3-27. COMMANDS
The litter team must work as a single unit. They must lift, move, and lower the
litter in unison. Teamwork makes the task easier for the bearers and the movement
more comfortable for the casualty. It is the duty of the leader to make sure the squad
works as a unit. The use of preparatory commands and commands of execution are
helpful when training litter squads. These commands may or may not be needed in
combat situations.
a. Preparatory Command. A preparatory command tells the litter squad the
movement or formation to be carried out and instructs the squad members to prepare
for its execution.
b. Command of Execution. A command of execution tells the squad to
actually carry out the movement or formation. In this section, preparatory commands
are in lower case with initial capital letters and commands of execution are in all capital
letters.
3-28. RULES FOR TRANSPORTING A CASUALTY BY LITTER
The following are general rules for transporting a casualty using a standard or
improvised litter.
a. Carry the litter with the casualty's feet toward the direction of travel when the
ground is level or when going downhill.
b. Carry the litter with the casualty's head toward the direction of travel when
going uphill.
c. If the casualty has a fracture of a lower extremity and does not have a head
injury, the rules given in paragraphs a and b are reversed. The casualty is carried
head first, when going downhill and feet first when going uphill. This prevents the
weight of the body from pressing on the fracture.
d. If the casualty has a fractured leg and a head injury, rules a and b are
followed to keep the head elevated when going uphill or downhill.
e. Secure the casualty to the litter. Improvise securing devices if patient
securing straps are not available.
f. The rear bearers must watch the front bearers and coordinate their
movements with the front bearers to keep the litter steady and even. The command
"STEADY" can be used to prevent undue haste and uneven movements.
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3-27