Physical Education

Transport of injured and traumatized persons

Once you have rescued the casualty from the immediate danger, SLOW DOWN! Casualties should not be moved before the type and extent of injuries are evaluated and the required emergency medical treatment is given. (The exception to this occurs, of course, when the situation dictates immediate movement for safety purposes. For example, it may be necessary to remove a casualty from a burning vehicle. The situation dictates that the urgency of casualty movement outweighs the need to administer emergency medical treatment.) From this point on, handle and transport the casualty with every regard for the injuries that have been sustained. In the excitement and confusion that almost always accompany an accident; you are likely to feel rushed, wanting to do everything rapidly. To a certain extent, this is a reasonable feeling. Speed is essential in treating many injuries and in getting the casualty to a medical treatment facility. However, it is not reasonable to let yourself feel so hurried that you become careless and transport the victim in a way that will aggravate the injuries.