2-5.
POSITIONING THE CASUALTY
Position the casualty on his back if he is not already lying on his back. To turn a
casualty onto his back, perform the following steps.
a. Kneel beside the casualty with your knees near his shoulders, leaving space
to roll the body.
b. Raise the casualty's arm that is nearest to you above the casualty's head.
c. Adjust the casualty's legs so that they are together and straight or nearly
straight.
d. Place one of your hands under the back of the casualty's head and neck for
support.
e. With your free hand, reach across the casualty's back and grasp the casualty
under the arm (far armpit area).
f. Pull steadily and evenly toward yourself, keeping the head and neck in line
with the torso.
g. Once the casualty is rolled onto his back, place his arms at his sides.
NOTE:
This method of rolling the casualty is used to minimize further injury to the
casualty's spine in case he has suffered an injury to the head, neck or back.
2-6.
CHECKING THE CASUALTY FOR BREATHING
Check the casualty for breathing (see Lesson 3).
NOTE:
It is assumed that you and the casualty are in a protected area. If you are still
exposed to enemy fire, apply a tourniquet to control any severe bleeding and
move the casualty and yourself to a safe location.
NOTE:
If the casualty is conscious and talking, his breathing is satisfactory for
now. However, continue to monitor the casualty's breathing since swelling
throat tissue, bleeding into the throat, or other injuries could require you to
establish an airway and perform rescue breathing.
a. Look, listen and feel for respirations. If the casualty is breathing, determine if
the breathing rate is normal, rapid, or slow.
(1) Place your ear about one inch above the casualty's mouth and nose.
Listen for breathing. Look at the casualty's chest to see if it is rising and falling.
IS0871
2-4
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