b. If the casualty is lying on the ground in a supine (on his back) position, place
his arms at his side and proceed to establish an open airway.
c. If the casualty is lying on solid ground in a prone (on his chest) position, turn
him onto his back using the procedures given below. These procedures allow the
casualty to be turned as a unit. Turning the casualty as a unit minimizes the likelihood
that existing injuries will be aggravated, and also minimizes the chances that the head
or neck will be injured during the turning. It is especially important to use these
procedures if you suspect that the casualty has a spinal injury.
(1)
Straighten the casualty's legs.
(2) Kneel beside the casualty. Your knees should be near his chest area,
but there should be enough space between you and the casualty for you to roll him onto
his back.
(3) Take one of the casualty's arms and move it so that the arm is straight
and above his head. Then move his other arm so that it is also straight and above his
head.
(4) Support the casualty's head and neck by placing your hand that is
nearest his head on the back of his head (figure 3-1A).
(5) With your other hand, reach across the casualty's back and grasp the
casualty's uniform under his far arm.
(6) Pull on the casualty's uniform and roll the casualty toward you (figure
3-1B). Use a steady and even pull so that the casualty's head and neck stay in line with
his back. (If you have a person to assist you, have the person to help roll the casualty's
hips and legs.)
(7) Once the casualty is lying flat on his back, return the casualty's arms to
his side (figure 3-1C). If his legs are crossed, uncross them.
MD0532
3-4