

position.

(f)

Continue the mission.

Figure B-13. Load bearing equipment carry using

bearer’s LBE (conscious casualty) (Illustrated A—F).

B-17

Figure B-13. Load bearing equipment carry using bearer’s LBE

(conscious casualty) (Illustrated A—F) (Continued).

(12) The LBE carry using the bearer’s LBE can be used with

an unconscious casualty or one who cannot stand (Figure B-14).

(a) Position the casualty on the flat of his back.

(b) Remove your LBE and loosen all suspender straps.

formed by your suspenders and pistol belt. Then place the other leg through

the same loop. The LBE is moved up until the pistol belt is behind the

casualty’s thighs.

(d) Lay between the casualty’s legs; work your arms

through the LBE suspenders.

(e) Grasp the casualty’s hand (on the injured side),

and roll the casualty (on his uninjured side) onto your back.

(f)

Rise to one knee and then push into a standing

position.

(g) Bring the casualty’s arms over your shoulders.

Grasp his hands and secure them if the casualty is unconscious. If the

casualty is conscious, have him lock his hands in front if he is able to do so.

(h) Lean forward into a comfortable position and

continue the mission.

B-18

(13) The LBE carry using the casualty’s LBE (Figure B-15)

can be used with a conscious or unconscious casualty.

(a) Position the casualty on his back with his LBE on.

(b) Loosen the casualty’s two front suspenders.

slip your arms into the casualty’s two front suspenders (up to your shoulders).

(d) Work his arms out of his LBE suspenders.

(e) Grasp the casualty’s hand (on the injured side),

and roll him (on his uninjured side) onto your back.

(f)

Rise to one knee, then into a standing position.

(g) Grasp the casualty’s hands and secure them, if the

casualty is unconscious. Have the casualty lock his hands in front of you, if

he is conscious.

(h) Lean forward into a comfortable position and

continue the mission.

Figure B-15. Load bearing equipment carry using

casualty’s LBE (Illustrated A—G).

B-20

Two-man Carries. These carries should be used whenever

possible. They provide more casualty comfort, are less likely to aggravate

injuries, and are less tiring for the bearers. Five different two-man carries

can be used.

(1)

The two-man support carry (Figure B-16) can be used in

transporting either conscious or unconscious casualties. If the casualty is

taller than the bearers, it may be necessary for the bearers to lift the casualty’s

legs and let them rest on their forearms. The bearers—

(a) Help the casualty to his feet and support him with

their arms around his waist.

(b) Grasp the casualty’s wrists and draw his arms

around their necks.

Figure B-16. Two-man supporting carry.

(2)

The two-man arms carry (Figure B-17) is useful in

carrying a casualty for a moderate distance (50 to 300 meters) and placing

him on a litter. To lessen fatigue, the bearers should carry the casualty high

and as close to their chests as possible. In extreme emergencies when there is

no time to obtain a spine board, this carry is the safest one for transporting a

casualty with a back injury. If possible, two additional bearers should be

used to keep the casualty’s head and legs in alignment with his body. The

bearers—

(a) Kneel at one side of the casualty; then they place

their arms beneath the casualty’s back, waist, hips, and knees.

B-22

(3)

The two-man fore-and aft-carry (Figure B-18) is a useful

two-man carry for transporting a casualty for a long distance (over 300

meters). The taller of the two bearers should position himself at the casualty’s

head. By altering this carry so that both bearers face the casualty, it is useful

for placing a casualty on a litter.

(a) The shorter bearer spreads the casualty’s legs and

kneels between them with his back to the casualty. He positions his hands

behind the casualty’s knees. The other bearer kneels at the casualty’s head,

slides his hands under the arms, across the chest, and locks his hands together.

(b) The two bearers rise together, lifting the casualty.

Figure B-18. Two-man fore-and-aft carry (Illustrated A—B).

(4)

Only a conscious casualty can be transported with the

four-hand seat carry (Figure B-19) because he must help support himself by

placing his arms around the bearers’ shoulders. This carry is especially

useful in transporting a casualty with a head or foot injury for a moderate

distance (50 to 300 meters). It is also useful for placing a casualty on a litter.

(a) Each bearer grasps one of his wrists and one of the

other bearer’s wrists, thus forming a packsaddle.

(b) The two bearers lower themselves sufficiently for

the casualty to sit on the packsaddle; then, they have the casualty place his arms

around their shoulders for support. The bearers then rise to an upright position.

B-24

Figure B-19. Four-hand seat carry (Illustrated A—B).

(5)

The two-hand seat carry (Figure B-20) is used when

carrying a casualty for a short distance or for placing him on a litter. With

the casualty lying on his back, a bearer kneels on each side of the casualty at

his hips. Each bearer passes his arms under the casualty’s thighs and back,

and grasps the other bearer’s wrists. The bearers rise lifting the casualty.

Figure B-20. Two-hand seat carry (Illustrated A—B).

B-25

B-9.

Improvised Litters

Two men can support or carry a casualty without equipment for only short

distances. By using available materials to improvise equipment, the casualty

can be transported greater distances by two or more rescuers.

There are times when a casualty may have to be moved and a

standard litter is not available. The distance may be too great for manual

carries or the casualty may have an injury (such as a fractured neck, back,

hip, or thigh) that would be aggravated by manual transportation. In these

situations, litters can be improvised from materials at hand. Improvised

litters must be as well constructed as possible to avoid risk of dropping or

further injuring the casualty. Improvised litters are emergency measures and

must be replaced by standard litters at the first opportunity.

Many different types of litters can be improvised, depending

upon the materials available. A satisfactory litter can be made by securing

poles inside such items as a blanket, poncho, shelter half, tarpaulin, mattress

cover, jacket, shirt, or bed ticks, bags, and sacks (Figure B-18). Poles can

be improvised from strong branches, tent supports, skis, lengths of pipe or

other objects. If objects for improvising poles are not available, a blanket,

poncho, or similar item can be rolled from both sides toward the center so the

rolls can be gripped for carrying a patient. Most flat-surface objects of

suitable size can be used as litters. Such objects include doors, boards,

window shutters, benches, ladders, cots, and chairs. If possible, these objects

should be padded for the casualty’s comfort.

(1)

To improvise a litter using a blanket and poles (Figure

B-21), the following steps should be used.

Figure B-21. Litter made with blanket and poles.

(a) Open the blanket and lay one pole lengthwise

across the center; then fold the blanket over the pole.

(b) Place the second pole across the center of the

folded blanket.

B-26

FIRST AID. Field Manual (2002) - page 7