Which drag is appropriate for moving a person who cannot be moved by other means?

• A. Blanket Drag
• B. Seated Drag
• C. Ankle Drag
• D. Shoulder Drag

Answer: (C)

When you must move a person who can’t be moved by other means, the priority is to relocate them quickly and safely with the least risk of injury to both of you, using a method that works with one rescuer and requires minimal equipment. Grabbing the ankles and dragging them is often the most practical choice in this situation. By having a firm hold on the ankles, you can pull the person along the surface without needing to lift or reposition them, which is safer and faster when resources are limited. This method is especially useful if you can’t slide a blanket under them or access areas needed for other drags, and you’re able to control the movement to avoid jerks.

Keep the motion steady and smooth as you pull, and aim to move them only the short distance needed to reach safety or a better location. The other drags have limitations in this scenario: a blanket drag requires access to beneath the person and a usable blanket; a seated drag assumes the person can be moved into a seated position; and a shoulder drag can risk twisting or injuring the neck and spine. Ankle dragging minimizes those complications when the goal is to move someone who cannot be moved by other means.