No-Stretcher Rescue Carries: Rautek Drag and Hand Seats

Groups of four practice getting a victim out of danger without a stretcher: the Rautek drag, the two-handed seat, and the four-handed seat. Students work on safe lifting technique, strength, and coordination between rescuers.

How to play

1. Explanation (3 min): only move a victim if the scene is dangerous; straight back and bent legs.
2. Groups of 4 with similar weight on a 10-yard lane of mats. Rautek drag (5 min): arms under the armpits, grip one forearm, drag backward 5 yards.
3. Four-handed seat (5 min): two rescuers grip each other's wrists to form a seat; the victim sits, holds their shoulders, and they walk 10 yards.
4. Two-handed seat (5 min): one arm crossed behind the victim's back and one as a seat; the free student calls "Ready, lift" and watches the rescuers' backs.
5. Final challenge (4 min): four-handed seat relay down and back, scored on clean technique more than speed.

Rules

• Safety: lift on the call with bent legs, and never lift someone clearly heavier.
• Walk during carries, on mats or grass.
• If the victim feels unsafe, stop right away.
• Ask permission before each grip.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: call the group's commands and check the rescuers' posture.
• Shy students or those uncomfortable with touch: act as rescuer with a weighted backpack as the victim.
• Lower strength: similar-weight partners and a 5-yard carry.

Learning goals

• Perform the Rautek drag and hand seats with safe technique.
• Decide when moving a victim is justified.
• Coordinate commands and movement with other rescuers.

Equipment for a class of 25

• mats: 12
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Group students by weight and height. The typical mistake is lifting with a rounded back: stop the drill and repeat the bend-your-legs cue.

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