The Effects of a Stretcher-Carry Harness on Soldier Performance: Carrying from a Remote Area

This study investigated whether the use of a shoulder harness and team size would affect stretcher-carry performance and post-carry rifle marksmanship and fine-motor coordination following a carry from a remote site. Soldiers (12 male and 11 female) carried stretchers in two-and four-person teams, with and without a shoulder harness. Soldiers carried a stretcher at 4.8 km/hr for as long as possible, up to 30 min. Soldiers fired at targets and completed a fine-motor coordination task before and after each carry. Analysis of Variance and post-hoc Newman-Keuls Comparison of Means revealed significant rifle shooting impairments after stretcher-carrying (p < 0.001). Men carried the stretcher longer than women (p < 0.0001). Harness use and carrying in four-person teams prolonged carry time for both men and women, without decreasing shooting accuracy. Completion of a fine-motor coordination task was faster after using a harness vs a hand carry (p = 0.03) and working in four vs two-person teams (p < 0.02). Heart rate was lower during harness carries (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the ability to transport, medically treat, and protect patients is improved by harness use and working in four-person teams. It is suggested the policy of using four-person teams be enforced, and harness systems be included with the supply of stretchers for any situation that requires continuous stretcher-carrying of five minutes for four-person teams or two minutes for two-person teams.