Strap the victim to a backboard using the backboard straps. Set the backboard in the Stokes basket so the victim's feet are closest to the tapered end of the basket.
Diamond lash the backboard and the victim in the basket using about 40 feet of nylon strap or rope. Diamond-lash the victim using the procedure described below.
Find the middle of a 40-foot-long rope or strap and wrap that portion of the rope around the victim's feet. Secure the rope to the victim's feet with an overhand knot. Two sections of rope or strap, each about 19 feet long, should be on either side of the victim's feet.
Wrap the long section of rope next to the patient's left foot and pass it around the vertical support of the basket closest to the victim's right shin. Wrap the section near the patient's right foot around the vertical support closest to his left shin.
Cross the straps across the victims body, working from his feet to his shoulders, so that the crossed strap or rope forms a diamond pattern. Thread each strap or rope through the holes in the bottom of the back board and wrap each rope or strap around one of the vertical supports on each side of the basket. Always wrap the strap or rope around the vertical supports below the top rail of the basket.
Tie both ends of the strap or rope to the support closest to the victims shoulders using a dependable knot. The knot you should use is usually mandated by the department or service responsible for the rescue. Pile excess rope or strap inside the basket.
Attach a four-point stretcher harness (bridle) to points on each side of the basket near the victim's head and points on each side of the basket near the victim's feet. A line to raise or lower the victim can be attached to the steel ring at the apex of the four-point harness.