Section II. ONE-MAN CARRIES
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SELECTING AN APPROPRIATE ONE-MAN CARRY
If a one-man manual carry is to be used, choose an appropriate carry based
upon the casualty's condition (some carries are used only with a conscious casualty),
the nature of the casualty's injuries (some carries are not used if the casualty's arm is
fractured), the situation (you may need to crawl to avoid enemy fire), the distance to be
covered (some carries are less tiring), the weight of the casualty, your strength and
endurance, and obstacles that will be encountered (some carries leave one or both of
your hands free to climb). In general, distances of less than 50 meters are considered
to be short, between 50 and 300 meters are considered to be moderate, and more
than 300 meters are considered to be long. The distances may vary based upon the
casualty's weight and your strength and endurance.
a. Fireman's Carry. The fireman's carry can be used to move a conscious or
unconscious casualty. It is usually the preferred carry for quickly moving an
unconscious or severely injured casualty a moderate distance and can be used for
long distances. The fireman's carry leaves one of the bearer's arms free to carry a
rifle, move around obstacles, and so forth.
b. Arms Carry. The arms carry can be used to move a conscious or
unconscious casualty. It is generally used with an unconscious casualty or a
conscious casualty who cannot walk. The arms carry is very tiring and is only used for
short distances.
c. Support Carry. The support carry is only used with a conscious casualty
who can walk or at least hop on one leg. The carry can be used to transport the
casualty for a long distance if the casualty does not tire.
d. Saddleback Carry. The saddleback carry is only used to move a conscious
casualty who can put one or both of his arms around the bearer's neck. It is generally
used to move the casualty for a moderate or long distance.
e. Pack-Strap Carry. The pack-strap carry is generally used to carry a
conscious or unconscious casualty for a moderate distance. The carry is not used if
the casualty has a fractured arm.
f. Pistol-Belt Carry. The pistol-belt carry can be used to move a conscious or
unconscious casualty. It is the preferred carry for moving a casualty for a long
distance. The carry leaves both of the bearer's hands free; therefore, it is especially
useful if the bearer must use his rifle, climb banks, or move over obstacles. The carry
also allows the bearer to creep through shrubs and move under low-hanging
branches. If the casualty is conscious, he can carry a weapon since the carry leaves
his hands free also.
MD0001
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