The method of carrying a casualty using a stretcher carrier apparatus involves lying the casualty on a front surface 148 of a body panel 140 of the carrier, placing two first securing straps 130, 132 over shoulders of the casualty; inserting each of two second securing straps 120, 122 through a retaining loop on a rear surface of the panel 140 such that the second securing straps 120, 122 cross over each other on the rear surface of the panel 140; releasably securing the second securing straps 120, 122 to the first securing straps 130, 132 and lifting the panel 140 by grasping each of two fixed length shoulder straps 114a,b secured to the panel 140 adjacent a head end 106 of the panel 140 and each of two fixed length carry handles secured to the panel 140 adjacent a feet end 108 of the panel 140.