Carrying someone heavier than you is much easier if you use the correct body mechanics. The technique described in this article is called "fireman's", but is also used by martial arts and wrestling athletes. If you are preparing for emergency situations, remember to also learn dragging methods, which are safer when transporting injured people.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Carrying a Friend
Step 1. Get into the right position
Ask your friend to stay close to you by turning towards your right shoulder. You will have to grab it and lift it with the "firefighter transport" technique, which makes the job incredibly easier.
Step 2. Put your right leg between his
Move it forward until your right foot is between your friend's; put most of your body weight on this leg so that it is ready to support the other person's.
Step 3. Bring your friend's right arm to the back of your head
Move your left hand along the abdomen and grab the other person's right wrist or forearm; lift his arm above your head and lean forward, placing it between your neck and shoulder. Eventually, you should find yourself bent slightly forward with your left hand back along your left hip. Maintain a firm grip on your friend's arm.
Step 4. Bring your right hand up to the other person's right knee
Carefully move it as you squat slightly and keep your back straight to support the weight of someone larger than you. When you are low enough to reach his legs, slip your right arm between his knees. Grab the back and sides of the right knee.
The left hand should hold the person's right arm firmly for the duration of the operation
Step 5. Carry it on your shoulders
At this point, you should have a firm grip on his right forearm and the back of his knee. Use these anchor points to lift the friend onto your shoulders. When finished, you should be in this position:
- The person's legs dangle in front of your right shoulder. The hand should hold the knee firmly without difficulty.
- Your friend's torso should be for the most part straight across your shoulders.
- His right arm should be in front of you.
Step 6. Stand up
Push with force on your legs and hips, but never force your back; try to keep it as straight as possible, leaning forward enough to support the person. If necessary, adjust your friend's position to better balance their weight.
Step 7. Move his arm
Bring it in front of your chest; release your grip on the knee and wrap your arm around him while your hand grasps his right wrist. At this point, your left hand is free to help you keep your balance as you walk.
Method 2 of 2: Move an Individual in an Emergency
Step 1. Pull someone out of a car
An injured victim should be left motionless whenever possible, as moving could cause further damage. However, if the car is burning or there are other reasons why the person needs to be moved immediately, follow these instructions:
- Move his legs so that the pedals are out of the way.
- Rotate the victim to face the exit.
- Put your arms under his armpits and clasp your hands in front of his chest.
- Drag the victim to a safe place, supporting their head with your body.
- If the person's legs or feet are stuck in the car, lift them up and out with your hands and then follow the procedure described in the next step.
Step 2. Drag the victim by the legs
If the ground is smooth and there is no obvious trauma to the lower limbs, use this technique to move the person away from a dangerous place. Curl up and grab his ankles, lean back and drag him to a safe place. By bending backwards, you use your own weight as leverage, managing to move a heavier individual than you.
- To reduce the risk of hurting yourself, do not stretch your arms beyond 40-50cm. Bend them back slightly and then change the position before pulling again.
- Some first aid organizations do not agree with this method, because the victim's head is dragged to the ground; for this reason, never use it on uneven or rough terrain.
Step 3. Drag a person by the shoulders
Bend over it near the top of his head; grab her clothes under her shoulders, supporting her head with one arm, and move backwards.
Alternatively, bring the person's arms over their head and grab their elbows, pressing them against their head to provide support. Use this method if your clothes are torn or not very strong
Step 4. Carry the victim only when absolutely necessary
In an emergency, this should be considered as a last resort, as it could aggravate the trauma or expose the person to smoke during a fire. Use this method only when immediate transport is needed and the individual cannot be dragged along.
- If the victim is unconscious, a lot of force is required to lift him to an upright position. If so, you need to roll her onto her abdomen, kneel next to her head, and put your hands under her armpits. Grab her back and push up with your legs, keeping your spine as straight as possible.
- When the victim is standing upright, you can follow the steps outlined in the first part of this article.
- Alternatively, you can carry the person on your shoulders by bringing their arms in front of your chest and balancing their weight with your hips. This method is safer if the victim is injured, although it is still not ideal.
Advice
To avoid injuries, first practice with children or small people; when you feel ready, move on to bigger people. However, you have to be careful: if you lift a very light person you could make them fly over your head
Warnings
- Support the load with your legs and torso e Not with the back; you can easily get injured if you lift the weight using your back.
- If you or a friend have suffered severe back injuries or suffer from spinal problems, consult a doctor first. Never try to follow the instructions in this article if the other person is injured, unless it is a real emergency.
