CONDITIONS: Given a casualty on a standard Army litter and a downhill obstacle.

STANDARDS: Evacuate the casualty downhill without causing further injury.

NOTE: The litter is normally carried downhill with the casualty’s feet forward. However, if the casualty has a fracture of the lower extremities, the litter is carried with the casualty’s head forward.

1. From the 4-person carry position, bearer number 1 gives the command, "Litter Post Carry, MOVE."

2. Bearer numbers 2 and 3 step between the handles of the litter and take hold of the handles.

3. Bearer numbers 1 and 4 release their hold of the litter.

4. Bearer numbers 1 and 4 move to the sides of the litter and grasp the litter poles.

5. Bearer number 1 gives the preparatory command, "Prepare To Rotate."

6. Bearer numbers 2 and 3 release the litter handles and step one pace away, allowing bearer numbers 1 and 4 to support the litter at its sides.

7. Bearer number 1 gives the command of execution, "ROTATE" (Figure 3 -49a).

8. Bearer numbers 1 and 4 rotate the litter 180 degrees counterclockwise, placing the casualty’s head in the direction of travel.

9. Bearer number 1 gives the command "Downhill Carry, MOVE."

10. Bearer number 3 takes full support of the litter at the casualty’s feet.

11. Bearer numbers 2 and 4 take the litter handles at the casualty’s head.

12. Bearer number 1 moves to the front and faces the squad.

13. When all four bearers are in position, they proceed downhill with the litter.

14. Bearer numbers 2 and 4 keep the litter level as they proceed downhill.

15. Bearer number 1 supports bearer numbers 2 and 4 and ensures that they keep the litter level.

16. After clearing the obstacle, the bearers resume the 4-person carry.

17. Did not cause further injury to the casualty.

 FM 8-10-6

Figure 3-49. Transport a Casualty Downhill.