The Effects of a Stretcher-Carry Harness on Soldier Performance: A Mass Casualty Simulation

Abstract

This study investigated whether the use of a shoulder harness and team size would affect stretcher-carry performance, post-carry rifle marksmanship, and post-carry fine-motor coordination during a mass casualty simulation. Twelve male and eleven female soldiers volunteered. Soldiers carried stretchers in two- and four-person teams, with and without a shoulder harness in a 15-minute bout of rapid, short stretcher-carries and lifts. Soldiers completed as many carries as possible within the alloted period. Soldiers completed a marksmanship and fine-motor coordination task before and after each 15-minute period. Analysis of Variance and post hoc Newman-Keuls Comparison of Means revealed significant rifle shooting impairments after stretcher-carrying (p < 0.02). Men completed more carries than women (p < 0.0001), and more four-person hand carries were completed than other team size x harness combinations (p < 0.01). Women's rifle marksmanship was better when carrying in four-person teams (p < 0.05), while men's rifle marksmanship performance was not significantly altered. The fine-motor coordination task was completed faster after using a harness (p = 0.03) and working in four-person teams (p < 0.02). The ability to transport, medically treat, and protect patients is improved by working in four-person teams. In conclusion, for a mass casualty scenario, tactical planning should allow for enough soldiers to be deployed to allow stretcher-carrying in four-person teams. A harness system should be available for exigencies requiring two-person teams.