Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
long stretcher hauls. In the event of a suspected spinal injury, the use of a rigid board (such as a
door) is preferred over a flexible stretcher made from two poles and a blanket.
If the victim is lying flat, lift the victim as carefully as possible onto the board. Always po-
sition one person at the head to cradle the head and neck while lifting. Most of the weight will
be in the shoulders and torso, so place most of your strength and attention on these areas.
If the victim is not lying flat, place the board against the person's back, parallel to the body.
Roll the victim as a unit, never twisting the spine, onto the board and gently lower the board to
the ground. Always have one person attending to the head, cradling the head and neck as the
victim is rolled.
In the case of a potential spinal injury, immobilize the head and neck with rolled-up towels,
blankets, bags of sand, and so on, and strap in place. If you have none of these materials, a
helper must stabilize the head with forearms and hands.
Figure 5-16. Rolling the victim onto a board.
