Chair lift carry isn’t a two-person carry in TCCC, so here are the true two-person methods

Imagine the pulse in your ears, the dust in the air, and the radio chatter breaking through the silence. In that moment, every movement you make with a casualty isn’t just a physical act—it’s a split-second decision that can save a life. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) puts a spotlight on how to move someone safely when time is tight and the stakes are high. Among the core skills you’ll hear about are the different ways two rescuers work together to transport an injured person. Let’s break down what counts as a two-person carry, and why one option on a common list isn’t actually part of that family.

Let’s start with the idea behind two-person carries

Two rescuers, one shared mission. The essence is simple: two trained people coordinate so the casualty stays as stable as possible while being moved. The aim isn’t to look flashy; it’s to protect the spine, minimize jolts, and keep breath moving steadily. In a high-stress situation, that careful coordination can be the difference between a quickly controlled move and a worsened injury. Think of it as teamwork under pressure—two minds, two sets of hands, one goal.

Three typical two-person carries you’ll encounter

• Two-person support carry: In this approach, the two rescuers set up so they reinforce one another’s balance and control. One person tends to support the upper body, while the other helps stabilize the lower body. The result is a steady lift and transfer that reduces the chance of twisting or dropping the casualty. It’s a straightforward, robust method that works well on uneven ground or when you’re navigating through a confined space.

• Fore and aft carry: Here, one rescuer helps lift and support the casualty’s upper body (the “fore” portion), while the second rescuer supports the legs and hips (the “aft” portion). This split-load approach distributes weight and lets each rescuer rely on their own strongest lines of support. It’s particularly handy when you’re moving over short distances or through tight corridors where a full stretcher isn’t practical.

• Kit or arm drag: This one’s a bit different in spirit. Instead of lifting the casualty as a single bundle, the team uses the casualty’s arms or a kit to help drag or lift them a short distance. The two rescuers stay in close contact, guiding and controlling the casualty’s body to prevent abrupt shifts. The drag can be a fast option when speed matters, but it requires careful attention to keep the spine aligned and the casualty stable.

What about the “chair lift carry”?

Now, let’s be clear about the option that isn’t a true two-person carry: the chair lift carry. You’ll see it listed in some guides and scenarios, but it isn’t classified as a two-person carry in standard TCCC terminology. A chair lift carry usually involves an improvised seat or chair and may require more than two people or a more extended set of tools and devices. It’s designed for transporting someone in a seated position, often with a broader team or with equipment that isn’t simply two individuals lifting and moving in close coordination.

Why that distinction matters in the field

• Safety and spinal precautions: In TCCC, keeping the casualty’s spine as straight as possible is a top priority unless you have clear, life-saving reasons to move differently. Two-person carries emphasize controlled, coordinated movements that minimize jarring. A chair or seat method can introduce angles that are harder to manage with just two rescuers, which is why it’s not categorized with the classic two-person carries.

• Load distribution and fatigue: When two rescuers share the load, each partner can manage their own piece of the burden. The fore and aft and the two-person support carries keep weight centered and balanced. A chair-based approach, especially if it relies on gear or multiple movers, shifts the load in ways that can complicate control on rough terrain or during rapid evacuations.

• Team dynamics and terrain: In a real-world setting, you’ll bounce between off-road trails, urban rubble, or shell-scarred streets. The two-person carries are designed to be adaptable to close quarters and varied surfaces with minimal equipment. Chair lifts, while useful in certain circumstances, don’t always translate cleanly to the conditions you’ll face in the field.

A practical way to think about it

If you’re in a heat-of-the-merry-chaos moment and someone needs to be moved, ask yourself: Can we keep the casualty's spine aligned with steady, coordinated actions by two rescuers? Is the terrain conducive to lifting in tandem or to a controlled drag that protects the airway and breathing? If the answer leans toward “yes” for a two-person carry, great—that’s a reliable option. If you need to improvise with a seat or device, that’s a different technique or a different team configuration, not one of the classic two-person carries.

How to train your eye—and your hands

• Practice with a buddy, using clear, calm communication. Verbal cues matter: “On my count,” “Steady,” “Lift,” “Lower.” The rhythm should be predictable, not rushed.

• Focus on body mechanics. Keep your backs straight, use your legs, and avoid twisting. The moment you start compensating with the spine, you’re increasing the risk of secondary injury.

• Start with the simplest carry that works. The two-person support carry is often the most stable baseline. If you can’t achieve a stable lift with two people, reassess the approach rather than forcing a lift that could compromise safety.

• Drill the fore and aft carry as a staple. It’s a practical way to share the burden while keeping front-to-back balance clear. Practice on stable ground first, then introduce variations like steps or gentle uneven terrain.

• Add the kit drag as a quick, short-distance option. It’s useful in tight spaces or when ground conditions reduce your lifting options. Remember: keep the casualty’s head and neck aligned, and maintain control at each stage of the drag.

A few practical tips you can carry into the field

• Clear the path before you move. A quick survey of obstacles helps you choose the safest carry strategy and reduces the chance of tripping mid-move.

• Maintain line of sight and constant communication. Even a small miscommunication can throw off the balance and put both rescuers and the casualty at risk.

• Use the environment to your advantage. If the ground is soft, spread the load slightly wider; if it’s rocky, keep steps measured and deliberate.

• Keep your pace steady. Rushing causes mistakes. A calm tempo helps you monitor the casualty’s breathing and comfort while you move.

• Check the casualty’s condition as you go. If you notice changes in consciousness, breathing, or color, pause and reassess. Sometimes repositioning or stopping to perform a quick intervention is the safer move.

A quick mental checklist for two-person moves

• Is the environment safe to move the casualty?

• Do we have two rescuers in proper positions for a two-person carry (or are we transitioning to a drag)?

• Is the casualty’s spine protected and aligned during the lift or drag?

• Are we communicating clearly and maintaining a steady rhythm?

• Is the load distribution balanced between rescuers?

• Do we have a clear path to cover the distance to landing or treatment?

Putting it all together

In real-world scenarios, the choice between carries comes down to safety, stability, and speed. The two-person carry family—two-person support carry, fore and aft carry, and kit or arm drag—offers reliable options that prioritize control and spinal protection. The chair lift carry, while it has its uses in certain settings, isn’t counted among those core two-person techniques in standard TCCC guidance. That distinction isn’t a quirk; it’s a reminder that the field favors close coordination, predictable movements, and a focus on preserving life through careful, deliberate action.

A few closing thoughts

• It’s normal to feel the pressure in the moment. The more you practice these carries with a partner, the more your instincts will align with the safe, effective moves that save time and reduce risk.

• Real-world trauma scenes aren’t a classroom. They’re dynamic, loud, and unpredictable. Ground yourself in simple, repeatable steps and keep the casualty’s well-being at the center of every decision.

• If you’re curious to learn more about TCCC and the practical mechanics of casualty transport, start with the basics—two-person carries—then gradually build toward more complex maneuvers with the right equipment and team coordination.

In the end, the difference between two rescuers moving a casualty smoothly and stumbling through an awkward lift is confidence built through practice, clear communication, and attention to body mechanics. The chair lift carry isn’t part of that two-person family, not because it’s useless, but because the two-person carries are the core tools designed for direct, coordinated teamwork. When the clock is ticking, and every breath matters, that focus makes all the difference.