What can prevent the use of a rescue/MEDEVAC litter for an unconscious survivor?

The use of a rescue or MEDEVAC litter can be significantly hindered by the presence of immediate life-threatening injuries. When an unconscious survivor is in critical condition, the priority shifts to providing life-saving interventions rather than focusing on the logistics of movement. If a survivor has injuries that pose an immediate threat to their life, such as severe bleeding, airway obstruction, or cardiac arrest, the swift delivery of emergency medical care is essential. In such scenarios, the team may need to stabilize the individual or provide direct medical attention where they are, potentially delaying or altering the method of transport, including the use of a litter.

While other factors such as weather conditions or the survivor’s size may affect the feasibility of using a litter, they do not take precedence over the need to address immediate medical emergencies. Disorientation in a survivor may affect how they are secured in a litter, but it does not render the use of a litter impossible. Therefore, immediate life-threatening injuries represent a critical factor that can prevent or complicate the use of a rescue/MEDEVAC litter for an unconscious survivor.