KBR Quick Tip Emergency Improvisations Fashioning an Emergency Quick Sling Part Two

© 2004, Willis & Sharon Lamm

Now we were ready to see if Bill could walk. With assistance he was able to take some wobbly steps. We kept the bucket overhead with slight tension on the sling in case he lost his balance.

Walking Bill

Since Bill didn't want to walk if someone was holding his head, we used the running end of the strap to help support and guide Bill's head. This was applied with light pressure, mainly under the jawbone, to prevent the strap from choking him. (Although we don't have a photo, the strap was properly positioned prior to applying any pressure.)

Getting ready to guide Bill's head

Bill wasn't strong enough to walk all the way to shelter. On smoother terrain we would have probably fashioned a drag using a tarp. In this instance we gently lifted his legs and hauled him to a sheltered area. Supporting his legs prevented him from swinging back and forth while being moved.

Legs controlled whole moving

Once out of the cold wind, Bill was laid back down. He suffered no additional injuries from being moved. Unfortunately he was extremely shocky from the beginning of this ordeal and while no longer shivering from hypothermia, Bill quietly passed away a short time later.

Placed in a sheltered area

Note: Work slowly and methodically whenever improvising a sling. Use common sense and always consider the safety of rescuers first and the safety of the animal next. We tend to want to resolve these kinds of situations in a hurry but it's no good if haste causes a mistake or miscalculation that results in an injury to a rescuer or to the animal. Use flat straps instead of ropes whenever possible. Use padding any time you think it might be appropriate. Use reliable knots that won't slip and can easily be loosened and adjusted. Always stabilize the lift to prevent slippage and rotation of the animal. Support the animal's head whenever possible. Operate machinery gently and slowly. Continually reassess the condition of the animal and sling operation. Have just one person in charge of the sling operation and work as a team. Depending on where the lifting operation takes place, this can be a scary process. Develop a practical plan, use common sense, communicate well and work as a team and you can maximize your chances for success.

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