This carry is easiest if the person you’re rescuing is conscious, but you can also do it with an unconscious person if you need to quickly and easily drag them out of harm’s way. [2] X Research source
You will need to be facing each other, rather than straight ahead, in order to pick up the person properly.
If you can’t grab onto their clothing at the shoulder, place a hand behind their shoulder or grab them under the arm.
If the person is unconscious, sit them up, but don’t pull them into a standing position yet.
As you do this, bend your knees and crouch down slightly, then straighten up into a standing position. If the person is unconscious, put their arm around your shoulders and grab their waist before pulling them up into a standing position.
If the injured person is conscious, they may be able to walk with your assistance. If they are unconscious, you’ll need to pull them along while their legs drag slightly behind them. In this case, hold onto the person’s belt or waistband for extra support. [8] X Research source You can also provide extra support by holding the person’s wrist with your outer hand.
Go slowly to avoid further injury. If the injured person is able to talk, check in frequently to make sure they are comfortable throughout the process. In the event the injured person is unconscious, you may want to tie their hands loosely together at the wrists. This can make the carrying process easier. If you have something that can be used to tie the injured person’s hands, like thick rope or a bandana, you can use this. Do not use anything thin or sharp to tie the person’s hands—this could cut their wrists.
The person standing near the injured person’s chest should slip one arm beneath their shoulder and the other arm beneath their waist. [11] X Research source The person standing near the injured person’s knees should place one arm beneath the injured person’s hips and the other arm beneath their knees. [12] X Research source
Lift with your legs, not your back. If you’re truly the only people who can help the person, you mustn’t hurt yourselves in the process! In the event that the injured person is very heavy, you may need to have another person assist in supporting their weight.
Get the injured person on their back. If they are able to lean forward slightly in a seated position, ask them to do so. [15] X Research source You and your partner should kneel down on either side of the injured person. Make sure you and your partner are facing each other. [16] X Research source
Stand together in unison. Make sure to communicate with your partner so you’re standing at the same time to avoid jostling the injured person. When walking, walk in the direction the injured person is facing.
Have the injured person shift to the sitting position. You and your partner should lower your bodies, bringing the seat you’ve created down near the injured person’s bottom. Have the injured person sit on your forearms. Then, ask them to place their arms on your and your partner’s shoulders for balance. Again, lift slowly and in unison. Walk in the direction the injured person is facing.
Without professional training, it can be hard to assess the extent of someone’s injuries. You may be unsure which carry to use if you’re unable to tell if it’s safe to move someone in a particular position. Carrying someone safely requires a great deal of practice and guidance. Practice carrying someone with the supervision of a professional, who can correct your form and provide tips. Professional training can help you learn how to conduct yourself safely during an emergency. However, if you think the person is in immediate danger—for example, if they’ve collapsed in the middle of a busy street—you may have to move them in order to get them out of harm’s way. [19] X Research source
