You're at an accident scene and need to move a victim to safety, how should you move them?

Moving a victim to safety at an accident scene is a critical action that requires careful consideration of the situation and the condition of the victim. The one rescuer drag, often referenced as the POPAT (Police Officer Physical Ability Test) drag style, is an appropriate technique to use when you need to move a person while minimizing the risk of further injury, particularly if the victim may have a spinal injury or other serious condition.

Using this method involves securing the victim in a way that allows for a controlled and stable movement. The drag style helps to ensure that the rescuer can maintain control of the victim during the movement, reducing the risk of causing additional harm. This technique is designed to safely transport a person over a distance without lifting them completely, which is important in situations where spine or neck injuries are suspected, as lifting could exacerbate these injuries.

When deciding on the best way to move a victim, the selected technique must consider not only the urgency of moving them away from danger but also the safety of the victim and the rescuer. Seeking assistance is always a good practice, but in some situations, immediate action is necessary, and using a reliable drag method provides an effective solution for a single rescuer.