It's a good idea to rule out a back injury during first aid.
When someone has suffered a traumatic injury involving the head, neck, or back, it is important to rule out a spinal cord injury during first aid.If the injury is not identified, it can lead to lifelong disability or paralysis.Paralysis or loss of sensation below the point of injury is a common symptom of a spinal cord injury, but they are not the only warning signs.Lesser known symptoms include effects on respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal functions.
Step 1: You can call for emergency services.
Call for help if you haven't already done so.Information about the injury, the victim, and your exact location should be reported.Taking care not to move the victim is what you should do in the meantime.The head, neck, and back should be in alignment.
Step 2: Life-saving aid should be offered first.
Life-saving care is more important than spine protection.cardiopulmonary resuscitation or stopping a bleeding wound are life-saving procedures.If the victim does not have a pulse or has injured their spine, you should change the technique.Do not tilt your head to open the airway.To lift the jaw, use your fingers.If the person has no pulse, proceed with chest compressions.
Step 3: The victim should be on a stable surface.
The injured person should be removed from the scene in a safe manner.If they aren't already, lay them down on a flat surface.When removing someone from water, use a backboard, wooden door, or similar object to keep the back and neck straight.Encourage them to stay calm.
Step 4: Protect the spine.
Your immediate response must include protecting the spine after you have completed any necessary life-saving procedures.Roll up towels and place them on either side of the victim's neck.The patient should lay on the back in a neutral position.If they can move their neck and spine into a neutral position, have them do it.You should stop trying to align their neck or back if there is pain or resistance.If they are unconscious but their spine is not in a neutral position, it is best to wait for an emergency personal to make a manual adjustment.
Step 5: Look for signs of injury.
If you see clear signs of damage to the spine, you should treat the trauma victim immediately.Check to see if the neck or spine is straight.Look for clear signs of injury.
Step 6: There are other signs of a spine injury.
The most obvious signs of a spinal cord injury are paralysis and loss of sensation.Secondary symptoms may include:
Step 7:
Pain or an intense stinging sensation can be experienced if the victim's breathing is shallow or irregular.
Step 8: Check for nerve damage and neck trauma.
If the victim has a neck injury, it is important to check for nerve damage to the head and face.It is important to identify injury in the throat's structures and organs if you have a neck injury.The signs of facial nerve damage include twitching, hoarse voice, and improper position and movement of the tongue.Difficulty swallowing, drooling, bloody saliva, or inability to talk despite being conscious are signs of damage to the trachea, larynx, and esophagus.If there is a loss of sensation in the person's hands, fingers, feet or toes, check it out.
Step 9: Ask a victim about their symptoms.
Ask them to report their symptoms if they are able to talk.If they are experiencing pain or pressure in the neck, back or head, or if they have lost sensation in their feet, toes, hands or fingers, ask.Weakness or lack of control in any part of the body is a sign of damage to the spine.Keep your calm and reassuring.If a victim is worked up and their heartbeat increases, the increased blood flow can cause swelling and hemorrhaging that can lead to a spine injury.If limbs are not injured, check if a conscious victim can move their arms and legs.Good or poor coordination of movements can be noted.There are coordination problems that point to an injury to the spine.
Step 10: An unconscious person has a serious injury.
If an injured person is unconscious or out of consciousness, you should assume the injury is related to the spine.It's better to be on the safer side because they can't respond to your questions or report symptoms.If the victim has suffered trauma to the head, neck, or back, the rule of thumb is that it is a suspected spine injury until you can prove otherwise.
Step 11: Don't remove a helmet.
Leave the helmet on if the person is injured.If it involved neck trauma, removing it could upset the injury.Wait for emergency personnel to figure out how to remove it.
Step 12: Roll the patient by yourself.
Roll them over onto their side if the trauma victim vomits or chokes on blood.If possible, get assistance from at least one other person.With one person at the head and others along the side of the injured person, carefully coordinate your movements to roll them over.
Step 13: Don't be on the side of caution.
The rule of thumb is not to allow someone who has suffered a serious head, neck, or back trauma to walk or move in any way.It is common for a victim to be mobile after an injury, but suffer paralysis due to bleeding and swelling.To get the most accurate diagnosis, it is important to have a medical professional examine the injury.