Backcountry Rescue Carries

If you think a loaded pack is heavy, try carrying a sweaty, writhing 175-pound guy down the trail. While most victims of serious hiking accidents should be evacuated by rangers or trained medical personnel, there may be times you need to transport someone a short distance to get out of immediate danger. Before attempting any of these carries, stabilize the victim — stop any bleeding, splint broken limbs, and make sure they're warm and hydrated. Then brace yourself for a monster load.

1. FOUR-HAND CHAIR CARRY
Two rescuers can use this low-tech method for carries over short distances.

Place the person on a large rock or against a tree. Grab the other rescuer's wrists; the two of you will link arms behind the victim's back and under his or her knees. With the victim's arms over each of your shoulders, lift slowly, using your leg muscles — not your back muscles.

2. ROPE-COIL CARRY
Make a simple shoulder harness from a coil of climbing rope.

Tie the rope into a mountaineer's coil at least 20 inches long, then pull the coil apart into two equal loops with the knot in the middle. Pass the victim's legs through the loops (with one loop around each leg up to the hips). Then take the two loops and hook them over your shoulders like straps on a backpack. The person will need to hold on in order to remain stable.

3. POLE-AND-BACKPACK CARRY
Try this two-person technique for comfort over long distances.

Attach hiking poles or a sturdy branch to the bottoms of two backpacks by threading them through ice-axe loops or compression straps. Secure the poles with extra webbing or cords. Pad the poles' midsections with clothing or a sleeping pad, and sit the victim on the poles between you and the other rescuer, with an arm around each of your shoulders. Because the carriers must walk side by side, this method doesn't work on trails that are narrow or steep.

Backpacker, Dec2006