c. The two bearers at the ends grasp the litter-handles and pull the poles apart.
d. One of the bearers holding the litter lowers his end of the litter to the ground
and releases it.
e. The other bearer raises his end until the litter is standing vertically and
keeps the litter in this position. The bottom of the litter (the side with the spreader bars
and stirrups) must face the bearer who released his end of the litter.
f. The bearer who released his end locks the bottom spreader bar into the
extended position by pushing on it with his foot as shown in figure 3-26.
CAUTION:
Use a foot, not hands, to push the spreader bar into a locked position.
Using hands could result in accidental injury to the bearer's hand.
g. The bearers then rotate the litter until it is again vertical with the unlocked
spreader bar at the bottom.
h. The bearer locks the bottom spreader bar into the extended position by
pushing on it with his foot (figure 3-26).
i. The bearers lower the litter to the ground so the litter rests on its stirrups.
j. The bearers dress the litter (if appropriate), place the casualty onto the litter,
and secure the casualty to the litter with patient securing straps.
(1) If only two straps are needed, put one strap across the casualty's chest
and the other across his legs just below the knees (figure 3-27 A). Extend them under
the litter and buckle them against the litter pole.
(2) If the terrain is rough, use two additional litter straps. Place one across
the casualty's waist and the other across his thighs (figure 3-27 B).
(3) If the casualty must be moved up or down steep slopes, use the third
and fourth straps to secure the casualty's thighs individually (figure 3-27 C). Take the
third strap over one thigh, under the other thigh, under the litter, and buckle against the
litter pole. Apply the fourth strap in the same manner to secure the other thigh.
MD0001
3-25