HOW TO CORRECTLY APPLY FIRST AID IN THE EVENT OF A head/spinal injury
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury may include:
Never move anyone who you think may have a spinal injury, unless it is absolutely necessary. For example, if you need to get the person out of a burning car, or help them to breathe. Keep the person absolutely still and safe until medical help arrives.
You must
If the person is not alert or responding to you:
To move the person:
- Head that is in an unusual position
- Numbness or tingling that spreads down an arm or leg
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of movement of arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Shock (pale and clammy skin, bluish lips and fingernails, acting dazed or semiconscious)
- Unconsciousness
- Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain
Never move anyone who you think may have a spinal injury, unless it is absolutely necessary. For example, if you need to get the person out of a burning car, or help them to breathe. Keep the person absolutely still and safe until medical help arrives.
You must
- Hold the person's head and neck in the position in which they were found. Do not try to straighten the neck. Do not allow the neck to bend or twist.
- Do not allow the person to get up and walk unassisted.
If the person is not alert or responding to you:
- Follow DR'S ABCD (however, do not move the victim into the recovery position. Unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing)
To move the person:
- Have someone assist you.
- One person should be located at the person's head; the other at the person's side.
- Keep the person's head, neck, and back in line while you roll him or her onto one side