g. Load Bearing Equipment Carry. The load bearing equipment (LBE) carry
can be used to move a conscious or unconscious casualty for a long distance. If the
casualty is conscious and can put his arms around the bearer's neck, the carry leaves
the bearer's hands free to carry his weapon, climb, and move around obstacles.
h. Pistol-Belt Drag. The pistol-belt drag is used to move a conscious or
unconscious casualty for a short distance. This carry is used when the bearer and the
casualty must stay very close to the ground, such as moving a casualty during combat.
i. Neck Drag. The neck drag is used to move a conscious or unconscious
casualty for a short distance. This carry allows the rescuer to maintain a low
silhouette, but not as low as the pistol-belt drag. The carry is generally used when
moving behind a low wall, under a vehicle, or through a culvert. The neck drag is not
used if the casualty has a fractured arm.
j. Cradle Drop Drag. The cradle drop drag is generally used to move a
conscious or unconscious casualty up or down steps or to quickly remove a casualty
from a life-threatening situation. The carry is only used for short distances.
2-4.
POSITIONING THE CASUALTY
Some carries require the casualty to be prone (lying on his abdomen) when you
begin; others require him to be supine (lying on his back). To turn the casualty either
to the prone or supine position, follow the steps given below. Figure 2-1 shows a
casualty being turned to a prone position; figure 2-2 shows a casualty being turned to
a supine position.
CAUTION:
Check the casualty for possible spinal injury before turning the
casualty. If possible, avoid moving any casualty with a suspected
spinal injury. If the casualty must be moved, keep his head, neck, and
back in alignment and keep movement to a minimum.
a. Kneel at the casualty's uninjured side.
WARNING:
If you are in a chemical environment, squat, do not kneel. If you press
your knee against the contaminated ground, you may force the
chemical agent into your protective clothing, which will greatly reduce
the protection time afforded by your protective clothing.
MD0001
2-4