This week we’ve shown different first aid emergencies and how those emergencies can be handled using paracord. You can make a tourniquet, create sutures for a gash, or assemble an easy splint for a broken bone.
But if your patient can’t move, you need to take this a step further.
How To Make a Paracord Stretcher
First Untie Your Cord and Find The Center
Unravel your rope and find the center by holding the two ends together.
Create 8 Loops With Your Rope
Now put your cord on the ground and measure out 8 loops.
Make sure that each loop has the same amount of cord, or else it will be uneven when the person lays down.
Make a Clove Hitch
If you want to use the paracord by itself as a stretcher, you’re going to need to make knots that are strong enough to hold a stretcher.
However, you can use branches as well.
Clove Hitch – with the End of the Rope Tying Pass the end of the rope around the pole.
Continue over the standing end and around the pole a second time.
Thread the end under itself and pull tight to form the clove hitch.
Run cord through the Clove Hitch
Now you need to reinforce the stretcher by running your remaining cord through the loops on both sides.
Using Sticks
Prior to starting, cut two poles at least one-and-half times the length of the person to be carried. If you’re making a travois, make them twice as long if you can.
The poles should be sturdy and have minimal flex.
Place them parallel to each other and as wide apart as your patient for a stretcher; cross them about a quarter of the way down in an “X” for a travois.
Tie your paracord to one pole, then directly across from it. About 25 feet should be enough to hold a patient.
Don’t cut your cord!
Continue zigzagging down your poles then back up again creating web work.
Secure the end of your paracord and cover your web stretcher with a camping pad or soft material.
Carefully Put Your Patient On the Stretcher
To put your patient on the stretcher, gently roll their entire body toward you until they are laying on one side.
Then have someone safely put the stretcher under the patient before rolling back over.
Once your patient is on the stretcher, you can secure them.