What should you do if you suspect a spinal injury?

If you suspect someone has a spinal injury:

1. Get help. Call 911 or emergency medical help.
2. Keep the person still. Place heavy towels or rolled sheets on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent movement.
3. Avoid moving the head or neck.
4. Keep helmet on.
5. Don’t roll alone.

What position would you put the victim with a head neck or back injury?

Carefully roll the person onto their side while supporting the head, neck, and spine in a straight position. (If possible, have multiple people help with this.) Next, place padding, such as a pillow, under the patient’s head to keep the neck straight.

Why is it important to support the victim’s head and spine when moving a victim?

First aid when the injured person is unconscious The person should not be moved unless they are in immediate danger. Any unnecessary movement may cause greater complications to the head injury itself, the spine or other associated injuries. A good rule is that if the head is injured, the neck may be injured too.

When should you suspect a spinal injury?

A spinal injury should be suspected if the patient has: pain at or below site of injury. loss of sensation, or abnormal sensation such as tingling in hands or feet. loss of movement or impaired movement below site of injury.

When might you have to move a victim with a suspected spinal injury?

Do not move the person if you think he or she may have a spinal injury unless there is an immediate threat to his or her life, such as a fire. If there is immediate danger, keep the person’s head and neck supported and in a straight line while you move him or her to a safe place.

What is the correct nursing intervention when a client with a head injury begins to have a clear drainage from his nose?

If the drainage is clear, the nurse should check it for glucose. The head of the bed should be elevated 15 to 30 degrees to facilitate the drainage and decrease intracranial pressure.

What is the reason for supporting the head and neck of an injured person?

Reassure the casualty. Do not move them unless they are in immediate danger. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help or ask someone else to call for you. Steady and support their head so that their head, neck, and spine are in a straight line to try and prevent further damage.

In what position is a patient with suspected spine injury placed?

Place the unconscious patient in recovery position supporting neck and spine in a neutral position at all times to prevent twisting or bending movements. Maintain a clear and open airway.

How should an athlete with a suspected spinal injury be transported?

Moving athletes with suspected spinal injuries The athlete should be moved the shortest possible distance to a safe position. At all stages of the move, the body should be controlled in such a way that the head, neck and spine are immobilised as one body part.