Casualty Lifting - Translation Lift

Translation Lift

The translation lift, or "Dutch" lift, is used when it is not possible to push the stretcher: there no room for the stretcher at the feet or head of the casualty, or the stretcher cannot slide/roll on the ground, or there are not enough first responders available. In such a case, the stretcher is placed besides the casualty.

With four first responders (including the chief), the first and second team members step over the casualty and the stretcher, the foot is on the farthest pole of the stretcher. The chief holds the closest pole with his knee on the ground, and the third team member with his ankle. The positions of the hands are the same as for the vertical lift with five first responders.

The first in place is the chief. The stretcher is slid besides the casualty, the pole against the thigh of the chief. Then, the third team member takes place. Once the both extremities of the pole are blocked, the other team members can step over the casualty (one by one, holding the others' shoulder to avoid falling) without any risk of rocking for the stretcher.

On the order of the chief, the casualty is lifted and translated on the stretcher.

This method can be performed with only three first responders. In this case, the chief plays the role of the first team member; he blocks the pole with his ankle, and puts one hand under the neck, the other one under the back, between the shoulder blades. Only the team member at the hips steps over the stretcher.