Moving Victims During First Aid

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In an event of an emergency, there may be need to move the victim from one place to another during first aid. This could be due to several reasons, common being to get medication and safety since the current position may be exposing him to more danger. The first aider could also be at risk, hence the need to get to a place that is safe for both parties.

With the injuries that the victim has, the movement needs to be undertaken in a specific manner before undertaking first aid. This is to ensure that the person is not hurt further during the movement. Injuries like broken bones and fracture needs a lot of care to handle. Explained herein are the ways by which an individual can get to move a victim by himself.

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Ankle pull.

This method is more preferred if one intends to move the victim to a short distance to administer first aid. It is done by grabbing both the legs of the victim at the ankles and dragging him. One needs to ensure that they keep their backs straight while moving the victim so as to avoid hurting themselves too. The drag should be in a straight line. The method should be done when the victim is on a flat surface, when the rescuer cannot bend to get the victim or if the victim is in immediate danger.

Shoulder pull.

In this case, the rescuer will have to bend and grab the victim by the shoulders during first aid. You specifically grab the clothing underneath the shoulder. Then use that to pull the victim to safety. The rescuer needs to remember to support the head of the victim by keeping an arm on the sides of the head. While pulling the victim away, the body needs to remain as aligned as possible. This method is considered better than the ankle pull due to the fact that the rescuer is able to support the victim’s head unlike with the ankle pull.

Blanket pull during first aid.

With this method, the rescuer gets to lay a blanket next to the victim. This should be as close to the victim as possible. The victim is then rolled or lifted carefully onto the blanket. While moving the victim to the blanket, take note to keep the head and the body properly aligned. Gather the blanket by its corners and pull away. Again, the rescuer should ensure that his back remains straight.

One person lift.

This is more convenient with moving children and small bodied individuals. The rescuer gets to put one arm under the back of the victim while the other arm is put under the knees. The rescuer then lifts the victim to his arms. If possible, the rescuer should have the victim put his arms around his shoulders. This is easiest if the victim is conscious.

The firefighter carry.

This method is very handy when the victim needs to moved over a long distance. The rescuer gets to crouch then put one of the victim’s hands across his (rescuer’s) shoulder. He then wraps his arms around the victim’s legs then grabbing the other arm of the victim. The rescuer then uses his legs to lift the victim and placing him across his shoulder. Since the method is used to move victims for longer distances, the rescuer needs to be strong enough to be able to place the victim in this position and endure the distance. The method cannot be used if one has spinal injury.

Pack strap carry.

The rescuer crouches in front of the victim then places the both of the victim’s hands over his shoulders. He then crosses the victim’s hands then hold the opposite wrist with both hands. The left hand holds the right wrist and vice versa. Pull the victim’s arms closer to your chest while squatting slightly. Bend forward while pushing your hips to the victim so that the victim’s weight is balanced as you walk.

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