The situation on the battlefield is developing rapidly, and every second of delay can cost the lives of not only the victim, but also his comrades. Tactical evacuation TACEVAC is a critical stage of care that requires composure, physical fitness, and a clear understanding of the algorithms of action. Mistakes in moving the wounded often lead to aggravation of injuries, loss of time and demasking the group in front of the enemy.
The main purpose of the movement is to deliver the wounded to the shelter or evacuation site as quickly as possible, while minimizing additional damage. In the context of a modern conflict saturated with drones and artillery, golden hour rule It is transformed into a platinum 10 minutes, when the count goes literally for seconds. The choice of method depends on the condition of the wounded, the terrain, the presence of the enemy and the number of personnel.
In this article, we will discuss the basic techniques of movement, which are used by military and rescue services around the world. You will learn how to use body weight properly, how to interact in a group, and what types exist. tacticalThey are often forgotten in the heat of training. Remember that theoretical training should be reinforced by regular practice in conditions as close as possible to the real ones.
Fundamental principles of safe movement
A quick assessment of the situation is necessary before the wounded are captured. Safety of the rescuer The first thing is that a dead or injured rescuer cannot help anyone. If the fire is being fired at close range, the primary objective is to suppress the enemy or use smokescreens rather than immediately pulling the body out.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to drag a wounded person into the open area if you can’t suppress enemy fire. It'll turn one casualty into two.
When deciding how to move, consider the nature of the injury. In cases of spinal or pelvic injuries, sloppy movement can lead to paralysis or internal bleeding. However, in an active combat, the priority is often the speed of removal from the red zone, even if it carries risks to the limbs of the victim. The main principle of combat medicine is to survive first, then heal.
It is also important to consider the psychological state of the injured person. A person in shock may respond inadequately to commands, cling to the ground, or, conversely, try to run, exacerbating their condition. A clear, loud and confident voice of the rescuer is able to return the wounded to reality. Use tactile contact – a strong pat on the shoulder or squeezing your arm helps to shift attention.
Individual methods: moving by one rescuer
When there are no friends around, you have to rely only on your own strength. In such situations, methods that use the inertia and weight of the wounded person are effective. The most common way is to drag-and-drop. The rescuer lies next to the wounded, grabs him by the collar of the uniform, the webbing of the unloading vest or for the belt, gets on his knees and, leaning on his legs, crawls back, dragging the victim behind him.
This method is good because the lifeguard profile is minimal and can use shelters. However, it requires considerable physical effort and can be traumatic for the injured when driving on rocky or rough terrain. To protect the head of the wounded, you can use his helmet or put his hands / bag under it.
If the injured person is conscious and can help, underarm. The rescuer stands on the side, embraces the wounded with one hand by the waist, and the second captures the distant hand of the wounded, throwing it over his neck. The movement is carried out in jerks, synchronously. This method allows for faster travel, but leaves the rescuer vulnerable as one hand is busy and the profile is high.
There is also a method of carrying on the back or shoulders, known as Fireman's carry. It allows you to free the hands of the rescuer for shooting or climbing, but requires excellent physical shape and complete absence of injuries to the injured limbs that could hang around and interfere. In real combat with full layout, this method is rarely used because of the high energy consumption.
Group evacuation: interaction in a pair and a group
Working in a pair or group significantly increases the speed and safety of evacuation. The classic way is pick-up. Two rescuers approach the wounded from the sides, one grabs him under his arms and supports his head, the second takes his legs in the knees and ankles. On the count of three, they simultaneously lift the wounded and begin to move.
It's important to synchronize steps. Usually, the score is set by the one who holds the legs, as he sees the way ahead (if moving backwards) or vice versa, depending on the direction. This method allows the wounded to be carried quickly enough, but makes the group a high and visible target. It is used for short jerks between shelters.
- 🏃♂️ Synchronicity: The movement starts only on command to avoid jerks and falls.
- 🛡️ Defense: One of the carriers must be ready at any time to release the wounded and open fire.
- 🗣️ Communication: Constant verbal contact between rescuers is mandatory.
If the injured person can rest on his legs but needs support, the method is used. "castle". Two rescuers stand on the sides, take each other by the wrists (the right hand the left wrist of the partner and vice versa), forming a seat. The wounded man sits on this "castle" and embraces the rescuers by the shoulders. It is a stable and relatively comfortable way for long transitions.
⚠️ Warning: When carrying together, never take the wounded under the arms if there is a suspicion of a fracture of the ribs or pneumothorax. Pressure of the chest can lead to respiratory arrest.
Use of improvised means and service stretchers
Modern equipment often provides for the availability of special evacuation equipment. The most common is Rescue strap (rescue strap) Or an evacuation belt. He wears the armpits of the wounded, allowing him to drag without damaging his neck and clothes. This is the de facto standard in many armies around the world.
For more complex cases, soft stretchers (folding) or rigid shields are used. Hard stretchers are indispensable for suspected spinal injury, as they provide immobilization. However, their use requires time to prepare and usually four people to carry. In combat, hard stretchers are used only after taking out of the "hot" zone.
☑️ Evacuation readiness
If there are no service funds, the materials are available. A tent cloak, jackets worn with sticks, or even a camouflage net can become improvised stretchers. The main requirement for improvisation is strength. The material must withstand the weight of an adult in full gear (which can reach 100 kg or more) and not break at a critical moment.
Comparative table of evacuation methods
For quick choice of tactics, it is useful to have a clear classification of methods in your head. Below is a table comparing the main methods by key parameters of effectiveness and risk.
| Method | Rescue crews. | Speed. | Risk to the injured | Applicability under fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragging by strap/gate | 1 | Low. | High (friction, injuries) | High (low profile) |
| Arms and feet. | 2 | Medium | Medium. | Low (high profile) |
| Fireman's carry (on the shoulders) | 1 | Medium | High (injury) | Medium (one hand occupied) |
| Wearers (rigid) | 4 | Low. | Minimum | Inapplicable. |
Analyzing the data of the table, we can conclude that in the "red zone" (under fire) the most effective low-tech methods with a low profile. The use of complex designs is justified only when the immediate threat to life from enemy fire has passed.
Why is dragging by the collar better than the legs?
When dragging by the collar, the head of the injured person is fixed, which reduces the risk of repeated neck injury. When dragging by the legs, the head dangles, and the face can rub against the ground, clogged with dirt and blood, making breathing difficult.
Tactical nuances and work with equipment
When evacuating, the question often arises: is it necessary to remove unloading and weapons from the wounded? In the "hot" fzei of the fight - categorically not. The time spent unbuttoning the fastexes and removing the armor may be the last. The wounded man is being dragged along with all his equipment. The equipment is removed in a safe area for detailed inspection and assistance.
Special attention should be paid to the weapons of the wounded. If he is unconscious, his machine can hang around and get stuck behind rocks or roots. It is necessary to press the weapon against the body of the wounded or to throw the belt over the shoulder of the rescuer, if this is possible without wasting time. Losing weapons in combat is not just material damage, it is a reduction in the firepower of the group.
- 🔦 Marking: If the injured person is unconscious, immediately mark the time of applying the tourniquet with a marker directly on the skin or tag.
- 🔫 Weapons: Always monitor the position of the gun of the wounded person, so as not to shoot yourself in the leg when dragging.
- 🩸 Control: Periodically check the harnesses and bandages during the movement, as friction could weaken them.
The use of modern gadgets, such as GPS trackers or condition monitoring systems, is becoming the standard. However, reliance on technology should not replace basic orientation and communication skills. In electronic warfare (EW) conditions, electronics may fail, and rescuers must be able to act in the old-fashioned way.
Psychological preparation and typical mistakes
The most common mistake during evacuation is panic and fuss. Rescuers begin to pull the wounded, shout at each other, forget about basic safety principles. Calm-headedness This is a skill that is developed through training. It is important to work out scenarios not only in the comfortable conditions of the test site, but also in the dirt, in the dark, under the soundtrack of shots.
Another common mistake is underestimating weight. The wounded in full combat weight is very heavy. Trying to lift it with a jerk without the right technique (working with the legs, not the back) often leads to injury to the rescuer himself. In combat, a back injury means another fighter is out of action, critically reducing the group's chances of survival.
Practice dragging a bag with sand weighing 80-100 kg. This is the best simulation of a wounded fighter that will not help you, but will only interfere with the inertia of your body.
Don’t forget about moral support. Even if the injured person is unconscious, you need to talk to him. The voice of the friend helps to keep in touch with reality. Phrases like "Hold on, we'll get you out," "The medic's on his way" work just as well as painkillers. Psychological shock can kill you faster than blood loss.
Effective evacuation is a balance between the speed of removal from the fire and the accuracy of handling the wounded. Speed is more important in the first minutes, accuracy - when transporting to the rear.
What if the injured person panics and prevents the evacuation?
In case of inadequate behavior of the wounded (screaming, resistance), it is necessary to apply strict fixation methods. In a combat situation, the life of a group is more important than the comfort of one person. You can use belts or special fixers to immobilize the limbs. Sometimes a light blow to the face (shock slap) helps bring a person to his senses. The main thing is to quickly regain control of the situation.
How to evacuate a wounded person on a staircase or steep slope?
When descending, the wounded should always be head-up so that blood does not rush to the head and do not hinder breathing, as well as so that rescuers see his face. One rescuer holds under his arms (controlling his head), the second - by his legs. The movement is carried out by auxiliary step, back forward (for the top) or sideways. On steep slopes it is better to use a rope system or stretcher with a guide.
Can I use the equipment to evacuate?
The use of armored vehicles for evacuation (BFT - Battlefield Pick-up) is standard procedure, but it is possible only outside the zone of direct fire contact or with a powerful fire cover. Loading a wounded person into an APC or a car under a sniper’s bullets is a suicidal tactic. First, the exit to the safe zone, then the landing in the equipment.