GotoAID - Emergency Moves

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Emergency Moves

It is best not to move an ill or injured patient unless it is absolutely necessary due to a clear and direct danger to his life or to provide life-supporting care. The greatest danger in moving a patient affected by a major mechanism of injury is the possibility of making a spinal injury worse.

Symptoms

Steps

Sometimes it may be necessary to perform an emergency move. The most common move is the drag. When using a drag, pull in the direction of the long axis of the body to protect the spine as best as possible. Never pull sideways or pull the head away from the neck and shoulders.

Common drags include: Extremity drag— Drag the person by grasping the ankles or forearms; Clothing drag— Pull on the person’s shirt in the neck and shoulder area; Blanket drag— Roll the person onto a blanket and drag the blanket.

Warnings

When moving someone, use your legs, not your back, and keep weight as close to your body as possible. Avoid twisting.

Consider the person’s weight. Know your physical ability and respect your limitations.

Tips

Vehicle fires in traffic crashes are relatively rare. Bystanders frequently drag injured people from vehicles in the mistaken belief that the vehicle will catch fire and explode. Dragging a person from a vehicle when it is not necessary can make injuries worse. Avoid moving injured people from a damaged vehicle unless you believe their life is clearly in danger.

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