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Discover the various techniques of the two-person arm carry, an essential skill for safely relocating an injured individual during emergencies. Whether opting for a straightforward crutch carry, a side carry, or creating a makeshift seat with your arms, each method requires precise execution and should only be attempted with proper training. Mishandling could exacerbate injuries, causing severe harm. Practice under controlled conditions and enroll in emergency response courses offered by educational institutions or community centers.
Procedures
Executing the Crutch Carry
Commence with the injured party positioned supine. This uncomplicated technique proves most effective with the individual lying flat on their back. If they're not already in this posture, gently transition them to it, ensuring safety throughout the process.
- While preferably performed with a conscious individual, this method remains viable for unconscious persons, facilitating swift relocation from danger.
Position Yourself Beside the Injured Individual's Chest
Assist with Proper Hand Placement Stand adjacent to the injured party, each grasping a wrist and shoulder, ensuring a secure hold for safe maneuvering.
- Orient yourselves facing one another to facilitate a coordinated lift.
Aid in Transitioning to a Standing Position While maintaining grip on the wrists and shoulders, assist the individual into a seated stance, then assist them in rising to stand.
- If unconscious, elevate to a seated position without attempting to stand.
Secure Hold for Supportive Carrying Guide the person's arms around your shoulders and grasp their waist, ensuring stability during transport. Coordinate with your partner on the opposite side.
- Initiate the lift by bending your knees, then straighten into a standing position.
- For an unconscious person, position their arm and secure their waist before lifting.
Assist in Walking While Bearing Weight Once properly positioned, guide the individual with coordinated steps, ensuring mutual alignment.
- If conscious, they may assist in walking with your support.
- For unconscious individuals, ensure proper support as you guide them forward. Secure their waistband for additional stability.
- Additional support can be provided by holding their wrist with your outer hand.
Lateral Carrying Technique
Prepare the Injured Individual for Transport Ensure the injured person is lying supine, facilitating a suitable posture for transport from the side. This method is advisable for unresponsive or immobile individuals, particularly when sitting isn't feasible.
- Exercise caution and maintain communication to ensure the person's comfort and safety.
- If unconscious, consider loosely securing their wrists for ease of handling, avoiding thin or sharp materials.
Positioning for Carrying Stand alongside the injured person with your partner, aligning one person near the shoulders and the other near the knees. Both parties should kneel to establish a level position with the injured individual.
Grasp the Injured Person Appropriately Securely hold the injured person at the shoulder, waist, hips, and knees, distributing weight evenly between you and your partner.
- The individual near the shoulders should support beneath the shoulder and waist.
- The one near the knees should support beneath the hips and knees.
Transitioning the Weight Shift the weight of the injured person collectively by leaning backward and lifting in unison until they align with your and your partner's knees. Then, pivot inward, ensuring a secure hold against your chests.
Coordinate with Your Partner for Standing
Two or Four-Handed Seated Carry
Assume the Proper Position for Seated Lifting Kneel beside the injured person to prepare for a seated carry, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process.
- Guide the individual to a seated position if feasible.
- Kneel facing each other beside the injured person.
Employ a Supportive Seating Arrangement for the Unconscious For unconscious individuals, utilize a two-handed seating approach, maintaining coordination with your partner for stability.
- Rise together in sync, minimizing disturbance to the injured person.
- Walk in the direction aligned with the injured person's facing.
Utilize a Four-Handed Seating Technique for Conscious Individuals Engage the conscious individual in creating a four-handed seat, ensuring their active participation for a secure lift.
- Guide the individual into a seated position, lowering the created seat near their bottom.
- Assist the individual in seating on your forearms and stabilizing with their arms on yours and your partner's shoulders.
- Coordinate a slow and synchronized lift, proceeding in the direction aligned with the injured person's facing.
Safety Measures
Prioritize Professional Training for Rescues Before attempting any rescue techniques, ensure you acquire proper professional training. Enroll in certified courses such as first aid, nursing, or emergency services to gain the necessary skills and certification.
- Professional training provides essential knowledge to assess injuries and determine appropriate actions.
- Practice under supervision to refine techniques and ensure safe execution during emergencies.
- In urgent situations, prioritize immediate action to mitigate potential hazards.
Seek Permission and Assess Needs When assisting an injured or disabled individual, inquire about their preferred method of assistance and any specific requirements they may have. Respect their autonomy and consider professional services before intervening.
Activate Emergency Services for Critical Situations In cases of life-threatening injuries, promptly dial 911 or your local emergency number. Refrain from moving the individual unless directed by emergency personnel.
Useful Insights
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Consider a Chair Carry for Uneven Terrain
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Ensure Comfort and Safety during Transport
Important Cautions
- Exercise Caution with Head and Spinal Injuries Avoid performing carries on individuals with potential head or spinal injuries. If movement is unavoidable, immobilize the head and utilize a litter or stretcher for spine alignment.
