One of the most important aspects of first aid training classes is learning how to carry injured victims without inflicting harm both on the patient and the carrier. Through proper posture, balance and body mechanism, rescuers can learn how to carry patients without straining their backs or other parts of their body especially when they are the only rescuer around while ensuring that the patient is well-lifted and will not fall or experience bone breakage. Here are some of the ways that rescuers can carry injured victims depending on the patient’s situation without requiring further assistance from other rescuers which will be discussed in detail in first aid training classes.
Cradle Method
This is one of the fastest and simplest method to carry victims. However, it is only recommended for children or adults with minor injuries and fractures as well as for victims who are relatively smaller in terms of height and weight than the rescuer.
Human Crutch Method
Similar to an actual crutch, the rescuer will assist the patient by in walking by providing ample support and balance. Hence, this method is only used on patients who can walk but require minimal assistance.
Piggy-back Method
Since the rescuer will need to carry the full weight of the patient, this method is only advisable if the rescuer is heavier than the patient or if the rescuer is strong enough. It is also advisable for patients who cannot walk but are conscious since unconscious patients that are carried through this method might fall.
Fireman’s Lift
Similar to the piggy-back method, the fireman’s lift requires rescuers to carry the full weight of the victims which is why they should be strong and big enough for this method. This is one of the most recommended ways to carry an unconscious person since the risk for falls and bone breakage is minimal.
In order to avoid any injuries, rescuers should learn how to properly execute these methods since they cannot rely on other rescuers for help. They should learn when to shift their weight and learn which body part that they should use during certain steps so that they can avoid muscle strains and sprains. They should also learn how to assess the walking or balancing capability of the patient to ensure that the patient will not fall while being carried. This is why rescuers will still need to enroll in a first aid class even if these methods seem simple enough to follow.