Lifts and
Prepared by:
Adrian F. Saco RN EMT
Carries
April 4, 2025
A key skill that you The knowledge and
will perform with use of proper body
almost every victim mechanics are a
contact.
necessary foundation
for your health,
longevity, and
effectiveness as a
transport team
member
Four Basic Principles
Body Mechanics for • Keep the weight of the object
Safe Lifting as close to the body as possible
• To move a heavy object, use
the leg, hip, and gluteal
(buttocks) muscles plus
contracted abdominal
muscles.
• “Stack”
• Reduce the height or distance
through which the object must
be moved
Communication and Teamwork
Verbally
coordinate each
lift from
beginning to end.
• Know your physical limits; avoid
General Guidelines overestimating yourself or others.
• Assess patient and equipment weight
for Lifting and
before lifting.
Moving
• Seek additional help when needed.
• Use an even number of rescuers for
balance.
• Limit heavy lifting duration to prevent
fatigue.
• Use wheeled stretchers when
possible.
• Keep weight close, back locked, and
avoid twisting.
• Lift first, then turn as a unit.
ONE-PERSON LIFT
Place your arms under
the victim's knees and
around their back.
FIREFIGHTER
CARRY
1.The victim is carried over one
shoulder.
2.The rescuer's arm, on the side that
the victim is being carried, is
wrapped across the victim's legs
and grasps the victim's opposite
arm.
PACK-STRAP
CARRY
1.Place both the victim's arms over your
shoulders.
2.Cross the victim's arms, grasping the
victim's opposite wrist.
3.Pull the arms close to your chest.
4.Squat slightly and drive your hips into the
victim while bending slightly at the waist.
5.Balance the load on your hips and support
the victim with your legs.
HUMAN CRUTCH/
TWO-PERSON DRAG
1.Start with the victim on the ground.
2.Both rescuers stand on either side of the
victim's chest.
3.The rescuer's hand nearest the feet
grabs the victim's wrist on their side of
the victim.
4.The rescuer's other hand grasps the
clothing of the shoulder nearest them.
HUMAN CRUTCH/
TWO-PERSON DRAG
5. Pulling and lifting the victim's arms, the
rescuers bring the victim into a sitting position.
6. The conscious victim will then stand with
rescuer assistance.
7. The rescuers place their hands around the
victim's waist.
8. For the unconscious victim, the rescuers will
grasp the belt or waistband of the victim's
clothing.
HUMAN CRUTCH/
TWO-PERSON DRAG
9. The rescuers will then squat down.
10. Place the victim's arms over their shoulders
so that they end up facing the same direction
as the victim.
11. Then, using their legs, they stand with the
victim.
12. The rescuers then move out, dragging the
victim's legs behind.
TWO-HANDED
SEAT
1.Pick up the victim by having both rescuers
squat down on either side if the victim.
2.Reach under the victim's shoulders and under
their knees.
3.Grasp the other rescuer's wrists.
4.From the squat, with good lifting technique,
stand.
5.Walk in the direction that the victim is facing.
FOUR-HANDED
SEAT
1.Pick up the victim by having both rescuers squat
down on either side if the victim.
2.Reach under the victim's shoulders and under
their knees.
3.Grasp the other rescuer's wrists.
4.From the squat, with good lifting technique, stand.
5.Walk in the direction that the victim is facing.
HAMMOCK
CARRY
1. Reach under the victim and grasp one wrist on the
opposite rescuer.
2. The rescuers on the ends will only be able to grasp
one wrist on the opposite rescuer.
3. The rescuers with only one wrist grasped will use their
free hands to support the victim's head and feet/legs.
4. The rescuers will then squat and lift the victim on the
command of the person nearest the head, remembering
to use proper lifting techniques.
THREE-PERSON CARRY
OR STRETCHER LIFT
1.Kneel on the knee nearest the victim’s feet.
2.Lift the victim on command and rest them
on your knees.
3.For a low stretcher, lower the victim on
command.
4.For a high gurney or carry, rotate the victim
to face rescuers.
5.Stand together on command.
6.Walk in sync, moving in a line abreast.
CHAIR CARRY
1. Pick the victim up and place them or have
them sit in a chair.
2. The rescuer at the head grasps the chair from
the sides of the back, palms in.
3. The rescuer at the head then tilts the chair
back onto its rear legs.
4. For short distances or stairwells, The second
rescuer should face in and grasp the chair legs.
Drag and drop your photo or video! Click the sample
5. For longer distances, the second rescuer photo or video and delete. Select yours from the
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should separate the victim's legs, back into the
chair and, on the command of the rescuer at
the head, both rescuers stand using their legs.
Moving a
Patient on a
Stair Chair
Applying the
Scoop
Stretcher
Applying the
Scoop
Stretcher
Thank you!
