Four-Hand Seat Carry and Emergency Drags

In trios of similar size, students learn three ways to move a victim without equipment when the scene is dangerous: the human crutch, the four-hand seat, and the armpit drag. The focus is safe technique and teamwork.

How to play

1. Briefing (3 min): only move a victim who is in danger. Demonstrate the three techniques and the rescuer's posture: bent knees, straight back.
2. Mark 8-yard lanes with cones and lay mats along them. Form trios of similar weight and height.
3. Human crutch (4 min): the victim limps while a rescuer holds their waist and the victim's arm rests on the rescuer's shoulder. Walk the lane and rotate.
4. Four-hand seat (5 min): two rescuers grip each other's wrists to make a seat; the victim sits and holds their shoulders. They stand together on a count of three.
5. Armpit drag (5 min): the victim lies on the mat; the rescuer slides arms under the armpits, grips the victim's forearm, and backs up 5 yards with a straight back.
6. Final challenge (3 min): the teacher calls out a case and each trio picks and performs the right technique.

Rules

• Trios are made of classmates of similar weight and height.
• Lift with your legs, never by bending your back.
• If anyone feels discomfort, stop and lower the victim carefully.
• Never run with a victim; walk.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: lead the trio as safety coordinator and give the lift count.
• Touch sensitivity or shyness: let the student choose a role and a trio of trusted classmates.
• Less strength: use 4-yard distances or only the human crutch.

Learning goals

• Know when moving a victim is justified.
• Use no-equipment carries with safe posture.
• Coordinate with teammates to lift and move a person.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 8
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Check the trios before starting and avoid big weight differences. Remind students that a possible spinal injury means no moving unless there is serious danger.

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