LESSON 2
MANUAL CARRIES
Section I. GENERAL
2-1.
MANUAL CARRIES
A manual carry is used to evacuate a casualty if a litter is not available, the time
or materials needed to make an improvised litter are not available, and/or personnel
needed to act as litter bearers are not available or cannot be spared. The use of a
two-man carry is preferred to a one-man carry if a second bearer is available.
a. In general, a casualty should not be moved before the required emergency
care is given unless it is necessary to remove the casualty (and yourself) out of the
line of fire or from a dangerous situation (from inside a burning building, for example).
Examine the casualty for possible spinal injury before moving him. If a casualty with a
possible spinal injury must be moved, keep his head, neck, and back in alignment.
b. If possible, have another soldier evacuate the casualty while you care for
other casualties. When soldiers in a combat situation are using manual carries to
evacuate casualties, give preference to the carries that allow the bearers to carry and
use their personal weapons.
2-2.
GENERAL RULES FOR MANUAL CARRIES
Manual carries are tiring for the bearers and increase the risk of the casualty
suffering additional injury. Improper technique can result in injury to the bearer as well
as additional injury to the casualty. Minimize the risk of muscle strain and sprains by
following the rules given below.
a. Use the body's natural system of levers when lifting or moving the casualty.
b. Know your physical capabilities and limitations.
c. Maintain solid footing when lifting and transporting a casualty.
d. Use your leg muscles (not your back muscles) when lifting and lowering a
casualty.
e. Use your shoulder and leg muscles (not your back muscles) when carrying
or dragging a casualty.
f. If there are other bearers, work in unison and use deliberate, gradual
movements.
g. Rest frequently, or whenever possible, when transporting a casualty.
MD0001
2-2