Fireman ' s carry A fireman ' s carry or fireman ' s lift is a technique allowing one person to carry another person without assistance , by placing the carried person across the shoulders of the carrier . The technique was commonly used by firefighters to carry injured or unconscious people away from danger , but has been replaced in firefighting due to the drawback that smoke and heat are greater higher up , and may be fatal to the person being carried . The " fireman ' s carry " technique is still taught for use outside of firefighting . Soldiers use this technique to carry wounded comrades . Lifeguard s are sometimes trained to use the fireman ' s carry . Many professional wrestling moves such as Death Valley driver , Samoan drop , F - 5 , Attitude Adjustment and others include this technique . The " fireman ' s carry " was once used by Judo founder Kanō Jigorō as an unexpected method to defeat a tough opponent . Advantages . Carrying someone in this manner has several advantages over other methods of moving another person . The subject ' s torso is fairly level , which helps prevent further injuries . When the subject ' s weight is evenly distributed over both shoulders , it is easier to carry them for a longer distance - 50 feet or more . The fireman ' s carry is preferred over a single - shoulder carry if someone is seriously hurt or if the person must be carried for a considerable amount of time . A person being carried over one shoulder would experience more jarring as his or her body is dangling more freely over the carrier ' s shoulder . Also , blood would be unevenly distributed if someone was dangling upside - down over the carrier ' s shoulder for an extended period of time . This could also be a very uncomfortable position for the carried person if he or she is still conscious . Disadvantages . In firefighting , smoke and heat are greater higher up , and may be fatal to the person being carried . The person carried is largely outside the rescuer ' s field of vision , and almost all vital areas are out of the rescuer ' s view . Thus , dangerous changes in their condition can be missed , and an inexperienced rescuer can inadvertently create or further compound injuries via collision with obstacles . Furthermore , the rescuer ' s obstructed peripheral vision puts both persons at risk if the incident that caused the injury is still ongoing ( fire , combat , public disturbances , etc . ) . The fireman ' s carry , utilizing back and shoulder strength , is engineered as an emergency measure to optimize power , endurance , and mobility . As such , it may be applicable where there is ongoing hazard , the carried person is larger than the rescuer , the rescuer is otherwise unable to move the victim at all , or it is imperative to cross significant distances , quickly . It is by no means appropriate when a stretcher is available and a viable alternative , or when the rescuer has the size and strength to easily carry the subject in a gentler , more compassionate and considerate hold . The fireman ' s carry presents severe hazards if the person being carried has or may have a spinal injury , and should be avoided except in immediate emergency . Current practice in firefighting . Currently , the technique preferred in firefighting involves dragging a person by the shoulders or upper clothing in a supine position across the floor or ground . This uses the rescuer ' s upper legs ( the strongest muscles in the body ) to push against the floor for leverage in order to pull the person towards an exit . This technique is also easier for rescuers who may be younger or of smaller size or stature . In addition , dragging , especially feet first , helps avoid stressing a potentially injured spine .