Figure 10-15.--Litter made with poles and blanket.
Figure 1O-17.--Litters made by inserting poles through sacks and
by rolling blanket.
feasible method because of the terrain or the combat
situation or is necessary to save the casualty's life, it
should be used; but the casualty should be transferred to
a litter as soon as one can be made available or
improvised.
IMPROVISED LITTERS
A litter can be improvised from many different
things. Most flat-surfaced objects of suitable size can be
used as litters. Such objects include boards, doors,
window shutters, benches, ladders, cots, and poles tied
together. If possible, such objects should be padded
Satisfactory litters can also be made by securing
poles inside such items as blankets, shelter halves,
tarpaulins, jackets, shirts, sacks, bags, and mattress
covers. Poles can be improvised from strong branches,
rifles, tent supports, skis, and other items.
CAUTION
Figure 10-16.--Litter made with poles and jackets.
When weapons are used as splints, be
Do not transport a casualty with a fractured back or
absolutely sure they are unloaded.
neck without a litter. When the casualty has a fracture
of any other bodily part, transport him in such a way that
When poles cannot be obtained, a large item, such
it does not aggravate the fracture. An unconscious
as a blanket, can be rolled from both sides toward the
casualty should be transported on a litter or carried in
center; then the rolls can be used to obtain a firm grip
such away that he will not fall. Transportation by litter
for carrying the casualty. Several methods of
is safer and more comfortable for all casualties as well
improvising litters are shown and explained in figures
as easier for you. When carrying the casualty is the only
10-15 through 10-17.
10-11