Properly Securing the Wounded on a Drag Stretcher: Step by Step

A rigid drag stretcher only provides protection when the wounded person is properly secured. Loosely fastened straps undo the entire advantage of a rigid shell — the body "shifts" inside the cocoon during dragging, which is exactly what the stretcher is meant to prevent. Let's break the securing process into simple steps.

1. Unroll the stretcher and assess the body position

Before securing, make sure the wounded person lies flat, centered on the stretcher, without leaning to one side. If a spinal or pelvic injury is suspected, movements should be minimal — the whole body is moved together, not in separate parts.

2. Start securing from the torso

The first strap to tighten is the top one, at chest level or under the arms. It holds the main body weight and prevents the wounded person from sliding down while being dragged over sloped terrain.

3. Secure the pelvis and thighs

The second strap goes at pelvis level. This is the most important securing point during dragging — it's where the greatest lateral load occurs as the stretcher navigates uneven terrain.

4. Secure the legs

The last strap goes at the shin or ankle level. Unsecured legs strike terrain obstacles and can sustain additional injury even if the rest of the body is protected by the cocoon.

5. Check the tension before moving

A properly tightened strap doesn't allow the body to shift more than a few centimeters sideways, but also doesn't compress limbs or the chest. Golden rule: a flat palm, edge-on, should fit between the strap and the body.

Key takeaways

• Securing goes top to bottom: torso → pelvis → legs.
• The most important securing point is the pelvis — that's where the lateral load is greatest.
• Check strap tension with the "flat palm, edge-on" rule — snug, not tight.
• When evacuating by vehicle, account for the need for quick release.