Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries may be the result of direct force, such as a blow to the back, or indirect force, such as a blow to the head that injures the neck. Spinal injuries may result from a car accident; surfing, diving and skiing accidents; a heavy fall from a height; or a blow from a falling object. Injury to the spine is always a possibility if a casualty is unconscious after a head injury.

Spinal injuries - anywhere from the neck to the pelvis - must always be treated as serious, though injuries to the vertebral bones are less serious than injuries to the spinal cord that they enclose and protect. If spinal injury is suspected, the casualty must be handled with extreme care to prevent further damage to the spinal cord.

Symptoms and signs

• pain and tenderness at the site of injury
• tingling sensations in hands and feet

If the spinal cord is damaged, there may also be

• loss of movement and feeling below the level of damage
• loss of bladder and bowel control
• breathing difficulty
• SHOCK.

warning

• Never move a person with suspected spinal injury unless this is essential for safety, because the casualty may be in danger, the rescuer may be at risk, or resuscitation may be needed. If possible, leave moving the casualty to ambulance officers. If you must move the person to safety, support the head and spinal column from the neck to the tailbone, and drag rather than lift.
• If a diving or surfing accident has occurred, use a surfboard or flat piece of wood to support the casualty in the water. The casualty should be left on the board until examined by a medical helper, unless resuscitation is needed.
• Do not attempt to straighten a bent spine that may be injured, or to tilt back the head unless this is necessary for resuscitation.

First aid treatment

1. If the casualty is unconscious, place in the lateral position, check the airway, breathing and pulse and begin expired air resuscitation (EAR) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
2. If the casualty is conscious, cover and keep as still as possible. Do not give any food or drink. Loosen tight clothing.
3. If the neck has been injured, and particularly if the person is trapped in the upright position, support the head and neck with your hands.
4. seek medical aid urgently.