Maybe someone got hurt while camping and need a stretcher to take them to a hospital; or you just want to know how to build a pretty simple one in case a health emergency arises. You can make a stretcher with three elementary materials and a few simple steps; you should also learn how to use it to help someone who is injured.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Gather the Materials You Need
Step 1. Look for a large wool blanket or towel
To build a simple stretcher you need long, wide fabric or a similarly sized blanket. Get a square one with the side of about 2.5m, as you will need to fold it for this project.
If you don't find a large blanket, you can try joining two smaller ones together so that they form a 2.5mx 2.5m square as a minimum
Step 2. Find two poles
Although they are not strictly necessary, they make the structure more resistant; they must be of equal size, 2, 5 m long. Look for wooden ones that are at least 5 cm thick as they provide good strength. You can use tree branches that you have cut and shaped to obtain poles with the requirements described above; alternatively, you can use metal sticks.
- Make sure they are the same length to avoid building an asymmetrical stretcher; check that they are strong enough to support the victim's weight, as they are the lateral supports.
- If you don't have poles, you can make a very basic stretcher with just the blanket.
Step 3. Get some duct tape
You can decide to use a roll to fix the structure once assembled. If you are using a wool blanket, this should not be necessary, as the friction between the two ends of the fabric should be enough to keep the stretcher together; if you are using a tarp instead, it is better to rely on duct tape.
Part 2 of 3: Making the Stretcher
Step 1. Spread the blanket out on a flat surface
Lay the sheet or blanket over an even area, such as the floor, check that the corners are not folded back on themselves and that the fabric is flat.
You should keep the poles nearby for easy access
Step 2. Measure the stretcher
First, you should check that the blanket and the posts are roughly the same length; by doing so, you make sure there is no extra material hanging over the edges.
- Proceed by placing a pole on the long side of the blanket. If it does not reach opposite edges of the latter, one or both ends of the fabric may need to be folded to match the size.
- You should make the blanket 3-5 cm shorter than the poles, so that they stick out at the ends; this foresight makes it easier to grab and lift the stretcher.
Step 3. Determine the width of the stretcher
Once you have ascertained the size of the long side, you need to evaluate that of the short side. Start by placing a pole in the longitudinal direction about 60 cm from the edge of the fabric. Then consider what the width of the stretcher should be. If you are transporting an individual of average build and height, you should place the second pole approximately 60-70cm from the first.
If you have to use the stretcher for a person who is a little bigger or fatter, you should space the posts about 90 cm apart. Try not to overdo the width of the stretcher, as you need enough fabric to wrap around the side supports
Step 4. Fold the blanket or tarp around the posts
After positioning them correctly you need to take one end of the fabric and fold it over them. Maybe you can only cover one of the two supports and place the flap just beyond the second, but don't worry; just make sure the blanket is resting on top of the two pieces of wood or metal.
- Next, take the other end of the blanket and fold it over the other pole; the two ends of the fabric should overlap. Make sure the side supports remain straight and parallel throughout the process.
- If you are not using poles, you must wait for the person to be on the fabric before continuing.
Step 5. Secure the stretcher with tape if needed
The two ends of the blanket should generate enough friction to stick together. If you want the transport tool to be safer, however, you can apply duct tape; you should use a long strip to hold the two ends of the fabric together.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Stretcher
Step 1. Place it next to the injured person
First, you need to approach her so that she is no more than a meter from the victim. If the person is in bed or on a raised surface, place the stretcher just below them to make the transfer easier.
Step 2. Pick up the individual and put him on the stretcher
Tell him what you are about to do; you may need someone else's help to slide or lift the victim safely to the vehicle. If the injured person is able to lift himself up by the strength of his arms, let him lie down on his own on the stretcher.
- If she's on a bed with a sheet, ask her to cross her arms across her chest; you and a helper must then lift it using the sheet (as if it were a crib) and transfer it to the stretcher.
- If the trauma is to the head, a third rescuer is required to hold the head still during the lift.
- Lay the casualty in the center of the blanket or sheet.
Step 3. Arrange so that there are two individuals carrying the stretcher
Once the injured person is positioned, there should be a rescuer who is in charge of lifting the tip of the head and another who manages the tip of the feet; the latter must turn his back to the victim.
- Next, the helpers must simultaneously count to three by lifting the stretcher to "3". In this way, it is easier to coordinate the effort and lift the victim while keeping him level and safe.
- If you don't have side posts, you need two people on each side of the blanket; each person has to roll the fabric up a bit until they have enough material to maintain a firm grip. All four rescuers must lift the makeshift stretcher in unison and handle the casualty.
Step 4. Carry the victim
You should organize yourself with other people to move in a coordinated manner, to allow the stretcher to remain level and stable. You can proceed by counting each step aloud or by finding a stride rhythm that allows you to walk in unison.
