Moving Someone Safely (When You Must) — Core Skill — Learn | AidNow

DRAFT — NOT FOR PUBLIC EMERGENCY USE

Draft content aligned with ILCOR/AHA resuscitation guidelines, IFRC/Red Cross first aid guidance, WHO emergency care principles, and NFPA fire safety standards. Requires expert review before publication.

SKILL-138 min read

Moving Someone Safely (When You Must)

When to Move Someone

Why this matters

Fire, flood, traffic, and collapsing structures can kill faster than suspected injuries. Knowing when movement is necessary — and using the safest method available — balances both risks.

Steps

Follow these in order when you need this skill.

Default: do not move
If the person is stable and the scene is safe, keep them still and wait for professionals. Support the head if you suspect neck injury.
Move when staying is more dangerous
Move only for immediate life threats: fire, smoke, floodwater, traffic, gas, building collapse, or violent threat.
Plan before you move
Know where you are going. Clear the path. Get help — two or more people is safer than one.
Protect the head and neck
If spine injury is possible, keep head, neck, and body aligned. One person stabilizes the head while others move the body as one unit.
Use the safest technique available
Drag techniques (blanket drag, shoulder drag) are safer than lifting for short distances. Chair carry works for conscious, cooperative people on stairs. Do not attempt carries beyond your ability.
Move the minimum distance needed
Move just far enough to reach safety — behind a barrier, out of traffic, away from fire. Then stop and call for help.

Common mistakes

Things that can make the situation worse

Moving someone with possible spine injury when the scene is actually safe.
Trying to carry an unconscious adult alone over a long distance.
Pulling by one arm or leg instead of moving the body as a unit.
Moving into a different danger — e.g., from traffic into a live electrical area.

Practice

Discuss two scenarios with family: (1) person falls on a safe sidewalk — do not move; (2) car smells of smoke with person inside — move to safety. Practice explaining the difference.

Key takeaways

Do not move unnecessarily — but do move when staying is deadly.
Protect head and neck alignment if spine injury is possible.
Use drags or team carries — not solo hero lifts.
Move the minimum distance to safety, then get professional help.

Comprehension questions(2 — optional, no score)

Question 1

When is it appropriate to move an injured person?

Always — to get them comfortable
Never under any circumstances
When staying put puts them in immediate greater danger
Only if they ask to be moved

See explanation

Answer: When staying put puts them in immediate greater danger. Movement is justified when fire, traffic, flood, or collapse makes staying more dangerous than careful movement.

Question 2

A person is unconscious after a fall from height. The scene is safe. What do you do?

Sit them up
Walk them around to wake them
Keep them still and call for help
Drive them to hospital immediately

See explanation

Answer: Keep them still and call for help. Falls from height may cause spine injury. If the scene is safe, keep them still and wait for professionals.

Use this skill when…

Practice this skill for these emergency situations.

Related skills

More skills in Injuries & fractures.

Moving Someone Safely (When You Must)

Why this matters

Steps

Default: do not move

Move when staying is more dangerous

Plan before you move

Protect the head and neck

Use the safest technique available

Move the minimum distance needed

Common mistakes

Practice

Key takeaways

Use this skill when…

person suddenly collapsed

building fire

Related skills

Clean and Cover

Triangular Bandage Use

Splinting

Sling Application