Which technique is essential when performing a casualty drag?

Bending at the knees is crucial when performing a casualty drag because it allows you to utilize your lower body strength effectively. This technique helps maintain proper body mechanics and reduces the risk of injury to yourself while ensuring you can move the casualty more efficiently. By bending at the knees, you distribute your weight better and can generate more force for the drag, which is particularly important when moving an individual who may be incapacitated.

Using your legs to generate power enhances your stability and control during the drag, allowing for smoother and safer transport of the casualty. In contrast, bending at the waist can lead to back strain and diminished leverage, while relying solely on arm strength fails to engage the larger muscle groups that are more effective in this situation. Additionally, maintaining appropriate body contact is important for control and stability, making minimal contact less effective when straining or dragging a casualty.