Document text
FM 8-35
FM 8-35
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
.*■
TRANSPORTATION OF
THE SICK AND WOUNDED
Prepared under the direction of
The Surgeon General
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1941
For salt* by the Superintendent of Documents, Washington, 1>. - Price 25 cents
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, February 21, 1941.
PM 8-35, Medical Field Manual, Transportation of the Sick
and Wounded, is published for the information and guidance
of all concerned.
[A. G. 062.11 (10-30-40.)]
By order of the Secretary of War :
G. C. MARSHALL,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
E. S. ADAMS,
Major General,
The Adjutant General. .
Distribution :
B (2); R (2), 8 (10); Bn 8 (5); C 8 (10).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paragraphs Page
Chapter 1. General , 1-5 1
Chapter 2. Manual Transport for Sick and
Wounded.
Section I. General 8-8 2
II. instruction. In manual transport 9-12 27
Chapter 3. Litter Transportation of the Sick and
Wounded.
Section I. General 19-17 36
33. Instruction In the use of the
litter 18-24 45
Chapter 4. Adjuncts to the L i iter in the Trans-
portation of the Sick and Wounded.
Section I. General 25-28 98
II. Instruction In the use of the
wheeled litter carrier--- 28-31 110
Chapter 5. Ambulance Transportation of the
Sick and Wounded.
Section I. General 32-36 118
H. Instruction in ambulance loading
and unloading 37—41 131
Chapter 6. Am Transportation of the Sick and
Wounded 42-48 137
Chapter 7. Rail Transportation of the Sick and
Wounded 49-54 147
Chapter 8. Water Transportation of the Sick and
Wounded 55-60 161
Index - - 169
in
FM 8-35
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
TRANSPORTATION OF THE SICK AND WOUNDED
(This manual supersedes TR 405-50, October 7, 1924; TR 405-60,
May 10, 1927; TR 405-90, October 7, 1024; and TR 405-90, March
29, 1926.)
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
■ 1. Purpose of Manual. — The purpose of this manual is to
describe methods and means by which patients may be
transported in the field.
■ 2. Scope of Manual. — This manual includes a brief descrip-
tion of all common methods of transporting patients by land,
sea, and air; means of transport, ranging from the hand Utter
to the hospital ship; and methods of instructing personnel in
the employment of such methods and means.
■ 3. Relation of Transportation to Medical Task. — One of
the chief responsibilities of the medical service is the evacu-
ation of sick, and wounded. Prompt and orderly evacuation of
casualties from forward areas, in a manner calculated least
to interfere with other military requirements, allows combat
units to preserve their mobiUty and promotes the morale of the
remaining effectives (FM 8-10). Evacuation must be con-
tinuous; it must be carried out with all speed possible without
endangering life or limb and, in modern warfare, under many
serious handicaps. Evacuation includes the collection of cas-
ualties on the battlefield and their subsequent movement
through every medical installation from aid station to gen-
eral hospital. The transport involved in this movement must
be designed to meet the particular conditions existing in
various stages of the journey.
■ 4. Principles of Evacuation. — See FM 8-10.
■ 5. Responsibility roR Evacuation.— See FM 8-10.
1
CHAPTER 2
MANUAL transport for sick and wounded
Paragraphs
Section I. General ft-8
II. Instruction In manual transport 9-12
Section I
GENERAL
M 6. General. — Not infrequently situations arise demanding
the movement of patients without litters or other equipment.
Such situations may require that the patient be lifted and car-
ried by hand, by one or more bearers. In the selection of a
method for such movement, two factors must be considered:
a. Nature of disability and the care necessary to preclude
complications likely to arise as a result of movement.
b. Element of fatigue of bearer which indicates that the
method be least awkward and tiring, especially when the carry
involves any appreciable distance.
® 7. Movement by One Bearer. — a. Supporting carry. — When
patients are conscious and the character of their disabilities
permits, they may be assisted in walking. This assistance is
designated the “supporting carry.” The procedure is as
follows:
(1) The bearer turns the patient on his face (fig. 1) and
steps astride the patient's body, facing his hea^ <flg. 2) .
(2) The bearer places his har\ds under the patient’s armpits
and raises him to his knees (fig. 3) .
(3) The bearer clasps the patient around his waist and
raises him to his feet (fig. 4).
(4) The bearer seizes the patient’s left wrist with his left
hand and draws the patient’s left arm around the bearer’s
neck (fig. 5). The patient’s body now rests against the right
side of the bearer’s body, the latter’s arm being placed around
the patient’s waist for support (fig, 6) .
(5) The patient walks, assisted by the bearer.
2
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 7
b. Arms carry . — This method is applicable to an unconscious
as well as to a conscious patient. The procedure is as follows:
(1) The patient is brought to upright position by the first
three steps described in the supporting carry (a above).
(2) The bearer turns slightly toward his right (left) , brings
his right arm upward to a supporting position about the
patient’s back, and passes his left (right) arm under the
patient’s thighs (fig. 7).
(3) The bearer lifts the patient into a carrying position.
The patient should be carried high to lessen fatigue (fig. 8) .
Figure 1. — Supporting carry, first step.
c. Saddle-back carry . — This method cannot be employed
except with the cooperation of the patient. The procedure is
as follows:
(1) The patient is brought to upright position by the first
three steps described in the supporting carry (a above).
(2) The bearer maintains a pull on the patient’s arm (fig. 9)
and steps in front of the patient. Then, with his back to him,
bearer stoops and raises the patient upon his back (fig. 10).
The patient having encircled the bearer’s neck with his arms,
the bearer grasps the patient’s thighs (fig. 11 ).
3
7
Figure 4.— Supporting carry, fourth step.
6
Figure 6. — Supporting carry.
8
Ficube 7. — Arms carry, fourth step.
9
Figure 8. — Arms carry.
10
TRANSPORTATION OP SICK AND WOUNDED
7
j
Figure 11. — Saddle-back carry, sixth step.
287972° — 41-
2
13
Figure 12, — Saddle-back carry,
14
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
7-8
(3) The bearer resumes upright position, at the same time
lifting the patient, bringing him well up on his back. The
patient continues to secure himself by grasping the bearer’s
neck (fig. 12) .
d. Fireman’s carry. — This is the method of preference in
the movement of an unconscious patient. The procedure is
as follows:
(1) The patient is brought to upright position by the first
three steps described in the supporting carry ( a above).
(2) The bearer passes around to face the patient’s left,
grasps the patient’s right "wrist with his left hand, and pulls
upward (fig. 13).
(3) The bearer stoops (fig. 14) , passes his right arm between
the patient’s legs, and then draws the patient over his left
shoulder (fig. 15).
(4) The bearer passes the patient’s right wrist to his own
right hand (fig. 16) , reaches backward with his left hand
and grasps the patient’s left wrist, and draws the patient’s
left arm forward and around the bearer’s body (fig. 17).
(5) The bearer then resumes upright position (fig, 18).
■ 8. Movement by Two Bearers. — a. Supporting carry. — By
this method, two bearers, one on each side, assist a conscious
patient in walking. The procedure is similar to that described
in paragraph 7 a (see fig. 6).
b. Arms carry . — This method is applicable to patients,
conscious or unconscious, requiring movement for a limited
distance, or when being loaded on some mechanical carrier.
The procedure is as follows:
(1) With the patient lying on his back, the bearers kneel
on one knee, on the same side of the patient, and place their
arms beneath the patient as follows:
(a) One bearer places an arm beneath the patient’s
shoulders, the partially bent elbow supporting the head and
neck, the other arm beneath the patient’s back at about the
lower rib margins.
(b) The other bearer places his arms beneath the patient’s
hips and knees, respectively (fig. 19) .
(2) Bearers lift patient to their knees-(flg, 20).
15
8
Figure 15. — Fireman's carry, sixth step.
18
Figure 16. — Fireman's carry, seventh step.
19
8s :
: .:A;- •
Figure 17, — Fireman’s carry, eighth step.
20
Figure 18. — Fireman’s carry.
21
8
medical field manual
(3) Bearers rise simultaneously, lifting the patient In
horizontal position, his weight being carried well up (flg. 21) .
c. Saddle-back carry . — This method, employed by two
bearers, is applicable to the unconscious as well as the con-
scious patient. It requires no effort on the part of the patient
but is not applicable to patients with severe injuries of the
extremities. The procedure is as follows:
(1) With the patient on his back, the front bearer spreads
the patient’s lower extremities, steps between them facing
Ficube 22. — Saddle-back carry, beginning (2 bearers),
the patient’s feet, kneels, and grasps the patient’s thighs with
his arms (flg. 22).
(2) At the same time, the rear bearer kneels at the patient’s
head facing the patient, thrusts his arms beneath the patient’s
shoulders, brings his forearms inside the patient’s arms, up-
ward and across the patient’s chest (flg. 23).
(3) Bearers rise simultaneously, lifting the patient into a
send recumbent position (flg. 24) .
d. Packsaddle carry . — This method is applicable only to a
conscious patient. The procedure is as follows:
24
8
Figure 25.— Facksaddle carry, first step.
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
26
transportation of sick and wounded 8-9
(1) The bearers face each other, each grasping his left
wrist with his own right hand (figs. 25 and 26) ,
(2) A seat is then made by interlacing the four hands, each
bearer grasping the other’s right wrist with his own free left
hand (figs. 27 and 28).
FioUre 26. — Packsaddle cany (close-up).
(3) On this improvised seat the patient sits, supporting
himself by placing an arm around the neck of each bearer
(figs. 29 and 30).
Section II
INSTRUCTION IN MANUAL TRANSPORT
■ 9. General- — a. Purpose . — The purpose of this section is
to provide guides for instruction in the manual transport of
patients, thus insuring uniformity in the application of proper
procedures and the saving of valuable training time. It is
in no sense a drill, and the commands are for instruction
purposes only.
b. Formation for instruction. — (1) For instruction in the
handling of a patient by one bearer, the unit will be formed
27
Figure 27. — Faeksaddle, completed.
28
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 9-10
In two ranks, facing each other. After each rank has counted
off, men with the same number form teams, the two ranks
alternating in the role of patient and bearer.
(2) For instruction in 2-bearer transport, formation will
be in single rank, the unit then being divided into groups of
threes. The individual members of each group will be alter-
nated in the roles of No. 1 bearer, No. 2 bearer, and patient.
The No. 1 bearer will be in charge of each group.
Figure 28. — Packsaddle. completed (close-up).
c. Demonstration . — The speed and value of this instruction
will be enhanced by utilization of the applicatory system, that
is, demonstration followed by practice.
d. Commands . —The following types of commands are
utilized in instruction: preparatory commands and commands
of execution. The former are distinguished by appearing in
small capitals, the latter in large capitals.
■ 10. To Carry Patient by One Bearer (see par. 7).— In-
struction is carried out by means of a single set of commands
varied to meet the requirements of each method of handling
the patient.
287972“ — 41-
29
10
Figure 29. — Placing patient on packsuddle.
30
mm
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
10-11
a. To place hearer in position. — The patient being prone,
to place the bearer in position, the commands are: 1. right
(left) side, 2. POST. The preparatory command will vary
with the patient’s disability. If there be no choice, the
command will be left side, thus enabling the bearer to work
from his right. At the command POST, the bearer moves by
the nearest route and takes an erect position by the patient’s
right (left) hip, facing the patient (fig. 31).
h. To lift patient. — The bearer being in position, to lift
the patient to the carry, the commands are: 1. by supporting
carry (or other type carry desired) , 2. lift, 3. PATIENT.
At the first command, the bearer stands fast. A short pause
after this command enables the bearer to mentally review
the actions he will take. At the second command, the bearer
proceeds to bring the patient to an erect position (see par.
7a). At the command patient, the bearer lifts the patient
to the position indicated by the first command.
* 11. To Carry Patient by Two Bearers (see par. 8). — a.
To place bearers in position. — As in the case of the single
bearer carry, to place bearers in position, the same commands,
varied to meet the desired method of carry, are prescribed.
These commands are as follows;
(1) Supporting carry. — To place bearers in position for the
supporting carry, the commands are: 1. both sides, 2. POSTS.
At the command posts, bearers proceed by the most direct
route to the patient and take erect positions facing the
patient, No. 1 opposite the right, and No. 2 opposite the
patient’s left hip (fig. 32).
(2) Arms carry. — To place bearers in position for the arms
carry, the commands are : 1. right (left) side, 2, POSTS. At
the command posts, bearers take position on the right (left)
side of the patient, No. 1 opposite and facing the patient’s hip.
No. 2, the patient’s shoulder (fig. 33),
(3) Saddle-back carry. — To place bearers in position for
the saddle-back carry, the commands are; 1. head and feet,
2. POSTS. At the command posts, bearers take position as
follows: No. 1 between the patient's legs. No. 2 at the patient’s
head, both facing the patient’s feet (fig. 34) .
33
i
Figuhb 33. — Two bearers, eight (left) side, POSTS.
\ i;
iT'iK&t
i
34
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 11-12
b. To lift patient . — The bearers being in position, to lift
patient, the commands are: 1. by saddle-pack carry, (or other
type carry desired) , 2. lift, 3. PATIENT. At the second com-
mand, bearers place themselves and the patient in the neces-
sary position for lifting. At the command patient, bearers
lift patient to the position designated in the first command.
Figure 34. — Two bearers, head and feet, POSTS.
■ 12. To Lower Patient. — Whether one or two bearers are
being utilized, to lower patient, the commands are : 1 . lower,
2. PATIENT. At the command patient, patient is carefully
lowered to a prone position by a reversal of the steps by which
he was originally lifted, when the bearer or bearers resume
posts assumed prior to lifting the patient.
35
CHAPTER 3
LITTER TRANSPORTATION OP THE SICK AND
WOUNDED
Paragraphs
Section I. General 13-17
II. Instruction in the use of the litter 18-24
Section I
GENERAL
■ 13. General. — a. Litter, definition. — A litter is a stretcher,
carried by two or more bearers, for the movement of sick
and wounded.
b. Classification of cases , — (1) Ambulant. — All sick and
wounded patients who are able to walk from the place where
they become casualties to the medical installation designed
for their treatment, without aggravating their condition, are
classified as ambulant or ambulatory cases.
(2) Litter. — All patients who are unable to walk either with
or without assistance, or whose condition might be aggravated
by walking, are classified as litter cases. All litter cases,
regardless of whether they occur in posts, camps, or on the
battlefield, will require more or less movement on a litter,
or on a substitute therefor. The distance of movement by
litter and the terrain over which movement will be accom-
plished will vary with the situation.
c. Requisites of military litter. — Por satisfactory employ-
ment. in the military service, a litter must possess the follow-
ing requirements:
(li Size. — The size of the litter must be sufficient to
accommodate individuals whoge height and weight are within
the maximum limits as prescribed by the War Department,
without undue discomfort.
<2> Weight. — The weight should be as light as possible
without sacrificing necessary strength and durability.
(3) Durability. — The durability should be commensurate
with the rough usage entailed in prolonged field operations.
36
transportation of sick and wounded
13-14
f4) Type . — It should be collapsible in at least one axis to
facilitate handling, storage, and movement to the point of
employment.
(5) Standardization . — All litters should possess the same
dimensions when open. This allows a patient to pass through
the various echelons of medical service, entailing movement
on several types of carrier, without being removed from
the litter upon which he initiates his journey. The benefits
thus derived are twofold: first, loss of valuable time is pre-
cluded; and second, danger to the patient incident to chang-
ing litters is obviated. This standardization is highly de-
sirable not only throughout the military service but also
between the military and naval services to facilitate evacua-
tion during joint operations. (See FM 8-25.)
■ 14. Litters Employed by the Medical Department. — a.
Litter, canvas, aluminum pole (fig. 35) . — The standard Medi-
cal Department nonfolding litter is the aluminum pole type,
so-called to distinguish it from the former standard wooden
pole litter, many of which are still in service and will continue
to be employed until they reach a state of unserviceability.
Both the aluminum and the wooden pole litters are further
designated nonfolding to distinguish them from the folding
litter, although actually they are capable of being folded in.
one axis with consequent approximation of the poles. The
aluminum pole Holer consists of a canvas bed, 6 feet long and
22 V 2 inches wide, supported by two aluminum alloy poles
which are inserted into heavily-stitched casings on either
side of the canvas. The poles are tubular, 1.54 inches in
diameter and 77 inches long, and equipped at either end with
knurled wooden handles which project 6 Va inches beyond the
pole ends. Each pole is supported (when the Jitter is
grounded) by two feet or stirrups, 3% inches wide and 5Vt
inches high, bolted firmly to the pole, 18 ! /> inches from the
outer end of the handle. These bolts perform the dual role
of securing the stirrup and preventing the canvas from slip-
ping on the pole. Conversely, removal of the stirrup bolts
allows replacement of worn canvas. Straight, single-jointed
spreader bars extending crosswise between adjacent stirrups
hold the canvas taut. The litter weighs approximately 15
14
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
pounds and, when collapsed, occupies a comparatively small
space. All parts of the litter are of aluminum alloy except
the canvas bed, wooden handles, and cadmium-plated steel
stirrup bolts. There are no slings attached to the aluminum
pole litter. Two web litter-carrying straps are included in
the individual equipment of the Medical Department soldier.
These straps are attached by snaps to the forward and rear
rings on the suspender, the length adjusted by means of sliding
loops, and the handles of the litter inserted into the slings
Figuhe 35. — Aluminum pole litter (open).
thus formed. The aluminum pole litter possesses the follow-
ing distinct advantages over earlier types: considerably less
weight and greater durability.
b. Litter, canvas, wooden pole (fig. 36) . — The wooden pole
litter consists of a canvas bed 6 feet long and 22 inches wide,
made fast to two wooden poles 7% feet long, and made taut
by two jointed spreader bars. The stirrups, 4 inches high and
1% inches wide, are similar to those of the aluminum pole
litter. On the left front and right rear handles, a half-round
iron ring is fixed 4‘/ 2 inches from the end, and between this
and the canvas, plays the movable ring of the litter sling.
38
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
14
One pair of slings is permanently attached to the litter. The
slings are of khaki-colored webbing, 2 Vi inches wide, with a
leather-lined loop or bight at each end, and each sling is
equipped with a metal slide to regulate the length. One loop
of the sling passes through a metal swivel, itself attached to
the movable ring of the handle. The weight of this litter
is approximately 22 pounds.
Figure 36. — Wooden pole litter (open).
c. Litter, canvas, folding (fig. 37) . — The standard folding
litter is similar to the aluminum pole litter, except that it not
only collapses in its long axis but also folds at the center, a
characteristic made possible by a socket- type joint near the
middle of each pole. The weight of this litter is approximately
15 l /z pounds. Originally designed to permit carrying with
the top load on a pack saddle, it also lends itself to storage
in airplane and other compartments of limited dimensions.
d. Litter, metal, airplane (figs. 38 and 39). — The metal
basket, modified Stokes, litter is no longer a standard item,
although It is still used to a limited extent by the attached
medical personnel with the Air Corps. It is approximately
7 feet long, 23 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and weighs about
39
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
20 pounds. The litter consists of a rigid frame of steel tubing,
to which wire mesh netting is attached to form a' bed. The
lower half is divided to form twp compartments conforming,
in general, to the lower extremities of the patient. Its chief
advantage lies in the security of the patient when the litter
is tilted. The Navy uses this general type of litter, especially
for loading patients from small boats to large hospital ships
or transports. For mass evacuation by air, employment of
the standard litter is deemed preferable. (See ch. 6.)
r . « i . a tJf*:..
Figure 37. — Folding litter (closed).
■ 15. Improvisation of Litters.— -to the absence of actual
litters, satisfactory substitutes may be improvised, the product
varying with the material at hand and the ingenuity of the
individual or individuals concerned. The following improvisa-
tions are suggested, not only for their own merit but also
as models on which to base other satisfactory substitutes.
a. Improvised rifle litter. — (l) With rifles and overcoat . —
The barrel of a rifle is inserted through each sleeve of an
overcoat turned inside out and buttoned, sleeves inside,
buttons down, collar toward the rifle butts. The front bearer
rolls the tail of the overcoat tightly around the barrels
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
15
15
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
T: ■■
\
$
1
Figure 33. — Modified Stokes Utter, with patient.
42
transportation of sick and wounded
15
and takes his grasp over them; the rear bearer holds by the
butts, trigger guards up.
(2) With rifles and blanket. — A blanket being folded once
from side to side, a rifle is laid transversely upon it across
its center so that the butt and muzzle project beyond the
edges; one end of the blanket is folded upon the other and a
second rifle laid upon the new center in the same manner as
before. The free ends of the blanket are now folded upon
the end containing the first rifle so as to project a couple of
inches beyond the first rifle. This is carried in a manner
similar to that described in (1) above.
(3) With rifles and blouses. — Two or three blouses may be
utilized in the same manner as, and in lieu of, the overcoat
described in (1) above.
b. Improvised pole litters . — (1) With poles and blanket (fig.
40> . — A most satisfactory litter may be improvised by utilizing
a blanket and two poles approximately 7 feet in length. The
blanket Is spread lengthwise on the ground. One pole is
laid across the center of the blanket which is then folded
over it. The second pole is placed across the center of the
new fold and the blanket is folded over the second pole as
over the first. Another method of utilizing the same means
consists of rolling one-half of the blanket into a cylinder
which is placed alongside the back of the patient who has
been carefully turned on his side; the patient is then turned
over upon the blanket and the cylinder unrolled on the other
side. The poles are then laid down on the outer edges of
the blanket and rolled tightly toward the patient, each a like
number of times, until the side of the patient has been
reached.
■ 2) With poles and blouses or overcoats (fig. 41.) — Two
poles and two overcoats, or three blouses, may be utilized in
the following manner; sleeves reversed, coats buttoned, and
poles Passed through the sleeves in such manner as to place
the buttons of the garments beneath the litter bed. The posi-
tion of the collars, that is, front or back, is immaterial.
'3) With poles and shelter half. — The shelter half may be
utilized in the same manner as described for the blanket In
1.11 above.
43
transportation of sick and wounded
15-19
(4) With miscellaneous items . — With poles as a basis,
various other items may be utilized in the improvisation of
litters, for example, cloth sacks or bags, bedticks, matting,
rugs, carpets, woven rope or rawhide strips, and other similar
items.
c. Utilization of litter-shaped objects . — Many common
items, such as properly padded camp cots, doors, benches,
and ladders, may be utilized as improvised litters,
d. Doyan , — The Filipino doyan (pronounced doo-yan) con-
sists of a hammock swung on two long bamboo poles, the latter
resting on the outer shoulders of four bearers.
■ 16. Employment of Litter Bearers of Medical Detach-
ments. — See FM 8-10.
■ 17. Employment of Litter Bearers of Collecting Units.—
See FM 8-10.
Section II
INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OF THE LITTER
■ 18. General. — a. Purpose. — The purpose of this section is
to provide guides for instructing personnel in methods of
handling litters and litter cases. Their general use will se-
cure uniformity in the proper methods of performing a highly
important function of medical service, and, at the same time,
save valuable training time.
b. Scope. — This section includes proper methods of han-
dling, opening, Closing, and strapping litter; loading, carry-
ing, and unloading of patients; and the actions of bearers
upon encountering unusual situations, such as obstacles, stairs,
and unusual injuries.
c. Commands. — Although not to be considered a precision
drill, certain commands should be utilized to facilitate instruc-
tion. The use of these commands in actual operations is not
contemplated,
■ 19. Litter Squad. — a. Composition, — A litter squad (fig. 42) ,
both for purposes of instruction and for actual field employ-
ment, ordinarily will consist of four bearers. Fewer are un-
able to withstand the fatigue of long and frequent carries,
except when aided by a wheeled litter carrier or similar device.
287972 “ — 41 -
45
19-20
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
b. Designation of bearers. — During instruction, each bearer
will be given a numerical designation. Members of a litter
squad, being in line, are numbered consecutively from right
to left. No. 1 is the squad leader; in his absence. No. 4 com-
mands; if both Nos. 1 and 4 are absent, No. 3 becomes the
squad leader.
c. Duties in reduced squads. — Nos. 3 and 2 being absent,
their duties are assumed by Nos. 1 and 4, respectively. No. 1
Figure 42. — Litter squad.
being absent. No, 4 assumes his duties. In his absence, the
duties of No, 4 do not require replacement.
d. Instruction in reduced s Quads. — Under exceptional cir-
cumstances, when 2-bearer squads are being Instructed, the
instruction will be as for Nos. 2 and 3 of the 4-bearer squad.
■ 20. Litter, Strapped and Closed. — a. Litter, strapped. — The
aluminum pole litter is said to be strapped (fig. 43) when it is
folded, the canvas doubled smoothly, and secured by the cross
straps. The wooden pole litter is said to be strapped (fig. 44)
When it is folded, the canvas doubled smoothly on top. the
slings placed thereon parallel to each other, and all secured,
by the cross straps.
46
20-21
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
b. Litter, cloned . — The aluminum pole litter is said to be
closed (flg. 45) when it is folded but unstrapped. The wooden
pole litter is closed (flg. 46) when it is folded but unstrapped,
the loop of the front sling upon the left handle and the loop
of the rear sling upon the right handle, the bight of each sling
embracing the opposite handle.
■ 21. Instruction with Unloaded Litters. — a. Formation for
instruction . — Being in its normal formation, to form and aline
the unit (detachment, platoon, or company) in a single rank
Ficuke 45. — Aluminum, pole litter, closed.
for instruction in the litter, appropriate commands from FM
22-5 will be employed. Similarly, following completion of the
instruction, to return the unit to its normal formation, appro-
priate Infantry drill commands will be employed.
b. Formation of litter squads . — The unit being in single rank
facing the front, to form litter squads, the commands are: 1.
count, 2. FOURS. At the command fours, all except the right
file execute eyes right, and, beginning with the right file,
count one. two, three, four, one, etc.; each man turns his head
and eyes to the front as he counts.
48
transportation of sick and wounded
21
c. Designation of squads . — Litter squads being formed, to
designate squads by number, the commands are: 1 . count, 2.
LITTER SQUADS. At the command litier squads. No. I of
each squad except the right squad, executes eyes right, and,
beginning on the right, counts, in consecutive order, one,
tux), three, etc., until all have counted. Each No. 1 turns his
head and eyes to the front as he counts.
d. Procurement of litters . — Being in proper formation (fig.
47) and litters being available in the immediate vicinity, for
Figure 46. — Wooden pole litter, closed.
each litter squad to procure one litter, the commands are:
1, procure, 2. LITTER. At the command litter, all Nos. 3
step one pace to the rear (fig. 48), execute right (left)
face, as required by the location of the litters, and imme-
diately proceed in column of files by the nearest route to
the (closed or strapped) litters. Each takes one litter,
placing it on the right shoulder (see f below), and all promptly
return in reverse order to the rear of the line (fig. 49), turn,
and step into the line in unison (fig. 50 ) , litters at the vertical.
Upon arriving in position, Nos. 3 bring litters to the shoulder
49
Figure 48. — procure, LITTER, first step.
50
21
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
(flg. 51). This march should he supervised by a noncommis-
sioned officer. It can be executed in double time.
e. Return of litters . — Instruction having been completed, to
return litters to place of procurement, the commands are:
1. return, 2. UTTER. This movement is executed in the
same manner as procure, litter, except that the litters are
carried from, instead of toward, the unit.
/. Litter at the shoulder (flg. 52). — In the position "at the
shoulder,” the litter is held at a 45° angle, canvas down, upon
Figure 51. — procure, LITTER, completed.
the right shoulder, the right hand grasping the lower right
stirrup; the left hand is dropped to the side. In all motions
from the shoulder or to the shoulder, the litter should be
brought to vertical position (fig. 53) against the right shoul-
der, canvas to the rear, right hand grasping right lower stir-
rup, left forearm horizontal, and left hand steadying the litter
against the shoulder. The vertical position should be taken
automatically by the bearer when resuming his place in line
(see d above) and in any formation or movement in which
there may be danger of the handles of the litter striking
TRANSPORTATION OP SICK AND WOUNDED
21
Figure 52. — Litter at the shoulder.
53
'• t'SlSlfflP
.*;'f
Saifl
tMt'vr-*"' '
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
21
neighboring men, after which “at the shoulder” is resumed
without command.
g. To order litter (fig. 54) . — Being at the shoulder, to order
litter, the commands are: 1. order, 2. LITTER. At the com-
mand litter, the litter is brought to vertical position, the
lower handles then dropped to the ground outside the right
foot, canvas to the rear, right arm extended naturally, right
hand grasping the poles, and left hand dropped to the side.
'h. To shoulder litter . — (1) From the order. — Being at the
order, to shoulder litter, the commands are; 1. shoulder,
2. LITTER. At the command litter, the litter is lifted
with the left hand (fig. 55) to the vertical position (fig. 53) ,
then raised until the left wrist is level with the chin, when
it is laid, canvas down, upon the shoulder as described in
/ above (fig. 52) .
(2) From the carry. — Being at the carry (see i below) ,
to shoulder litter, at the command litter. No. 3 advances
to his former position in line, at the same time bringing
the litter to vertical, and then to. shoulder position. In this
he is aided by No. 2 who lifts his end of the litter to the
vertical as he steps backward into his former position in
line. Nos. 1 and 4 stand fast.
i. To carry litter — (1) Being in line. — Being in line, litters
at the shoulder, to carry litter the commands are: 1, carry,
2. LITTER. At the command litter, each No. 3 brings his
litter to the vertical position, steps backward two paces
(fig. 56) , drops the upper handles forward and downward
until the litter is in horizontal position, canvas up, and
grasps the outside handle with his right hand; meanwhile,
No. 2 steps directly to the front until he is opposite the
front handles, when he grasps the outside handle with his
left hand (fig. 57) ; Nos. 1 and 4 stand fast (fig. 58) ; guides,
if any, aline on Nos, 1 and 4.
(2) Being at the ground. — Being at the ground, to carry
litter, at the same command, Nos. 3 and 2, using their right
and left hands, respectively, stoop, grasp the outside handles
(fig. 59) , and raise the litter from the ground to the carry.
(3) Designation of litter ends. — That portion of the litter
normally supported by No. 2 is the foot or front; that by
No, 3, the head. With the exception of a few special move-
55
tr-
It?!**!
v *F l ' :
^IBgM
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
21
Figure 55. — shoulder, LITTER, first step.
57
21
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
K
m
gfiS
%
m
M.
m
Figure 59. — carry, LITTER from ground, first step.
59
21 MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
merits, such as carrying patients up and down stairs, the
same designation of loaded and unloaded litters apply.
Furthermore, the feet of the patient normally correspond
to the foot of the litter.
(4) Unloaded litter in marching . — In marching, the litter
is usually at the carry, but when space permits Or squads
are working independently, it may be at the shoulder.
j. To ground litter (flg. 60) . — Being at the carry, to ground
litter, the commands are: 1, ground, 2. LITTER. At the com-
Figure 60. — Litter at the ground.
mand litter, Nos. 3 and 2 stoop and lower litter to the ground,
canvas up, release the handles, and resume erect position,
facing front.
k. To change bearers . — (1) Being at the carry. — Being at
the carry, in marching, to change bearers, the commands
are: 1. change bearers, 2. MARCH. At the command march.
Nos. 1 and 4 step to the right rear and left front of the litter,
respectively, and grasp the handles relinquished by Nos. 2
and 3, who step to right and left center, respectively.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
21
(2) Being at the ground, closed . — Being at the ground,
closed, to execute chance bearers, bearers move as at the
carry, but Nos. 1 and 4 do not grasp the handles.
(3) Being at the ground, open. — The litter being at the
ground, open, to execute the same command, Nos. 1 and 4
assume the rear and front posts, respectively, while Nos. 2
and 3 assume right and left posts, respectively, thus all de-
scribing part of a circle in a clockwise direction around the
litter.
l. To open litter . — Being at the carry, litter strapped, to
open litter, the commands are: 1. open, 2. UTTER. At the
command utter, all bearers face the litter (fig. 61) : No. 4
supports the litter at the center, canvas up (fig. 62) ; Nos. 2
and 3 unfasten straps, button straps to their respective
studs if it be a litter so equipped, and grasp the left handles
with their left hands, leaving the litter suspended longitudi-
nally, canvas to the right (fig. 63) ; Nos. 2 and 3, assisted by
Nos. 1 and 4, extend the braces (fig. 64) and, supporting the
litter horizontally, canvas up, lower it to the ground, when all
resume their positions at litter posts. 'If the litter is closed,
but not strapped, so much of this directive as relates to the
unfastening of the straps does not apply. If the litter is
equipped with slings. Nos. 2 and 3 slip the free loop of their
respective sling upon the ring handle, the bight embracing
the opposite handle.
m. To secure slings. — (Applicable to litter with slings at-
tached.) Unsecured slings tend to drag the ground, catch on
small obstacles, and, at times, actually interfere with loading
ambulances and similar operations. This may be avoided by
securing slings. To secure slings, the litter being lowered,
the commands are: 1. secure, 2. SUNGS. At the command
slings. Nos. 2 and 3 slip the loop end of the sling over the
ring handle (fig. 65). Each drops the double end over the
free handle and brings it up around the handle, slipping the
the double end through the sling (fig. 66) and over the end
of the handle (fig. 67).
n. To close litter. — Being open, to close litter, the com-
mands are: 1. close, 2. UTTER. At the command litter,
Nos. 2 and 3 step outside the right front and left rear
handles, respectively, and face inward; they stoop and, with
287972"
61
2
Figote 61. — open. LITTER, first step.
62
Figure 62. — open, LITTER, second step.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
63
21
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
66
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
21
their right hands, raise the litter by the left handles; they
then fold the braces and, bringing the lower pole against the
upper, support the litter at the carry.
o. To strap litter . — The Utter being closed, to strap Utter,
the commands are: 1. strap, 2. LITTER. At the command
litter, all face the Utter; No. 4 supports the Utter at the
center (fig. 68) ; Nos. 2 and 3, assisted by No. 1, fold canvas
by doubling it smoothly on top of the poles (fig. 69) , release
free loops of slings if litter have slings attached, place them
Figure 67. — secure, SLINGS, completed.
on the canvas, buckles out, and secure all by the cross straps
at each end, passing them through the loops of the slings
(fig. 70) if any,’ when all take their posts at the carry. In
the field, the litter should be carried strapped or closed, and
opened only upon reaching the patient. The Utter being
open, may be closed and strapped at the command strap,
LITTER, in which case the procedures outUned are both
executed in rotation, at the one command (see also n above).
p. To bring litter squad into line . — During litter Instruc-
tion, It may be desired to move the squad, without Utter, to
67
Figure 68. — strap, LITTER, first step.
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
68
Figure 69. — strap, UTTER, second step.
69
Figure 70. — strap, LITTLE, third step.
r. To lift open litter, loaded or unloaded. — (1) Aluminum
pole litter. — Being at the ground with bearers at litter posts,
to lift the aluminum pole litter utilizing the litter-carrying
straps, the commands are: 1. prepare to lift, 2. LIFT. At
the first command, Nos. 2 and 3 remove their litter-carrying
straps from their pouches, attach them to their suspenders,
then stoop and grasp handles firmly. Meanwhile, Nos. 1
and 4 face litter, stoop and grasp adjacent pole (fig. 72). At
the command lift, Nos. 2 and 3 arise slowly, assisted in lift-
ing by Nos. 1 and 4, following which Nos. 1 and 4 adjust the
21 MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
another point. Bearers being at posts with litter at the
ground, to bring the squad into line, the commands are:
1. form, 2. BANK. At the command rank. No. 2 advances
one pace and remaining bearers move forward and aline
themselves on him, in regular order (fig. 71).
g. To resume Utter posts. — Normal bearer posts, with the
litter at the ground, may be recovered at any time by the
commands: 1. litter, 2. POSTS. At the command posts,
all members of the squad move by the nearest route and
resume posts as shown in figure 60.
70
21
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
litter-carrying straps of Nos. 2 and 3. respectively, then
resume their posts (fig. 73). The litter may be lifted with-
out litter-carrying straps by prefixing without litter-car-
rying straps to the command,
(2) Wooden pole litter . — Being at the ground with bearers
at litter posts, to lift the open wooden pole litter, at the com-
mand prepare to lift. Nos. 2 and 3 stoop, slip the slings off
the handles and place them over their shoulders; they then
replace the free loop upon its handle and firmly grasp the
Figure 73. — Litter lilted, with straps.
handles of the litter. At the same time. Nos. 1 and 4 face
litter, stoop, and grasp the adjacent pole (fig. 74). At the
command lift, all lift the litter, arising slowly until erect.
No. 4 then advances to the side of No. 2 and No. 1 steps back-
ward obliquely to the side of No. 3, adjusts slings, lengthen-
ing or shortening as necessary to level litter, then resume
their posts (fig. 75). The litter may be lifted without slings
by prefixing without slings to the command.
s. To march forward . — Being at the lift, to march forward,
the commands are: 1. forward, 2. MARCH. At the com-
mand march. No. 2 steps ofi with the left foot. No. 3 with the
72
21-22
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
right, both taking shprt, sliding steps of about 20 inches, to
avoid jolting and to secure uniform motion of the litter.
Nos. 1 and 4 step off with the left foot, employing the normal
pace at a cadence to conform with the progress of Nos. 2 and
3.
t. To lower litter .— Being at the lift, to lower litter, the
commands are: 1. lower, 2. LITTER. At the command
litter. Nos. 2 and 3 slowly lower litter to the ground, dis-
engage litter-carrying straps from litter handles, and resume
erect position. Or, if employing litter with slings, Nos. 2
and 3, after lowering litter, seize the free loop and bight of
their respective slings from their shoulders, place loops upon,
ring handles, the bights embracing opposite handles, then,
resume erect position. The open litter should be lifted and
lowered slowly without jerks, both ends simultaneously, the
rear bearer moving in accord wtih the front bearer so as to
maintain a horizontal canvas. The open litter, unloaded,
for purposes of instruction should be handled as a loaded
litter and as soon as the men are familiar with the handling
of the unloaded litter, instruction should be with the loaded
litter.
■ 22. Instruction With Loaded Litters. — a. General. — <1)
Patients for purposes of instruction . — For purposes of instruc-
tion with loaded litters, certain men are designated "patients.”
To make the instruction more realistic and to instruct in the
handling of different types of injuries, patients should wear
bandages and splints to simulate actual disabilities. In early
periods of instruction, these patients will be placed on the
ground at suitable intervals near the line of litters, first with
the heads and later with the feet toward the line. As the
instruction progresses, the positions may be varied and, lastly,
dispersed or concealed in such positions as they would occupy
on the battlefield. When patients are loaded on litters, their
arms and accouterment are carried by Nos. 1 and 4 or placed
on the litter.
(2) Arrangement for instruction . — Several squads may be
instructed by the same individual at the same time, or each
squad may be instructed separately by an instructor or by the
squad leader (No. 1) . In the latter case, squad leaders assume
charge at a directive by the Instructor or the unit commander.
74
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
22
At the signal for assembly, the squads form in line, lower lit-
ters, and come to rest, when the patients if still on the litters
are divested of dressings and splints, and resume their posts.
Further movements are performed as directed by the
instructor.
(3) General rules for moving patients. — (a) In moving
the patient, either with or without the litter, every move-
ment should be made deliberately and as gently as pos-
sible, care being taken not to jar the injured part. The
command steady will be used to prevent undue haste and
other irregularities.
(b) The rear bearer should watch the movements of the
front bearer and time his own with them, so as to insure ease
and steadiness of action.
(c) As a rule, the patient should be carried on the litter feet
foremost, but in going uphill or upstairs his head should be in
front.
(d) In case of fracture of the lower extremities, he is car-
ried uphill or upstairs feet foremost and downhill head fore-
most, to prevent the weight of the body pressing upon the
injured part.
<e) In passing obstacles and ditches, the litter must be kept
level at all times,
b. To load and unload Utter. — (1) Position for lifting pa-
tient. — The patient having been located, the general nature
of his wounds having been determined, and the litter being
open and available, to place bearers in proper position to lift
patient, the commands are: 1. right (left) side, 2. POSTS.
At the command posts, bearers take position as follows: No.
2 at the right (left) ankle; No. 3 at the right (left) shoulder;
Nos. 1 and 4 at the right and left hips, respectively, all facing
the patient (fig. 76) .
(2) To lift patient and place litter in position. — The bear-
ers being at posts, to lift patient preparatory to placing him
on the litter, the commands are: 1. lift, 2. PATIENT. At
the preparatory command lift, all bearers kneel on knees
nearest the patient’s feet; No. 2 passes both forearms under
the patient’s legs, carefully supporting the fracture, if there
is one; Nos. I and 4 place their arms under the small of the
back and the thighs, not locking hands; No. 3 passes one
75
22
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
Figure 76. — Squad at eight side, POSTS.
76
transportation of sick and wounded zz
hand under the patient’s neck to the farther armpit, With
the other supporting the nearest shoulder (fig. 77). At the
command patient, all lift together, slowly and carefully, and
place the patient upon the knees of the three bearers on the
same side (fig. 78) . As soon as he is firmly supported there,
the bearer on the opposite side (No. 1 or 4) relinquishes his
hold, passes quickly by the nearest route to the litter which
he takes up by the middle, one pole in each hand, and, re-
turning rapidly, places it under the patient and against the
ankles of the other three bearers (fig. 79).
Figure 77, — Squad at lift.
(3) To lower patient on litter . — The patient being on the
knees of three bearers, and the litter being in proper position
to receive the patient, to lower patient on litter, the com-
mands are: 1, lower, 2. PATIENT. At the command lower,
the free bearer (No. 1 or 4) resumes his former kneeling po-
sition opposite the other three bearers and prepares to as-
sist in lowering the patient. At the command patient, the
patient is lowered gently upon the litter, made as comfort-
able as possible, then without further orders all bearers rise
and resume their positions at litter posts.
287972°— 41 6 77
TRANSPORTATION of sick and wounded
22
Figure 81. — Lowering patient on litter.
79
80
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 22
(4) To unload Utter , — The patient being on the litter, to
unload Utter, the same commands are given and the actions
of the bearers are the same, with the following exception:
after the patient has been lifted to the knees of the three
bearers, the free bearer removes the litter from beneath the
patient instead of placing it under him.
c. To load and unload litter with three bearers . — In the
absence of one man from the litter squad. No. 3 or 2 is replaced
by No. 4 or 1. respectively, while Nos. 1 and 4 replace each
Z
ISP
Figure 83. — Actions of two bearers at lut.
other. With three bearers, the litter is placed as usual and,
at the prescribed commands, the bearers take their proper
positions. The patient, having been lifted by the three bear-
ers, is supported on the knees of the two on one side, while the
third (No. 1 or 4) places the litter in position (fig. 80) . In like
manner, the patient is lowered on the litter (fig. 81) . To un-
load the litter, the maneuvers are reversed.
d. To load litter with two bearers. — (1) With bearers on
the same side . — At the command right (left) side, posts.
Nos, 2 and 3 take positions at patient’s right (left) thigh and
81
22
MEDICAL FIELD MAHUAL
Figuhe 85. — Two bearers placing patient on litter.
82
TRANSPORTATION OP SICK AND WOUNDED
22
shoulder, respectively (fig. 82) . At the command lift, bear-
ers kneel on knees nearest the patient’s feet; No. 2 passes
his arms beneath, the patient’s hips and knees; No. 3 passes
his arms beneath the patient’s shoulders and small of his
back (fig. 83) . At the command pattent, they lift together,
raising the patient upon their knees, then, readjusting their
holds, rise to their feet and carry patient to the side of the
litter. At the command lower, patient, the bearers kneel and
place the patient on their knees (fig. 84), stoop forward and
place him on the litter (fig. 85) , then rise and assume the posi-
tion of litter posts without command. To unload, posts are
taken In the same way, at the same commands.
(2) With bearers on opposite sides, — In case the patient is
conscious and able to cooperate in the movement, a method
whereby the bearers take positions on opposite sides of the
patient may be employed. To carry out this movement, the
commands are: 1. both sides, 2. POSTS. At the command
posts. Nos. 2 and 3 take positions at the patient’s right and
left hips, respectively, facing the patient (fig. 86) . At the
command lift, bearers kneel on the knees nearest the pa-
tient’s feet, raise him to a sitting position, and pass their
arms around his back and under his thighs, locking hands.
The patient, if able, clasps his arms around the bearers’
necks (fig. 87) . At the command patient, they lift the
patient, both rising together, and carry him to the center of
the litter (fig. 88). At the command lower, patient, they
stoop and lower the patient upon the litter in a sitting posi-
tion, and the patient releases his hold on the bearers’ necks
(fig. 89) . No. 3 then passes his left hand across the front
of the patient’s chest to the opposite armpit and grasps the
patient. No. 2 releases his hold at the right side of the pa-
tient, steps astride the patient’s lower extremities, and grasps
the patient’s right and left thighs just above the knees with
his left and right hands, respectively. Both bearers then
turn and lower the patient upon the litter, head toward No. 3,
when both bearers take the position of litter posts without
command. Unloading is performed, in reverse order, at the
same commands.
83
Figure 86. — Two bearers at both sides, POSTS,
84
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED ii
e. To load dnd unload back cases . — To avoid aggravating
the condition of patients with actual or suspected back in-
juries, the following procedure will be followed:
(1) To place patient face doum . — The patient being in the
prone position on his back, a blanket rolled or folded length-
wise to two-thirds its normal width is placed alongside the
patient, the roll or fold in close proximity to his body (fig. 90) .
At the command roll. No. 2 kneels at the patient’s feet, firmly
grasping the patient’s ankles; No. 3 kneels at the patient's
head, hands grasping the patient’s chin and occiput (back of
Figure 87. — Two bearers ready to lift patient.
head) . No. 1 kneels by the side of the patient, opposite the
blanket, while No. 4 places an open litter in close proximity,
and prepares to assist No. 1. At the command patient, Nos.
2 and 3 exert moderate traction, while Nos. 1 and 4 gently
roll the patient over on the blanket, face down, arms extended
over his head, forearms supporting his head (figs. 91 and 92).
(2) To place on Utter . — At the command lift. No. 2 grasps
the lower end of the blanket. No. 3 the left hall of the upper
end and the upper half of the left side, and No. 1 grasps
the right half of the upper end and the upper half of the
Figure 90. — Rolled blanket alongside back case.
87
88
22-23
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
right side. At the command patient. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 lift pa-
tient on the blanket, while No. 4 places the open litter beneath
the patient (flg. 93). At the command lower, patient, Nos.
1, 2, and 3, assisted by No. 4, lower the patient gently down
On the litter.
(3) To unload from litter. — To unload the patient from the
litter, the same maneuvers, at the same commands, are
executed in reverse order.
f. To carry loaded, litter by four bearers. — If it is desired
that the four bearers carry the loaded litter, while marching,
the commands are: 1. by foue, 2. carry, 3. LITTER. At the
command litter. No. 1 steps backward to the right rear. No.
4 forward to the left front, and each grasps the handle
nearest him, relinquished by Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, who,
retaining their grasp on the other handles, move to the out-
side (fig. 94). Normal positions are resumed by the com-
mand LITTER, POSTS.
■ 23, To Pass Obstacles. — a~ General. — Obstacles include
fences, walls, cuts, ditches, running streams, or other natural
or artificial impediments. Obstacles should be avoided when
feasible, otherwise they must be surmounted. Orders for
surmounting separate obstacles are neither necessary nor
feasible. Hence, flexibility in the execution of orders con-
cerning obstacles must be maintained, common sense dictat-
ing details of action most suited to the situation with which
the bearers may be confronted.
b. To pass minor obstacles . — For crossing wide, shallow ■
streams, rough or cultivated ground, or similar obstacles, the
command is obstacle. At this command. Nos. 1 and 4 close
in, grasp the centers of the adjacent poles, and give support
until the obstacle has been surmounted (flg. 95), then they
resume their posts without command.
c. To pass major obstacles. — To pass over fences, ditches,
and similar obstacles, when Nos. 2 and 3 must entirely re-
lease the litter to cross such obstacle, the orders are: 1. ob-
stacle, 2. MARCH. At the preparatory command obstacle.
Nos. 1 and 4 move as outlined in subparagraph b. At the
command march. No. 2 relinquishes his grasp on the front
handles, removes the slings from his shoulders and places
them on the litter (or disengages the litter- carrying straps) ,
90
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
23
and crosses the obstacle (fig. 96) . The litter being advanced
by the other three bearers, No. 2 grasps the front handles
and, after further aiding In advancing the litter, assists
No. 3 In steadying it while Nos. 1 and 4 cross the obstacle
(fig. 97). The litter is then lifted over and across the ob-
stacle by Nos. 1, 2, and 4, while No. 3 crosses and resumes
his grasp on the rear handles. Nos. 1 and 4, after assisting
Nos. 2 and 3 in adjusting slings, if any. resume their posts
without command.
Figure 95. — Carrying Utter over minor obstacles.
d. To surmount obstacles over 5 feet high . — The squad be-
ing in position of by four, carry, litter, to surmount an
obstacle over 5 feet high, the commands are: 1. raise, 2. LIT-
TER. At the command litter, the litter is raised carefully to
the level of the obstacle and advanced until the front feet of
the litter have cleared, or become well anchored on, the
obstacle (fig. 98) ; Nos. 2 and 4 then clear the obstacle, assist
in advancing the litter to the rear feet, then steady it while
Nos. 1 and 3 clear the obstacle.and resume their grasp on the
rear handles. Upon clearing, the litter Is lowered to its
former level without command.
91
Figure 98, — Surmounting obstacle over 5 feet.
287972° — 41 7
93
24
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
■ 24. To Carry Loaded Litter Up and Downstairs. — a, Up~
stairs carry. — Normally, a loaded litter is carried upstairs head
first (see par. 22a) . The litter is marched to the foot of the
stairs in the usual manner, wheeled about, and halted (fig.
99). To negotiate the stairs, the commands are: 1. prepare
for stairs, 2. MARCH. At the comand prepare for stairs.
Nos. 1 and 4 face inward, advance to the center of the litter,
and support it by' grasping a pole with both hands; Nos. 2
and 3 slip free loops of slings off handles (or disengage litter-
carrying straps), face about and again grasp the handles (fig.
TRANSPORTATION OF SrCK AND WOUNDED
24
95
2
16
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
24
bearers be present, the litter must be lowered before resuming
normal positions.
b. Downstairs carry. — Normally, a loaded litter is carried
downstairs feet first (see par. 22a.) . The loaded litter is car-
ried to the head of the stairs in the usual manner and
halted. At the command prepare for stairs. No. 4 advances
to the left front handle, which he grasps firmly with both
hands, while No. 2 grasps the opposite handle (fig. 103) . At
the command march, the litter is carried downward, Nos. 2
and 4 keeping the litter as nearly level as passible. No. 3,
aided by No. 1, carefully observing the patient to insure no
untoward incident during the descent. Upon reaching the
foot of the stairs, normal positions are resumed by the com-
mand LITTER, POSTS.
c. With fractures of the lower extremity . — When the pa-
tient being transported has a fracture of the lower extremity,
or if for any reason it be desired to carry the patient up-
stairs feet first, or downstairs head first, the bearers are
reversed, in the former case No. 2 becoming the front
bearer, in the latter, No. 3.
07
CHAPTER 4
ADJUNCTS TO THE LITTER IN THE TRANSPORTATION
OP THE SICK AND WOUNDED
Paragraphs
Section I. General 25-28
H. Instruction, in the use of the wheeled litter
carrier 29-31
Section I
GENERAL
■ 25. General. — The manual carrying of a loaded litter Is
one of the most grueling tasks performed by the personnel
of the Medical Department. In prolonged actions, the criti-
cal point in the chain of evacuation within the division lies
between the casualty on the field and the most forward am-
bulance. Therefore, every effort is made to minimize the
task of litter bearers. Front line medical installations, in-
cluding advanced ambulance loading posts, are placed as far
forward as the situation and terrain will permit, and any
mechanical device which will aid the litter bearers and ac-
celerate the tempo of evacuation is employed whenever fea-
sible. Among such mechanical aids is the carrier, field,
commonly known as the wheeled litter carrier. (Fig. 104
shows World War, improvised, animal -drawn wheeled litter
carriers.)
■ 26. Wheeled Litter Carrier (figs. 105 and 106).. — a. De-
scription . — The standard wheeled litter carrier is a collapsible,
2-wheeled cart, capable of transporting one loaded litter. Its
weight is 59 pounds and its measurements are as follows:
open — width 32 '/ 2 inches, height over all 31 inches, length 28
inches; folded — 9 by 28 by 61 '/a inches. Folded, it occupies
approximately 10 cubic feet of space. Wheels are bicycle type
with wire spokes, equipped with pneumatic tires size 26 by 2.
It is equipped wtih two full elliptical springs upon which the
litter Is supported by a pair of angle brackets, held in position
by a pair of screw brackets. The carrier, open, is kept in
98
transportation of sick and wounded
26
99
Figure 104. -World War improvised animal-drawn wheeled litter carriers.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 26
upright position by a hinged, tubular, metal, inverted V-
shaped support stand which, when not in use, folds centrally
from its lateral attachment to the axle rod, to be held in place
by a spring latch. The preceding model (figs. 107 and
108) , of which there are many in service and In depot storage,
is similar in 'many respects. Its measurements approximate
those of the standard carrier, but the wheels are wooden
spoke, solid rubber tired, buggy type, and its weight is
approximately 72 pounds.
b. Advantages of standard wheeled litter carrier. — (1) Col-
lapsibility. — The shape plus the space requirements, assumed
by the earlier when collapsed, facilitates its transportation
to and from the place of actual employment, either as part
of a top load or attached to the rear of an ambulance or
truck by means of appropriate hooks.
(2) Weight. — There is a distinct reduction in weight over
previous models.
(3) Economy of personnel. — Over suitable terrain, the
litter squad employing the carrier may be reduced to two
men, and the smaller squad still perform the same task with
increased rapidity and less fatigue.
(4) Employment in mud and sand. — In consequence of the
wide pneumatic tire, employment of the carrier in mud and
sand becomes reasonably feasible.
(5) Increased comfort for passenger. — The pneumatic
tires and elliptical springs increase the comfort of the patient
being transported and, at the same time, decrease the tend-
ency of the movement to cause or aggravate the condition
of shock.
(6) Safety factors. — (a) Balance. — The vehicle is well bal-
anced and the center of gravity is so located as to minimize
the likelihood of over-turning.
(b> Litter lock . — The loaded litter is securely locked to the
carrier during movement, thus precluding inadvertent or
premature unloading. This also enables bearers to lift litter
and carrier over minor obstacles without dismounting the
litter.
(c) Support stand. — Safety durihg loading and unloading
is insured by the stabilizing effect of the support stand.
101
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
27-28
■ 27. Employment of Wheeled Litter Carrier in the
Field.— S ee FM 8-10.
■ ‘28 Substitutes for Wheeled Litter Carrier. — a . Gen-
eral . — Frequently, situations arise wherein the following con-
ditions obtain: the evacuation of sick or wounded mandatory;
wheeled litter carrier either not available or use not feasible;
ambulance either not available or its employment precluded;
evacuation by bearers either too fatiguing, too time-consum-
ing, or even impossible. Such situations demand ingenuity.
There are as many solutions to such problems as there are
individuals who may be called upon to solve them. As guides
for action in such adverse situations, several substitutes for
the wheeled litter carrier are described. These substitutes
are not standard items of supply, nor is their standardization
contemplated.
b . Cacolet , — ( l ) Definition. — A cacolet is a packsaddle fitted
with a frame capable of supporting one or. two litters or fold-
ing chairs. Its employment by the military, for transporta-
tion of sick and wounded, dates to the Crimean War, when
It was utilized by the French Army.
(2) Types. — Numerous types have been developed and used
with varying degrees of success. The following are examples
possessing merit:
(a) Carlisle cacolet (figs. 109 and 110). — This cacolet, de-
veloped by the Medical Department Equipment Laboratory,
Carlisle Barracks, Pa., consists of a folding metal frame fitted
to a Phillips packsaddle, and, when open, will support two
loaded litters, one on each side, the litters firmly secured
to the frame by setscrew clamps.
(b) Panama jungle cacolet (fig. Ill) . — Devised by the med-
ical service for the purpose of evacuating sick and wounded
from the jungle, this type consists of a metal frame similar
to the modified Stokes litter in appearance, over which metal
bows have been securely fastened. In this, the patient rests
on a waterproof kapok pad. The whole device is firmly
bolted to a Phillips packsaddle, protection to the patient on
the trail thus being rendered from all directions. The weight
of the entire apparatus is 57 pounds and the apparatus,
loaded, may be floated across unfordable streams.
103
28
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
Figure 112. — Cacolet, 1st Cavalry Division, front view.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
28
(c) 1st Cavalry Division cacolet (figs. 112 and 113). — This
device, originating in the medical service of the 1st Cavalry
Division and field tested by that organization, consists of a
tubular metal frame, fitted to the Phillips packsaddle, and
bent to conform to the animal’s dorsal contour, A canvas
bed is stretched tightly within theframe, giving it an appear-
ance similar to the Bradford frame. It is equipped with four
metal braces which are inserted into corresponding keepers
on the packsaddle. It is light, well balanced, and fairly
comfortable.
Figure 113. — Cacolet, 1st Cavalry Division, side view.
(d) Hamilton chair cacolet (fig. 114). — The Hamilton
chair is applicable to the evacuation of conscious or semi-
conscious patients, especially from mountainous terrain. It
consists of a regulation riding saddle equipped with four
sockets, two each front and back, into which, when desired,
four metal uprights are placed. The front uprights are joined
at their upper ends by a transverse bar, and the whole sur-
rounded by a wide web belt which threads through slots in
the uprights. The patient cannot fall, may relax against
the webbing, and increases his security, when fully con-
107
28
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
scious, by grasping or leaning against the transverse bar.
When not in use, the superstructure occupies relatively little
space on the top load of the medical pack.
c. Travois, or travail. — (1) Definition . — The travois is a
contrivance for transportation of sick and wounded, consist-
ing of two long poles lashed at one end to each side of a
horse or similar animal, the other ends trailing the ground.
Hurdles are lashed across these poles to receive the load.
108
transportation op sick and wounded
28
(2) Improvisation of a travois (flg. 1X5) . — A travois may be
improvised by cutting poles about 16 feet long and 2 inches
in diameter at the small end. These poles are laid parallel
to each other, large ends to the front and 2 y 2 feet apart, the
small ends 3 feet apart with one of the latter projecting some
8 or 10 inches beyond the other to impart a rocking rather
than a jolting motion to the load. The poles are connected
by a crossbar about 6 feet from the front ends and another
about 6 feet back of the first, each notched at the ends and
securely lashed to appropriate notches in the long poles. Be-
tween the crosspieces, the litter bed, 6 feet long, is filled in
with canvas, blanket, or similar material, securely fastened
to the poles and crossbars. In lieu of canvas or blanket,
rope, a lariat, or rawhide strips may be stretched obliquely
from pole to pole, in many turns, crossing each other to
form the basis for a light mattress or improvised bed. A
287072*— 41
109
28-30
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
litter or cot may be fastened between the poles for the same
purpose. The front ends of the poles are securely fastened
to the saddle of the animal, and joined around the animal's
chest by means of a breast strap. On the march, bearers
should be ready to lift the rear end of the travois when
passing obstacles, streams, or when going up hill.
(3) Two-horse travois (fig. 116). — A further development
of the original travois is in current use by the British medi-
cal service. The rear ends of the poles, instead of being al-
lowed to drag, are lashed to the saddle of a second horse,
following the first in tandem.
Section It
INSTRUCTION IN THE USE OP THE WHEELED
UTTER CARRIER
■ 29. General. — a. Purpose. — The purpose of this section is
to furnish a guide for instruction in the use of the wheeled
litter carrier and thereby standardize and accelerate such
training.
b. Scope. — It includes instruction in opening, closing, load-
ing, and unloading of the carrier.
c. Objectives. — The objectives of this instruction will be a
thorough knowledge of the mechanism of, and a high degree
of proficiency in the employment of, the carrier.
d. Commands. — Any commands used are for the purposes
of instruction and their employment in the field is not con-
templated.
e. Formation for instruction. — For purposes of instruction
in the use of the wheeled litter carrier, groups of three are
preferable, men within the group alternating in the role of
patient. The two members of the group acting as bearers
are designated Nos. 1 and 2. No. 1 being in charge.
■ 30. To OPEN AND Close Carrier. — a. To open carrier . —
The carrier being on the ground, folded, to open, the com-
mands are; 1. open, 2. CARRIER. At the command carrier.
the following steps of procedure are executed:
(1) Both bearers proceed by the most direct route to the
folded carrier and take positions, one on each side adjacent
110
Figure 117.- — Bearers in position to open carrier.
(4) No. 1 unlatches the support stand and brings it down •
to the vertical (fig. 121).
(5) Both bearers loosen the screw brackets and swing them
laterally, leaving the litter pole racks open to receive the
litter, then they resume their positions at the wheels, facing
the carrier (fig, 122).
b. To close carrier . — The carrier being open and unloaded,
to close carrier, the commands are: 1. close, 2. CARRIER. At
the command carrier, bearers move directly to positions at
wheels, if not already there, and proceed to perform in re-
verse order, the same steps as required to open it (a above).
Ill
f-W-r;
pP
Figure 119. — Opening carrier, second step.
112
Figure 121. — Opening carrier, fourth step.
113
Figure 123. — Bearers at facing patient, litter, POSTS,
114
transportation op sick and wounded 30-31
Screw clamps are moved centrally and tightened; No. 1 lifts
the support stand and latches it; both unfasten wheel locks,
and, in unison, allow wheels to fold at the axle joints. When
the carrier has been completely closed, bearers resume up-
right position.
■ 31. To Load and Unload Carrier. — a. Posts at loaded
litter . — The carrier being open and conveniently located, to
place bearers in position to proceed with the loading, the
commands are: 1, pacing patient, 2. litter, 3. POSTS. At the
command posts, bearers move by the most direct route and
take positions- between the handles of the litter. Nos. 1 and 2
facing the patient’s head and feet, respectively (fig. 123) .
5. To load carrier . — The litter being loaded, the bearers at
posts, and the command prepare to lift, LIFT, having been
given and executed, to load carrier the commands are:
1. load, 2. CARRIER. At the command carrier, the procedure
is as follows:
(1) Bearers carry the litter and place it on the carrier, the
poles lying firmly in the racks and the litter well balanced
on the carrier (fig. 124).
(2) No. 1 remains in position and steadies the litter while
No. 2 locks poles into racks by adjusting and tightening the
screw brackets (fig. 125).
(3) No. 2 folds and latches the support stand (fig. 126) and
resumes his position at the patient’s feet, facing front
(fig. 127).
c. To unload carrier . — The carrier being loaded and the
bearers being in position for movement, to unload carrier, the
commands are: 1. unload, 2. CARRIER. At the command
carrier. No. 1 stands fast and steadies the litter while No. 2
loosens the screw brackets, moves them laterally; unlatches
and lowers the support stand, and resumes his post, facing the
patient’s feet. Without further command, bearers lift lit-
ter, move it clear of the carrier, and perform further actions
at the command of the instructor or No. 1 bearer.
115
'77 tRS
CHAPTER 5
AMBULANCE TRANSPORTATION OP THE
SICK AND WOUNDED
Paragraphs
Section I. General 32-36
II. Instruction in ambulance loading and unloading. 37— U
Section I
GENERAL
■ 32. General. — a. Definition. — An ambulance is a wheeled
vehicle designed and employed for the conveyance of sick and
wounded.
b. Ambulances employed by Medical Department. — (1)
Motor . — Figure 128 shows an ambulance station in France,
1918, with Worid War motor ambulances.
(a) Metropolitan ambulance (figs. 129 and 130) . — The large
metropolitan ambulance, designed for and equipped with
large, single, basket-type, wheeled litter, is used at general
hospitals in the zone of the interior and at the larger Air
Corps posts.
<t>) Ambulance, field (figs. 131 and 132). — The field am-
bulance, motor, used at the majority of posts and stations
and in the field is a 1 ‘/ 2 -ton, 2-wheel drive, panel body vehicle
with a patient capacity of four litter, or eight sitting, or
various combinations of litter and sitting cases. It Is satis-
factory as a road ambulance but its value is limited for
cross-country employment.
(c) Ambulance, field, cross country (figs. 133 and 134). —
For front line and cross country use, the 4-wheel drive, y 2 -ton
motor ambulance is the preferred vehicle. (See par. 33 for
detailed description.)
(2) Animal-drawn. — (a) Ambulance, 4-animal (figs. 135
and 136). — The 4-animal ambulance, model of 1909, is avail-
able for employment in situations requiring an animal-drawn
vehicle but not demanding any considerable speed. This am-
bulance is satisfactory for employment with foot troops -on
the march.
118
.9
Fioube 128. — An ambulance station ol the 42d Division, Rolampont, February 10, 1918.
I . * j
Figure 129. — Metropolitan ambulance, exterior view.
Figure 130. — Metropolitan ambulance, Interior view.
120
Figure 133. — Ambulance, field, motor, cross country (exterior view).
and infantry divisions. The former field ambulance will con-
tinue to be used wherever necessary and feasible. In time, if
experience proves the lighter cross country vehicle capable
of universal use, it may supplant the l^-ton field ambulance
entirely.
(2) Definitions. — (a) Panel body . — The term “panel body”
used in connection with an ambulance implies that the light,
commercial type, delivery truck body has been utilized with-
out structural change.
32-33 MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
(b) Ambulance, 2-animal (figs. 137 and 138). — The new
2-animal ambulance is an excellent cross country vehicle and
possesses the ability to match the speed of horse cavalry.
(See par. 34 for detailed description.)
* 33. Ambulance, Motor, Field. — a. General . — (1)
Status . — Two distinct types of field ambulance are now being
employed (see par. 32) . The new cross country field ambu-
lances are allocated to field units, such as armored, cavalry
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
33
jgpS$l
Figuee 139. — Insert, ambulance, Carlisle.
■«' t a
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
33
(b) Carlisle ambulance insert (fig. 139) . — The Carlisle am-
bulance insert is a light frame equipped with two folding
seats and brackets and hangers for supporting loaded litters.
This insert converts the panel body truck into a field ambu-
lance. As implied by the designation, it was developed at the
Medical Department Experimental Laboratory, Carlisle Bar-
racks, Pa.
(3) Ambulance, field, requirements of. — (a) Capacity . —
Vehicle should be capable of transporting seven sitting or
four litter cases with their impediments, a maximum load of
approximately 1,500 pounds.
(b) Speed. — The ability to travel 50 miles per hour on
suitable roads is desirable.
(c) Cruising radius. — Fuel capacity should be sufficient to
carry the vehicle at least 200 miles.
(d) Ability to cross rough terrain. — A reasonable ability to
overcome such obstacles as steep inclines, shallow ditches,
cultivated ground, loose boulders, muddy or swamp ground,
sand, or snow is mandatory.
(e) Ease in driving . — Ease in driving will result in economy
of personnel in a sustained action.
(/) Riding comfort. — The vehicle, to best serve not only the
patient’s comfort but also his general condition, should pos-
sess pneumatic tires, a satisfactory type spring, and facilities
for heating, lighting, and ventilating the interior.
<g) Safety factors . — The safety of operating and passenger
personnel should be considered in the selection of such equip-
ment as brakes, lights, horns, shatter-proof glass, and
similar items.
b. Cross country motor field ambulance (fig. 133). — The
new cross country ambulance more- nearly meets the ideal
requirements than does any other similar vehicle developed
thus far.
(1) Description. — Any measurements given are maximum
or minimum specifications and are subject to slight variations
by the manufacturer.
(a) Chassis.
1. General. — Va-ton, truck type, 123-inch wheel base,
4-wheel drive, 47’/2 inches between wheel housings.
2. Wheels . — Four, 16-inch, steel construction.
127
33
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
3. Tires.—- 7.50, pneumatic, low pressure, ail weather,
non-skid.
4. Engine. — 6-cylinder.
5. Brakes. — 4-wheel, hydraulic.
6. Shock absorbers. — Double action.
7. Gas tank . — Capacity 25 gallons.
(b) Body.
1. General. — Panel, steel, insulated; height of floor
from ground, 32 inches maximum loaded; height
(over ail), 86% inches (approximate).
2. Patient compartment. — Inside measurement, 98
inches long, 60 inches wide, 53% inches high.
3. Rear door. — Measurements, 56 inches wide, 46 inches
high.
4. Seats for personnel.. — Two, single, separate; one for
chauffeur, non-folding, leather covered, capable
of being displaced forward 13 inches when load-
ing; one for ambulance orderly, folding.
5. Glass. — Safety plate, shatter-proof.
6. Seats and litter supports (see fig. 134). — Lateral,
lopgitudinal, folding seats for sitting patients,
padded with sponge rubber, duck covered; lat-
eral brackets and centrally suspended slings for
supporting upper tier of litters; lower tier of lit-
ters fixed by lateral straps near floor. It will be
noted that, in this ambulance, the insert has been
eliminated and seats, brackets, and supports are
all bolted firmly to the body.
7. Ventilation. — Double system, front and rear, pri-
mary and auxiliary, positive exhaust.
8. Heater . — Type capable of heating interior to 70” F.,
outside temperature being 0° F.
(2) Capabilities. — (a) Speed.— Governed at 50 miles per
hour.
(b) Cruising range. — Estimated 250 miles.
(C) Patient capacity. — Four litter, seven sitting, or two
litter and four sitting cases.
c. Personnel . — Two men, a chauffeur and an ambulance
orderly, are assigned to each motor ambulance. The former
is responsible for the vehicle at all times. He makes minor
128
TRANSPORTATION OP SICK AND WOUNDED
33-34
repairs and is responsible for reporting major defects to his
section leader or, If the latter is not available, to the unit
transportation sergeant or mechanic. The ambulance or-
derly acts as assistant driver, prepares the ambulance for
loading and unloading, prepares it for departure after load-
ing and unloading, and renders necessary first-aid and care
to patients being transported.
■ 34. Ambulance, Animal-Drawn. — a. Status. — To a consid-
erable extent, the cross country motor field ambulance has
supplanted the animal-drawn ambulance. However, situa-
tions will arise wherein the latter will be employed. The new
type ambulance is preferable to the old model 1909, but
many of the latter are still in service and in depot storage,
and will be utilized until they reach a stage of unservice-
ability.
b. Ambulance, animal- drawn, requirements. — To be of
practical value, the animal-drawn ambulance should meet
the following general requirements:
(1) Weight. — The weight should be such as to permit its
being drawn by two animals at the average speed of horse
cavalry.
(2) Height. — A low vehicle decreases the tendency to over-
turn on rough terrain and the target presented by its
silhouette.
(3) Cross country employment. — The general construction
of the vehicle and its equipment should be sufficiently durable
to permit prolonged usage over rough terrain.
(4) Comfort and safety. — Such equipment as tires, brakes,
springs, and lights should be of such character as to reason-
ably insure the comfort and safety of patients and operating
personnel.
<5) Trailer employment. — Vehicle should be capable of
conversion to trailer for use with light motor vehicles,
c. Ambulance, animal-draum, new type. — (1) General. —
The new type animal-drawn ambulance was designed at the
Medical Department Equipment Laboratory, Carlisle Bar-
racks, Pa., and has had field testing over a period of several
years, its capabilities approach the ideal requirements of
an animal-drawn ambulance.
129
34-35
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
(2) Description (fig. 137). — (a) General . — The weight of
the vehicle is approximately 1,000 pounds, and height over
all, 80 inches. Even in the field, but two animals are needed
for propulsion.
(6) Chassis . — The frame is metal with automotive type
front axle and transverse, semielliptic springs, front and rear.
The wheels are five in number (one spare) , automotive type,
of metal construction, and equipped with low pressure pneu-
matic tires, size 7.50 by 16. The brakes are front wheel, in-
ternal expanding, mechanical type, operated by pressure on
a foot pedal located centrally in front of the driver’s seat.
(c) Body . — The body bed is of wood, reinforced with strap
Iron. The frame of the superstructure is of wood and tubular
duraluminum, the cover being of waterproof, olive-drab can-
vas. The inside measurements are length, 90 inches; width,
47% inches; and height, 57 inches. A central, wooden, longi-
tudinal seat may be elevated or lowered. In its normal posi-
tion, lowered, it will accommodate five sitting cases, and when
raised becomes the central support for the upper tier of lit-
ters. Lateral support for the upper tier is furnished by two
longitudinal troughs, attached to the frame on each side, in
which the litter stirrups slide during loading and unloading.
The lower litters rest on the floor where their exact fit pre-
cludes the necessity for other means of fixation. The body
is designed to accommodate a maximum load of four litter
or five sitting cases. However, with two litter cases, three
sitting cases may be transported although they will be un-
comfortable for the reason that half the seat will be occupied
by the upper litter. Immediately in front of the body, a
transverse seat, accommodating two men, rests on the jockey
box, the latter being sufficiently large to hold necessary tools
and the personal equipment of operating personnel.
d. Personnel . — The animal-drawn ambulance requires two
men, a driver who is responsible for, the vehicle and animals,
and an attendant who acts as assistant driver, assists in load-
ing and unloading, and renders necessary care to the patients
en route.
■ 35. Employment of Ambulances in the Field. — See FM
8 - 10 .
130
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
36-37
■ 36. Training of Ambulance Personnel. — a. Motor ambu-
lance. — See PM 25-10, Motor Transport.
b. Animal-drawn ambulance. — See FM 25-5, Animal Trans-
port.
Section II
INSTRUCTION IN AMBULANCE LOADING AND
UNLOADING
■ 37. General. — a. Purpose. — The purpose of this section is
to furnish guides for training enlisted personnel in proper
methods of loading and unloading the ambulance.
b. Demonstration. — Utilization of demonstration will en-
hance the efficacy of this instruction.
c. Commands. — Any commands used are for purposes of
instruction, and their use in the field is not contemplated.
These commands are limited in number and cover the general
acts performed in loading and unloading the ambulance.
Details of the actual performance of these acts will vary
slightly, depending on the number of bearers, presence or
absence of ambulance orderly or assistant driver, and type
ambulance employed.
d. General rules . — Cl) Berths and order of loading. — The
four longitudinal spaces formed within an ambulance, when
loaded litters are in place, are known as berths and are
designated right (left) upper (lower): Four litter cases
are loaded in the following order: right upper, left upper,
right lower, and left lower. When loading two litter and one
or. more sitting cases,, the right berths are utilized for the
loaded litters, the order being right upper; and right lower.
When loading two litter and no sitting cases, the lower berths
are utilized, the order being right lower: and left lower.
(2) Order of unloading. — Berths are unloaded in reverse
order to that by which they are loaded.
(3) Patients with splints. — Patients with cumbersome
splints will be loaded in lower berths, when the situation
permits.
(4) Position of patient in ambulance. — Unless otherwise
Indicated, litter cases will be loaded head first, prior to load-
ing, litter will be grounded three paces to the rear of, and
with the patient’s head toward, the ambulance.
131
37-39
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
e. Preparation jor instruction. — <1) Ambulances . — The
number of ambulances to be utilized will depend on the size
of the unit to be instructed and the availability of ambu-
lances. Each ambulance should have its full complement
of personnel, that is, driver or chauffeur, and assistant
driver or ambulance orderly.
(2) Formation. — Unit to be instructed will be formed in
litter squads and two squads will be detailed to each ambu-
lance, if available. Personnel will alternate, by litter squads,
in the role of bearers and patients.
Figure 140. — Litter squad at ambulance, POSTS.
■ 38. Ambulance Posts. — Th squad being in the vicinity of
the ambulance, to asseir’ ..rior to loading or unloading,
the commands are: 1, ..mbulance, 2. POSTS. At the. com-
mand posts, the members of the squad move rapidly by the
shortest practicable route to the ambulance, and aline them-
selves in numerical sequence from left to right, one pace in
rear of the vehicle (fig. 140) . This is the invariable position
of the squad at ambulance, POSTS.
M 39 . Ambulance Loading.— The squad being at ambulance,
posts and the ambulance being prepared to receive patient
132
transportation of sick and wounded
39
(fig. 141), to load ambulance, the commands are: 1. right
(LEFT) UPPER (LOWER) BERTH, PREPARE TO LOAD, 2. LOAD. The
procedure is as follows:
o. At the first command, bearers take position as follows:
No- 2, at foot of litter facing patient, stoops and grasps
handles; Nos. 1 and 3, one on each side of litter facing pa-
tient’s shoulders, grasp the right and left poles, respectively
(fig. 142). .
D. At the command load, the litter is lifted by Nos. 1, 2, and
3 and advanced into the berth designated in the preparatory
command (fig. 143).
i
(
Figure 141. — Ambulance ready to receive patients.
c. At the same command, the ambulance orderly or assist-
ant driver, from the front of the ambulance, assists in ad-
vancing the litter within the ambulance, and secures front
handles in brackets, straps, hooks, or other device present.
d. The rear handles are secured by Nos. 1 and 3 (fig. 144) .
e. No. 4, in the meantime, renders aid as indicated or, in
the absence of the ambulance orderly, performs the orderly’s
normal duties.
/. Following the loading, preparation of the ambulance for
departure, such as lowering curtains and closing doors or
133
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
39
Figure 144. — Rear handles being secured.
Figure 145. — Ambulance loaded, being prepared to move.
135
1 1 r
tec
& st
srs
see
39-41
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
tail gate, is accomplished by the ambulance orderly or. in his
absence, by No. 4 (flg. 145).
g. When loading has been completed, squad resumes posi-
tion at ambulance, posts without command.
■ 40. To Unload Ambulance. — The squad being at ambu-
lance posts, and the ambulance being prepared for unload-
ing, to unload ambulance, the commands are: 1 . right (left)
UPPER (LOWES) BERTH, PREPARE TO UNLOAD, 2. UNLOAD. The
procedure is as follows:
a. At the first command. Nos. 1, 2, and 3 step forward and
arrange themselves numerically, from right to left, at the
foot of the litter: and the ambulance orderly (or No. 4 In
his absence) takes position within the ambulance, at the head
of the litter.
b. At the command unload. No. 2 grasps the projecting
handles and draws out the litter, assisted by Nos. 1 and 3.
who, facing inward, support the poles.
c. An upper berth being unloaded. Nos. 1 and 3 free the
rear, the ambulance orderly the front, handles, then all three
lower the litter to the floor and the squad proceeds as in
unloading a lower berth.
d. When clear of the ambulance, the litter, carefully sup-
ported in horizontal position, is grounded three paces in
rear of the vehicle. Members of the squad resume their
positions at litter posts without command.
■ 41. Loading and Unloading by Limited Personnel. — Situ-
ations will arise wherein loading and unloading of ambu-
lances must be performed by less than the normal comple-
ment of personnel. Hie absence of No. 4 bearer entails no
substitution. In the absence of No. 4 and the ambulance
orderly or assistant driver, the chauffeur or driver will per-
form their duties. In the absence of Nos. 3 and 4, the am-
bulance orderly will substitute for No. 3, and the chauffeur,
or driver, will assist from the front. In the absence of Nos.
.3, 4, and the ambulance orderly, the ambulance will be pre-
pared by No. I, after which the litter will be placed in lower
berth by Nos. 1 and 2. An upper berth being loaded, Nos. 1
and 2 will perform the duties of Nos. 1 and 3, the chauffeur
or driver assisting from the front. Unloading is performed
in like manner but in reverse order.
136
chapter 6
AIR TRANSPORTATION OP THE SICK AND WOUNDED
* 42. General. — a. Increased difficulty of evacuation. — Mo-
torization, mechanization, and aviation have increased the
tempo of modem warfare. Concepts of distances have shrunk
and, frequently, lines of communication are long and insecure.
For evacuation to keep apace, every available means must be
employed. Evacuation by air will be utilized whenever
feasible.
b. Present status of evacuation by air. — The value and prac-
ticability of evacuating certain types of cases by air during
times of peace have been demonstrated fully in our Army.
Recently, certain powers have demonstrated its value in time
of war, under favorable conditions. The most important fac-
tor in the successful employment of' such means is air
superiority.
c. Results of evacuation by air. — Actual application of the
airplane to the medical task of evacuation accomplishes the
following:
(1) With a maximum degree of rapidity and comfort and a
minimum degree of deleterious effect, certain types of seriously
injured patients are transported from combat zone to general
hospital, either in the communications zone or zone of the
interior, where early definitive treatment can be instituted.
(2) The psychological effect upon the remaining effectives
results in a marked elevation of the morale of the entire
lighting force.
■ 43. Advantages of Evacuation by Air.— a. Speed. — The at-
tainable speed of air transport will decrease evacuation time
and reduce the number of fatalities incident to transportation,
providing that, under medical supervision, cases for evacua-
tion are properly selected prior to, and properly cared for
during, the actual movement.
b. Comfort of patients . — In genera], no other mode of trans-
port approaches the degree of comfort offered the patient by
the airplane. The discomfort, and actual danger involved in
137
43-44
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
certain types of cases, may be circumvented by low-altitude
flying and the administration of oxygen en route.
c. Safety. — The airplane, if air superiority is maintained,
represents the safest means of transport and, if cases for
movement be selected properly, the safest method of trans-
portation. Safety guaranteed by agreement between nations
will be of questionable value.
d Morale. — Successful evacuation by air will increase the
morale of combat troops.
e. Treatment en route. — In aircraft designed or converted
for transportation of casualties, considerable treatment can
be administered en route. Examples: application and read-
justment of splints; administration of stimulants, sedatives,
sera, and other medication: arrest of hemorrhage: treatment
of shock: and most important of all, administration of
oxygen.
Note. — All aircraft Intended for purposes of evacuation will fce
equipped with apparatus for the administration of oxygen.
/. Medical supplies. — Aircraft utilized for evacuation may
be employed, in their forward movement, for delivery of
emergency medical supplies to medical units functioning in
the combat zone.
g. Redistribution of the medical task. — Institution of evac-
uation by air within the combat zone will transfer the heavier
treatment load from mobile installations of the combat zone
to fixed installations of the communications zone or zone of
the interior.
■ 44. Areas of Employment. — a. Theater of operations . —
Within the theater of operations, two echelons of evacuation by
airplane ambulance are contemplated:
(1) Within the combat zone .- — Small landing fields will be
located as near division clearing stations as possible. (The
location of potential fields will be considered by clearing
elements in the establishment of their installations.) From
these fields, selected cases (par. 45) from clearing stations
will be evacuated by light ambulance transport or shuttle
planes to larger fields in the rear portion of the army area.
(2) From combat to communications zone. — At landing
fields in the army area Will be collected the cases brought by
138
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 44—45
plane from more forward areas, plus selected cases from
evacuation hospitals, from which collection centers they will
be transported by heavy ambulance transport airplanes to
general hospitals in the communications zone or, in some
situations, to those in the zone of the interior.
• b. Zone of the interior . — (1) From theater of operations. — -
If the theater of operations and zone of the interior are
contiguous, or separated by a small body of water, large
ambulance airplanes may evacuate sick and wounded from
either the combat or communications zone of the theater
directly to the zone of the interior. In this event, incoming
ambulance airplanes may proceed to one conveniently located
central field or to one of several fields located in the vicinity
of general hospitals.
(2) Within zone of the interior. — In the event that casual-
ties from the theater of operations are brought to large
reception centers by airplane or other means of transport,
ambulance airplanes may then be utilized for distribution of
such cases to various general hospitals within the zone of the
interior. Furthermore, casualties occurring within the zone
of the interior itself, either because of the peculiar nature of
the case or the isolated character of its geographical loca-
tion, may be evacuated by airplane ambulance to civilian or
military medical centers.
■ 45. Type Patient for Evacuation by Aft. — a. General. — All
cases do not respond favorably to air transportation, hence
proper selection of cases by medical personnel is the foremost
consideration in the application of the airplane to the task
of evacuation. Care must also be taken to avoid evacuating
cases to either the communications zone or zone of the in-
terior, which normally would not be moved farther to the
rear than the evacuation hospital.
b. Cases adapted to air transportation. — Evacuation by air
is intended primarily for seriously sick and wounded cases.
The following types of cases are examples of those especially
adapted to such means of transport: severe facial wounds;
brain injuries; eye injuries; shattering wounds of the spinal
column, pelvis, or extremities; severe wounds of the chest or
abdomen providing such cases are recent, have not been
operated upon, and have not suffered severe hemorrhage;
139
45-46
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
and such medical cases as severe dysentery, typhoid, and
similar conditions.
C. Contra-indications to evacuation by air . — For physiologi-
cal reasons, presence of the following conditions should con-
tra-indicate evacuation by air: severe shock; recent major
operative procedure: severe anemia due to hemorrhage; cases
of. or complicated by, pneumonia; cases complicated by re-
stricted breathing capacity as a result of hemothorax, pneu-
mothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, or marked elevation of the
diaphragm due to severe intra-abdominal pressure, gaseous
or otherwise.
e£. Evacuation by air in emergencies. — Air transport being
available and evacuation by air being feasible, all cases,
regardless of type, will be evacuated by such means If by so
doing the abandonment of patients or their capture by the
enemy will be averted.
■ 46. Airplane Ambulances. — a. Typesj — Depending upon
their two principal missions, the following general types of
aircraft will be employed as airplane ambulances:
(1) A light transport airplane capable of transporting, be-
sides the operating personnel, 2 to 4 litter cases and 1 medical
officer or enlisted attendant.
(2) A heavy transport airplane (see fig. 146, exterior view.
Douglas C-39 ambulance airplane) capable of carrying, be-
sides the operating personnel, from 9 to 16 litter cases, a
medical officer, and an enlisted attendant (fig. 147, interior
view, same airplane showing nine modified Stokes litters
ready to receive patients). The former will be utilized in
the combat zone as a shuttle airplane to transport cases from
loading points in the vicinity of clearing stations to loading
centers in the army area. The latter, or heavy airplane, will
evacuate cases from the rear of the combat zone to the com-
munications zone, or to the zone of the interior, as the situ-
ation permits. Large airplanes may be employed to evacuate
cases from installations of the communications zone to the
zone of the interior.
b. Requirements. — The general type, number of engines,
structural specifications, safety appliances, and flying in-
struments of airplane ambulances come within the purview
of the Air Corps. However, from the point of view of the
140
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
46
Figure 146.- -Douglas C-39, exterior.
46
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
Figure 147.— Douglas C-39, Interior.
142
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
46-47
arm or service charged with care and treatment of patients
being transported, the following requirements are consid-
ered desirable:
(1) For all airplane ambulances. — (a) Cabins. — Regard-
less of size, cabins should be equipped with heating and ven-
tilating systems, doors of sufficient size to permit free entry'
of a loaded litter, and racks or supports for the accommoda-
tion of standard Medical Department litters (see par. 13),
Utilization of a standard litter precludes unnecessary move-
ment of the patient incident to his evacuation.
(b) Radio . — For liaison with ground personnel at loading
and unloading points, inclusion of the radio in the equip-
ment of airplane ambulances is considered of vital necessity.
(e) Medical equipment .- — All airplane ambulances will be
equipped with apparatus for the administration of oxygen
and those items of medical supply (litters, blankets, and
splints) necessary to accomplish the usual property exchange.
Other medical equipment may be added as indicated.
(2) For shuttle or light transport airplane . — Those ambu-
lance airplanes plying within the combat zone should accom-
modate, in addition to the operating personnel, from 2 to 4
litter cases and 1 medical officer or enlisted attendant. Gaso-
line for more than 100 miles will seldom be required.
(3) For heavy transport plane . — Those airplanes furnish-
ing the second echelon of airplane ambulance evacuation
service should accommodate from 9 to 16 litter cases and 2
medical attendants (1 officer and 1 enlisted) in addition to
the operating personnel. Gasoline for more than 500 miles
will seldom be required.
c. Sources . — Aircraft for airplane ambulance use may be
obtained direct from manufacturers or by conversion of
commercial or military transport planes. The latter will
require but minor structural changes. (Fig. 148 shows the
interior of a standard commercial passenger airplane con-
verted for the accommodation of 12 litter cases. Note that
litters are firmly attached to floor and litter racks and that
patients are securely strapped to the litters.)
■ 47. Units for Evacuation by Air. — a. Air Corps . — (1) Des-
ignation . — Air Corps units, for the purpose of transporting
143
47
MEDICAL field MANUAL
Figure 148. — Interior of commercial plane, converted (looking
forward) .
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 47
sick and wounded, are designated Air Corps airplane ambu-
lance groups, the number of such groups to coincide With the
number of field armies.
(2) Organization . — The Airplane ambulance group is or-
ganized as follows:
(a) A headquarters and headquarters squadron similar to
the corresponding unit of the transport group (see T/Ol-352)
but with three light ambulance transports substituted for
the three combat planes.
(b> Two squadrons of 12 heavy ambulance transports each,
similar to the squadron, transport (see T/O 1-355) .
(c) One squadron of 18 light ambulance transports.
(3) Personnel.— The airplane ambulance group is an Air
Corps unit and all personnel, other than medical (b below) ,
will be furnished by the Air Corps.
(4) Employment.—' Typically, the squadron of light trans-
ports will operate a shuttle system of evacuation between the
division and army areas of the combat zone, the two squad-
rons of heavy transports between the army area of the combat
zone and the communications zone or zone of the interior.
b. Medical Department . — (1) Designation . — The medical
unit, known as the medical battalion, airplane ambulance,
is organized to function with the Air Corps airplane ambu-
lance group.
(2) Organization . — The medical battalion, airplane ambu-
lance, is organized as follows:
(a) A headquarters and headquarters detachment, corre-
sponding to the headquarters and headquarters squadron of
the group.
(b) Two medical companies, airplane ambulance (heavy
transport).
(c) One medical company, airplane ambulance (light
transport) .
(3) Personnel. — Personnel for the medical battalion, air-
plane ambulance, will be furnished by the Medical Depart-
ment from personnel attached to the Air Corps for duty.
The unit will contain sufficient personnel for its own adminis-
tration (except that messing will be with Air Corps or army
units), the medical care of the companion Air Corps unit,
and the care of patients during their actual transportation
145
47-48
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
(one "medical officer and one enlisted attendant per heavy
transport and one medical officer or an enlisted attendant
per light transport) .
■ 48. Control of Airplane Ambulance Units.— Air Corps Air-
plane ambulance groups and their companion medical bat-
talions, airplane ambulance, are under control of GHQ and
will be attached to field armies as need for their employment
arises. While so attached, they will be under control of the
army commander. The chief surgeon of the field force and
the army surgeon will make recommendations to the force
and army commander, respectively, for their actual employ-
ment. The responsibility for ambulance transports will rest
with the Air Corps at all times; that for care and treat-
ment of patients transported, with the Medical Department.
146
CHAPTER 7
RAIL TRANSPORTATION OP THE SICK AND WOUNDED
■ 49. General. — a. When employed. — Railway transportation
for the sick' and wounded will be utilized whenever feasible,
unless other available means be preferable.
b. Where employed. — Normally, the extreme limits of rail
evacuation are a railhead in the army area and a general
hospital in the zone of the interior. Within these limits,
other means such as airplanes and ships may be employed as
adjuncts to the rail transport. Under exceptional circum-
stances, wherein the military situation has become stabilized
and railways have been constructed for the supply of troops
In forward areas of the combat zone, evacuation of divisions
may be feasible by rail transportation.
c. Means o] transport . — For evacuation of army and rear-
ward installations, hospital trains will be utilized. For evacu-
ation of division areas, any available rail transport will be
utilized.
■ 50. Hospital Trains. — a. Statzis. — Hospital trains are mo-
bile agencies of the Medical Department by means of which
evacuation of sick and wounded is accomplished. The Med-
ical Department is charged with furnishing personnel and
medical equipment for suc h train s, and with their general
administration. As railway units, they are operated and
maintained mechanically under direction of the Corps of
Engineers in the theater of operations.
b. Classification. — (l) Type hospital train . — See paragraph
53.
(2) Improixsed hospital train . — See paragraph 51.
■ 51. Improvised Hospital Train. — a. Composition. — The
composition of improvised hospital trains will depend on the
number and type of patients to be transDorted, and rolling
stock available. Cars suitable for employment are —
(1) Standard Pullman sleepers . — Standard Pullman sleep-
ers are capable of transporting from 24 to 36 litter cases, in-
clude compartments for quartering duty nurses, and require
147
51
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
no structural changes prior to employment. Integral berths
may be utilized or hospital beds may be installed.
(2) Tourist sleepers* — Tourist sleepers may be utilized
without structural changes. Their patient capacity is
greater than that of standard sleepers, but they lack the
comfort and privacy afforded by the latter. Hospital beds
may be installed (fig. 149),
(3) Standard, chair cars. — Standard chair cars may be
utilized without structural change for the transportation of
sitting cases. Their conversion for the accommodation of
litter cases may be accomplished by removing the chairs and
installing 2- or 3-tiered beds, such as the Glennan bunk (fig.
150). The Glennan bunk is 2-tiered and consists of a metal
frame arranged for bolting to the floor and wall, which sup-
ports a mattress and springs of a hospital bed fitted with side
hinges and straps. Figure 151 shows interior of car utilizing
Glennan bunks. The upper tier may be used for a patient,
or folded against the wall as a back rest for patients sitting
on the lower tier.
(4) Standard baggage cars. — One standard baggage car
for each improvised hospital train is desirable for the pur-
pose of transporting the impedimenta of patients, the bag-
gage of duty personnel, and surplus medical and other sup-
plies. In the absence of more suitable cars, they may be
converted for transportation of patients (see (3) above) .
(5) Hospital unit car. — Each improvised train should in-
clude one hospital unit car (see par. 52).
b. Capacity. — The patient capacity will vary with the limi-
tations imposed upon train length by the character of the
read bed and the motive power. For economical operation,
trains having a minimum capacity of 300 patients are
desirable.
c. Personnel . — No definite allotment of Medical Depart-
ment personnel for improvised hospital trains is possible.
Sufficient officers and enlisted men will be furnished to insure
proper care of the patients en route. The utilization of
nurses on such trains is contemplated.
d. Where employed. — Improvised hospital trains will be
employed routinely in the zone of the interior and in the
theater of operations, whenever feasible, thus leaving the
148
51
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
150
Figure 150. — Converted chair car with patients on tiered bunks.
Figube 151. — Glennan bunks installed in standard car.
151
51-53
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
type hospital trains free for employment in those areas pre-
cluding the utilization of standard rolling stock.
■ 52. Hospital Unit Car. — The hospital unit car is a standard
Pullman car, the interior of which has been altered according
to plans and specifications approved by the Medical Depart-
ment to provide —
a. Cooking facilities for approximately 500 individuals (pa-
tients and duty personnel).
b. A small combination dressing and emergency operating
room.
c. An office for the administration of the train.
d. Quarters for officers.
■ 53. Type Hospital Train. — a. Orientation. — The term “hos-
pital train,” unqualified, is applied to a train composed of a
variable number of cars, the superstructures of which have
been altered and equipped to serve some particular purpose
incident to the movement of sick and wounded by rail. The
exact number and type of cars will depend upon the mission,
time and distance involved, where the train will operate,
condition of track and roadbed, and type of engine to which
attached. The term “type hospital train” is applied to a
train composed of 16 ward, 1 kitchen, 1 dressing and operat-
ing, 1 utilities, and 3 personnel cars — a total of 22 cars, all
of the 20-ton boxcar type. This train is self-sustaining for a
considerable period of time (at least 3 days) ; is capable of
traversing hurriedly constructed and poorly ballasted track;
and can be drawn by the 30-ton, internal combustion loco-
motive operated by the Corps of Engineers. To permit stand-
ardization of supplies and personnel, the type train will be
utilized whenever practicable, but may be altered to meet
existing situations.
b. Requirements. — (1) General. — (a) Composition. — The
composition should be such as to include facilities for the
transporting, feeding, and rendering of proper care and treat-
ment en route, to sick and wounded patients.
(b) Patient capacity . — There are too many influencing fac-
tors to permit the establishment of definite and inflexible
figures for the patient capacity of hospital trains. Based upon
the mission, type patient, limit as to number of cars, ward
152
transportation or sick and wounded
53
car capacfty, train facilities, and time and distance Involved,
the capacity of each train must be determined in such a
manner as to insure economical operation. If the time in-
volved is more than 24 hours, all patients must be regarded
as litter cases. As a guiding principle, while the means need
not exceed the task, ordinarily the patient capacity should be
the maximum permitted by physical factors. For patient
capacity of type train, see e below,
(c) Flexibility . — Economical operation of hospital trains
requires flexibility and this is gained by the development of
special purpose cars covering the more important general
facilities. Such cars can be added or eliminated to meet the
requirements of the particular mission.
(2) Special reQuirements, — (a) Accessibility . — All ward
cars should possess side doors to permit free entry of loaded
litters and end doors to permit the movement of litter cases
between cars with train in motion. Fig. 152 shows side door
loading of ward car during World War.
(t>) Beds . — All cars destined to carry patients should be
equipped with beds or bunks capable of conversion to accom-
modate either sitting or litter cases. Their arrangement
should facilitate loading and the rendering of care and treat-
ment to patients.
(c) Supplies . — There should be available space for storage
of sufficient general and medical supplies for at least a 3-day
period. Drinking water and emergency medical supplies
should be available In all cars.
(d) Heating . — The heating system should be such as to
insure the proper warmth of patients regardless of the pres-
ence, absence, or type of engine attached.
(e) Lighting . — The lighting system should be independent
of the locomotive or, if dependence be placed In the locomo-
tive, an auxiliary system should be available.
(/) Sanitary arrangements . — All cars should be capable of
being thoroughly cleaned and fumigated when necessary.
Adequate ventilating, toilet, and bathing facilities should be
installed.
(g) personnel . — Because of possible delay due to the mili-
tary situation or damage to track or bridges, Medical Depart-
ment personnel should be sufficient to render proper care and
153
53
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
154
Figote 152. — Loading a hospital train.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
53
treatment for a maximum patient load for a minimum of
three days.
(ft) Miscellaneous. — Cars should be equipped with safety
devices to prevent accident or undue exposure of patients
incident to movement between cars.
c. Description of type hospital train. — Figure 153 shows the
exterior of a World War hospital train.
(1) Composition.- — See a above. All cars have the under-
carriage of the light, 20-ton boxcar, the superstructure altered
to meet a special purpose. The weight of each loaded car is
limited to 30 tons,
(2) Description of special purpose cars. — ( a ) Ward car . —
Figure 154 shows the interior of a World War ward car. The
ward car contains six tiered bunks of the Glennan, or similar
type, arranged longitudinally, three on each side. Depending
upon the type bunk and the time element, the patient capacity
varies. If the bunks are 2-tiered and the trip of less than
24 hours duration, the maximum' capacity is 12 litter cases
or 6 litter and 24 sitting cases. If the bunks are 2-tiered
and the trip of more than 24 hours duration, the maximum
capacity is 12 cases, regardless of type. If the bunks are 3-
tiered and the trip of less than 24 hours duration, the maxi-
mum capacity is 12 litter and 6 sitting cases (use of the upper
tier for litter cases is not contemplated) , or 30 sitting cases.
If the bunks are 3-tiered and the trip of over 24 hours dura-
tion, the maximum capacity is 18 cases, regardless of type.
Obviously, if the trip is of short duration, other combinations
to meet existing situations are possible. Ward cars will have
side and end doors of sufficient width to permit ingress and
egress of loaded litters. Toilets and tanks for drinking water
will be installed in each car. Heat and light will be furnished
from central installations in the utilities car (see (e) below).
(b) Personnel car . — Cars designed for duty personnel are
of two types: For enlisted men — containing five 3-tier bunks,
a toilet, a shower bath, and three storage lockers beneath each
set of bunks; and for officers and noncommissioned officers —
containing three compartments, one for an office, one for
officers, and one for noncommissioned offiers. The office
contains a built-in table, seats, and a filing case. The com-
155
53
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
56
figure 153. — Exterior of a hospital train.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED 53
partments for personnel contain two double-decked bunks,
shower bath, toilet and lavatory, and storage lockers.
(C) Dressing and operating car . — Figures 155 and 156 are
interior views of a World War dressing and operating car.
This car contains a portable dressing and operating table, a
double-decked bed for seriously ill patients, a dispensary table
with closets and sink, toilet and lavatory, a floor sink, and
necessary medical equipment, including a small sterilizer,
Figure 154. — Interior o i a ward car. hospital train.
water boiler, Instrument cabinet and table, and a small
anesthesia apparatus. Other equipment and storage lockers
will be installed as indicated.
<d) Kitchen car . — Figure 157 shows the interior of a World
War kitchen car. This car will contain a range, coffee urn,
steam table, refrigerator, water heater, dishwasher, cooking
Utensils, dishes, and storage lockers and closets for linen,
silverware, dishes, nonperishable food, fuel, and other supplies.
287972 c — 41 II
157
53
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
(e) Utilities car . — This car will contain central lighting
and heating units, facilities for storing fuel, and several
shower baths for the use of assigned enlisted personnel.
d. Personnel for type hospital train . — In general, personnel
for the type hospital train will be as follows: 3 or 4 medical
officers; 4 noncommissioned officers (1st sergeant, mess, sup-
ply, and operating and dressing car) ; approximately 30 pri-
vates or privates first-class (cooks, clerk, pharmacist, orderlies,
and medical and surgical technicians) . A medical detachment
Figube 155. — Interior of dressing room, hospital train.
of this size can furnish propei care for the average patient
load (see e below) and can be accommodated in three person-
nel cars (one of the officers and noncommissioned officers type,
and two of the enlisted type) . Employment of nurses in the
type hospital train is not contemplated.
e. Patient capacity . — Depending upon the factors discussed
in. c(2) above, the patient capacity of a type train containing
16 ward cars will vary from 192 litter cases to 480 sitting
cases, with the maximum actual load seldom reaching 300
158
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
53
Figure 156.— Interior of operating room, hospital train.
159
53-54 MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
patients. On the basis of World War 3:4 ratio, the average
load will be approximately 268 patients, 116 litter and 152
sitting cases, Personnel and service facilities are inadequate
for more than 400 patients.
• f. Arrangement of cars . — A suggested arrangement of the
various cars in the type hospital train follows : two enlisted
personnel cars: eight ward cards; utilities car; kitchen car.
Figuhe 157. — interior of kitchen car, hospital train.
dressing and operating car; nine ward cars; officer and non-
commissioned officer, personnel car. In loading, the more se-
rious cases should be placed near the center of the train, with
surgical cases adjacent the dressing and operating car. Such
an arrangement of cars and patients will facilitate the care
and treatment of patients en route.
* 54. Employment and Control in Theater of Operations. —
See FM 8-20.
160
CHAPTER 8
WATER TRANSPORTATION OP THE SICK AND
WOUNDED
■ 55. General. — a. Orientation. — For transportation of the
sick and wounded by water, any floating conveyance, depend-
ing upon its availability and feasibility, may be employed.
b. Application to military service. — Although seemingly a
naval problem, nevertheless situations will arise wherein evac-
uation of the sick and wounded must be accomplished over
bodies of water of varying size, without aid of the naval serv-
ice. Under such conditions, a knowledge, though limited, of
water transport, by the personnel of the Medical Department,
becomes exceedingly important.
■ 56. Water Transportation, When Employed. — a. Oversea
operations. — Evacuation of the sick and wounded by means
of water transport is mandatory if a military force is operat-
ing in a theater separated from the zone of the interior by a
large body of water. Under these circumstances, one of two
situations may obtain, separately, or one as an outgrowth of
the other. These are —
(1) Joint Army and Navy oversea operation. — See FM 8-25.
(2) Separate Army oversea operation.
b. River crossings. — In the event of a river crossing and
the establisliment of a bridgehead, evacuation of casualties by
small boats will be necessary pending sufficient development
of the situation to permit bridge construction.
c. Airplane crashes. — Airplane crashes occurring over water
demand rescue by boat in the absence of amphifiian aircraft.
d. Watenvays mthin theater of operations. — Rivers, lakes,
canals, or other bodies of water within the theater of opera-
tions, especially if they tend to be more or less perpendicular
to the front, may become if suitable craft is available an
important link in the chain of evacuation.
■ 57. Classification of Water Transport. — a. By type ves-
sel . — (1) Ships . — (a) Fleet hospital ship (flg. 158). — A fleet
161
57
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
162
Figure 158. — Fleet hospital ship.
transportation of sick and wounded
57
hospital ship, a naval institution, is a vessel designed and
built to accompany the fleet and provide hospital facilities.
It requires special construction and corresponds to a military
general hospital in equipment and functions.
(&) Hospital ship . — Hospital ships are large vessels
equipped- to treat the sick and wounded. Usually such ves-
sels are of the commercial type, passenger, cargo, or a com-
bination of both, converted and equipped for this particular
mission. If converted by and commissioned In the Navy,
they become adjuncts of the fleet hospital ship or serve as
hospitals for advanced naval bases. If converted and
equipped by humanitarian societies such as the Eed Cross,
they may be placed at the disposal of the Army or Na.vy.
(c) Hospital transport. — A hospital transport is usually a
converted commercial vessel, designed and equipped for
evacuation of appropriate cases from the theater of opera-
tions to the zone of the interior, and controlled by either
the Army or Navy.
(d) Ambulance ships. — Obsolete naval vessels, usually de-
stroyers, may be equipped and employed as ambulances
to transport patients from combatant naval vessels, or from
evacuation hospitals on shore, to hospital ships.
(2) Boats . — (a) Ambulance boats . — Ambulance boats are
motor-propelled craft of varying size and design controlled
by the Navy and intended solely for the purpose of evacuating
patients from shore or combatant ship to hospital ship.
(b) Motor launches . — Figure 159 shows motor launch with
patient, approaching hospital ship. Naval motor launches
of the Class A (50-foot) and B (40-foot) types may be used
for beach evacuation during a landing operation. (See
FM 8-25.)
(c) Air Corps rescue boats . — The Air Corps of both the
Army and Navy possess small, high speed motorboats, known
as “crash boats”, and maintained in constant readiness for
rescue work in the event of forced landings or crashes of air-
craft in water. The Army rescue boat is 72 feet long and has
a 16 -foot beam, two 600 -horsepower gasoline motors, and a
cruising speed of 30 miles per hour. Besides a crew of four,
it carries a complete radio installation, medical supplies and
163
57
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
164
Figure 159— Motor launch approaching hospital ship.
TRANSPORTATION OF SICK AND WOUNDED
57-58
equipment, facilities for fighting fire, and the necessary
gear for towing disabled planes.
<d) Assault boats . — The assault boat, an item of engineer
equipment, is employed in the initial phase of river crossings
and similar operations for ferrying combat troops. These
boats on their return trips may be utilized for the evacuation
of casualties, pending bridge construction. (See PM 5-5).
<e) Miscellaneous . — In an emergency, any available craft
such as canoes, rowboats, outboard motorboats, and towboats
will be employed.
<3) Lighters. — Lighters, or barges, Of varying sizes and
types may be employed in the evacuation of casualties from
shore to ship, or from combat to communications zone,
utilizing inland waterways.
b. Naval classification oi hospital ships . — See FM 8-25.
c. Classification based on immunity to attack. — (1) Vessels
immune to attack . — Under provisions of the Hague Conven-
tion of October 18. 1907, any vessel regardless of size if in-
tended only for the care or transportation, or both, of the
Sick, wounded, or shipwrecked may become immune to attack
by a belligerent by conforming to certain requirements, in-
cluding the following:
(a) The painting will be distinctive, and in conformity
with current international agreement.
(b) The Red Cross flag will be flown.
<c) The vessel will be announced to the enemy prior to
its employment,
id) It will be manned and staffed by noncombatant per-
sonnel.
<e) It will not be employed for any military or unneutral
purpose such as the transportation of armed forces, military
supplies, or military communications.
<2) VesseZs liable to attack . — Any vessel, even though it is
intended primarily for the transportation or care of the sick
and wounded, which at any time performs a military mission,
is liable to enemy attack. For example, a hospital transport,
carrying troops or supplies, other than medical, to a theater
and returning wdth casualties, is not immune to attack.
■ 58. Selection 'of Vessels for Hospital Transports. —
Within the limits of availability, commercial vessels for con-
165
58-59
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
version and employment as hospital transports should be
selected with the following points receiving careful consider-
ation:
a. Type . — Because of the relative adequacy of messing,
fresh water, laundry, latrine, and other important facilities,
types of vessel, in order of preference, are passenger, com-
bination passenger and cargo, and cargo.
b. Means of propulsion . — Unless the availability of fuel is a
pertinent factor, engines utilizing oil rather than coal are
preferable. The type engine and the number of propellers
should be investigated with a view to reducing noise and vi-
bration to a minimum. Fuel storage space must be commen-
surate with the desired cruising radius.
c. Size . — Unless the duty to be performed and the distance
to be traversed dictate otherwise, a vessel of about 10,000 tons,
capable of transporting from 350 to 500 patients after con-
version, is preferable. Larger vessels have difficulty in enter-
ing small harbors and estuaries; supplying their fuel and
water becomes more difficult; and, with less than a full load
of patients, employment will be uneconomical.
d. Speed . — If not immune to enemy attack, a hospital trans-
port should be capable of equaling the speed of the train or
convoy accompanying it. If immune, the speed should be
commensurate with the distance to be traversed Other fac-
tors being normal, a cruising speed of 15 knots with a few
knots reserve is most satisfactory. Greater speed increases
vibration and decreases the cruising radius.
e. Steadiness . — The comfort of patients is influenced to a
marked degree by the steadiness of the vessel and this factor,
which varies even in similar craft, should be determined prior
to selection.
/. Odors and infestation . — Due to the difficulty of complete
eradication, vessels which have been carrying odoriferous
cargoes or which have been infested recently with insects or
vermin should be avoided
■ 59. Conversion of Selected Vessels. — Details in the con-
version of commercial vessels into hospital transports will
vary with the type selected, the distance to be traversed,
and the type patients. to be transported. General guides for
consideration incident to such conversion are as follows:
166
transportation op sick and wounded
5&-60
a. Wards. — Wards having a patient capacity of approxi-
mately 50 patients will allow economical employment of per-
sonnel. Dining rooms and salons become excellent wards.
With the exception of a few for selected cases, cabins should
bc« converted into wards by the removal of partitions as in-
dicated. Doors should be altered to permit free entry of
wheeled litters. Wards for bed patients should be located,
preferably, amidships and on decks above the main deck; those
for ambulant patients may be on or below the main deck.
b. Airspace. — The amount of airspace must be adequate but
the exact amount will depend upon the location of the ward,
number of portholes, and efficacy of the ventilating system,
if any.
c. Facilities, offices, and quarters. — Service facilities, such as
laundry, bakery, and galleys, should be located aft; quarters
for duty personnel, forward. Professional facilities, such as
X-ray, physio-therapy, and dental clinics, should be located
amidships or forward and may be below the main deck.
d. Toilets. — Lavatories should be located proximal to the
wards they are to serve, and should contain sufficient fixtures
to accommodate 5 percent of the patients at one time.
e. Diet kitchens. — A diet kitchen, with facilities for heating
and rapid serving of patients’ meals, should be adjacent each
large* ward.
/. Lights. — Primary and auxiliary lighting systems should
be installed, with special fixtures for indirect floor lighting.
■ 60. Responsibility. — Responsibility for the command
aboard a hospital transport (or ship) will vary with the sit-
uation and status of the vessel.
a. Joint Army and Navy oversea operation. — See FM 8-25.
b. Vessel under Army control. — Hospital transports under
Army control will be commanded and operated by personnel,
civilian and otherwise, of the Quartermaster Corps. Patients
and medical personnel will be commanded by a medical
officer.
c. Vessels immune to attack. — Command responsibilities
aboard a vessel having immunity under the provisions of the
Hague Convention, especially those manned and equipped
by benevolent societies, may be complicated. The operating
personnel may be civilian or merchant marine, and the med-
167
60
MEDICAL FIELD MANUAL
leal personnel, civilian. Army or Navy Medical Department.
In any case where there is question as to who will be re-
sponsible for the safety and navigation of the vessel and who
will command the crew, medical personnel, and patients, the
rules in (1) and (2) below should be followed: •
(1) The fields of responsibility for each individual con-
cerned should be set forth in writing by the proper authority,
prior to sailing.
(2) Those concerned must employ the utmost tact and
give the fullest mutual cooperation at all times.
188
INDEX
Paragraphs Page
Air Corps:
Airplane ambulance group 47 143
Control 48 146
Employment 47 143 ■
Organization 47 143
Personnel 47 143
Rescue boats 57 161
Units for evacuation 47 143
Control 48 146
Designation 47 143
Employment 47 143
Organization 47 143
Personnel :
Operating 47 143
Medical 47 343
Air evacuation:
Advantages 43 137
Airplane ambulance 48 140
Areas of employment 44 138
Status Of, present 42 137
Superiority, air, as factor 42 137
Type patient 45 139
Units 47 143
Air Corps 47 143
Control 48 146
Medical Department 47 143
Airplane. (See also Air Corps.)
Ambulance 46 140
Areas of employment 44 138
Requirements 46 140
Sources 46 140
Types 46 140
Units 47 143
Commercial, conversion 46 140
Crashes :
Evacuation of, by boat 56 161
Rescue, by boats 57 181
Transportation of the sick and wounded 42-48 137
Ambulance :
Airplane 46 140
Animal-drawn 32 lltt
Pour -animal 32 118
Requirements 34 129
Status 34 129
Two-anlmal, description 32-34 118
Boats 57 181
Definition 32 118
Employment, in field 35 130 ■
Insert, Carlisle 33 122
Instruction in loading and unloading 37-41 131
Preparation 37 131
Puipoee 37 131
169
INDEX
Ambulance— Continued. Paragraphs
Loading, general rules 37
Metropolitan 32
Motor, field 32
Requirements 33
Status 33
Motor, field, cross country 32
Capabilities 33
Description 33
Panel body 33
Personnel :
.Animal-drawn ambulance 34
Motor ambulance 33
Training 36
Posts 38
Ships 57
Transportation of the sick and wounded 32-41
Arms carry:
Instruction 10-11
Procedure :
One bearer 7
Two bearers 8
Assault boat 57
Barges, transportation, of sick and wounded 57
Battalion, medical, airplane ambulance 47
Company, medical 47
Headquarters detachment 47
Organization 47
Status 17
Bearer:
Actions in instruction:
Ambulance loadings 38-41
Litter 19—24
Wheeled litter carrier 30-31
Designation.. 19
Employment of litter bearers 16-17
Movement of patient:
One bearer 7
Two bearers 8
Number in litter equad 19
Transportation of the sick and wounded 6-12
Boats:
Ambulance 57
Assault 57
Launches, motor 57
Rescuei, Air Corps 57
Transportation of the sick and wounded 57
Cacolet: /
Definition 28
Transportation of the sick and wounded 28
Types 28
Carlisle 28
First Cavalry Division 28
Hamilton chair 28
Panama Jungle 28
Page*
131
118
118
122
122
118
122
122
122
329
122
131
132
161
118
29
25
iti
161
143
143
143
143
143
132
45
110
45
45
15
45
2
161
161
161
161
161
1C3
1C3
103
103
1C3
1C3
103
170
INDEX
Car (see also Hospital trains) :
Standard: Paragraphs Page
Baggage 61 147
Chair 61 147
Carrier, wheeled litter (field) :
Advantages 26 98
Description 26 98
Employment of, in field 27 103
Instruction in use 29-31 110
Formation 29 110
Loading and unloading 31 116
Objectives 29 110
Opening and. closing 30 110
Purpose 29 110
Purpose 25 98
Substitutes:
Cacolet 28 103
Travois 28 103
Transportation of the sick and wounded 25-31 88
Cases (patient) :
Aboard air transport:
Comfort 4 3 137
Treatment ■ 43 137
Ambulance loading 37 131
Ambulant 13 36
Back, loading and unloading 22 74
Capacity:
Trains, hospital:
Improvised-.. .. .... 51 147
Type 53 152
Transport, hospital 58 165
Care in handling 22 74
Classification 13 38
Litter 13 36
Position of, in ambulance 37 131
Type for evacuation by air 45 139
With splints, in ambulance loading 37 131
Corps of Engineers, operation:
Hospital trains 50 147
Standard boxcar 63 152
• Thirty-ton locomotive 53 162
Evacuation:
Means. See Transport.
Principles 4 1
Responsibility 5 1
Scope 3 1
Fireman’s carry:
Instruction 10 29
Procedure 7 2
Fleet hospital ship 57 161
Group, airplane ambulance. See Air Corps.
Hague Convention :
Immunity, basis of classification 57 161
Responsibility aboard Immune vessels 60 167
171
INDEX
Hospital ship: Paragraphs Page
Definition 67 161
Fleet 57 1 61
Naval classification „ 57 Igi
Hospital trains:
Classification 60 147
Employment and control 54 ■ 160
Improvised 61 147
Capacity 51 147
Car, hospital unit 52 152
Cars, standard:
Baggage- — 51 147
Chair — 61 147
Composition 51 147
Personnel 51 147
Sleepers :
Pullman, standard 51 147
Tourist 51 147
Where employed 61 147
Status 50 147
Transportation of the sick and wounded 49-54 147
Type 53 152
Arrangement of cars 53 152
Capacity, patient 53 152
Composition 53 152
Definition 53 152
Description 53 152
Personnel 53 152
Requirements 53 152
Unit car 52 152
Hospital transport:
Conversion of selected vessels 59 166
Air space 59 166
Diet kitchens 59 166
Facilities, officers and quarters 59 166
Lights 59 166
Toilets 59 166
Wards 59 168
Definition 67 161
Immunity to attack 57 161
Responsibility aboard 60 167
Selection of vessels 68 165
Means of propulsion 58 165
Odors and Infestation 58 165
Size 58 165
Speed 58 165
Steadiness 58 165
Type 58 165
Immunity to attack, vessels 57. 60 161, 167
Instruction :
Ambulance loading and unloading 37-41 131
Manual transport 9-12 27
Use of litter , 18-24 45
Use of wheeled litter carrier 29-31 110
Launch, motor 67 161
Lighters, transportation of sick and wounded 57 161
172
INDEX
Litter: Paragraphs Page
Bearers, employment 16-17 45
Canvas :
Aluminum pole 14 37
Folding 14 37
Wooden pole 14 37
Cases 13 36
Definition 13 36
Improvised, • 15 40
Dayan - 15 40
Poles and blanket 15 40
Poles and blouses or overcoats 15 40
Poles and, shelter half 15 40
Rifles and blanket 15 40
Rifles and blouses 15 40
Rifles and overcoat 15 40
Instruction in the use 18-24 45
Commands 18 45
Formation 21 48
Metal, airplane 14 37
Requisites 13 36
Squad 19 45
Standardization 13 36
Transportation of the sick and wounded 13-24 26
Litter squad :
Ambulance loading and unloading:
Formation 37 131
Instruction 39^41 132
Composition 19 45
Designation j 21 48
Designation of bearers 19 45
Duties of bearers in reduced squads 19 45
Formation 21 48
Instruction 19-24 45
Position, at ambulance posts 38 132
To bring into line 21 48
Manual transport for sick and wounded:
Arms carry:
One bearer 7 2
Two bearers ; 8 16
Fireman’s carry 7 2
Instruction 9-12 27
Commands 9 27
Formation 9 27
Purpose 9 27
Methods 1 7-8 2
Pack-saddlei carry 8 16
Saddleback carry:
One bearer 7 2
Two bearers 8 15
Supporting carry:
One bearer 7 2
Two bearers 8 15
Transportation of the sick and wounded 6-12 2
When required 6 2
287972“ — 41 12
173
index
Oversea operations: Paragraphs Page
Joint Army and Navy 56 161
Responsibility 60 167
Separate Army 56 161
Pack-saddle carry :
Instruction 11 33
Procedure 8 15
Personnel:
Airplane Ambulance Group 47 143
Ambulance:
Animal-drawn 34 129
Motor 33 • 122
Hospital trains:
Improvised 51 147
Type 53 152
Medical Battalion, Ambulance Group 47 143
Quartermaster Corps, operation of hospital trans-
port 60 167
Rail transportation of the sick and wounded 49-54 147
Employed :
When 49 147
Where 49 147
Employment and control 54 160
Hospital trains:
Classification 50 147
Improvised 51 147
Status 50 147
Type 53 152
Hospital Unit car 52 152
Means of transport 49 147
Rescue boats. Air Corps 57 161
Responsibility:
Aboard hospital ships 60 167
Air evacuation units 48 146
Evacuation - 5 1
Hospital trains 50 147
Of ambulance:
Assistant driver 34 129
Chauffeur 33 122
Driver 34 129
Orderly — 33 122
River crossings :
Employment of assault boats 57 161
Evacuation of casualties 56 161
Saddleback carry:
Procedure:
One bearer 7 2
Two bearers 8 15
Ships :
Ambulance 57 161
Fleet hospital 57 161
Hospital 57 161
X74
INDEX
Ships — Continued. Paragraphs Page
Hospital transport 57 161
Conversion of selected vessels 59 166
Responsibility aboard 60 167
Selection of vessels 58 165
Transportation of the sick and wounded 57-60 161
Sleeper :
Pullman, standard 51 147
Tourist 51 147
Supporting carry:
Instruction 10-11 29
Procedure :
One bearer 7 2
Two bearers 8 15
Train, hospital, transportation of sick and
wounded 4&-54 147
Transport:
Airplane 42-48 137
Ambulance 32-41 118
Gacolet 28 103
Carrier, wheeled litter 25-31 98
Choice 3 1
Litter 13-24 36
Manual 6-12 2
Train 49-54 147
TraVOis 28 103
Water 55-60 161
Transportation of the sick and wounded:
Air 42-48 137
Ambulance 32-41 118
Bearer • 6-12 2
Carrier, wheeled litter 25-31 98
Rail 49-54 147
Water 55-60 161
Relation to medical task 3 1
Travois 28 103
Improvisation 28 103
Transportation of sick and wounded 28 103
Two -horse 28 103
Water transportation of the sick and wounded 55-60 161
Classification of transport 57 161
Conversion of selected vessels 59 166
Military application 55 161
Responsibility 60 167
Selection of vessels 58 165
When, employed 56 161
o
175