First aid by symptoms mobile
Spinal Injuries
What to do
– Pain in the neck or at the level of injury
– Unusual-looking spine
– Loss of sensation
– Unusual sensations such as burning, tingling or heavy feeling in limbs
– Difficulty in breathing
– Loss of control over limbs or bodily functions
What to do
– Tell the casualty not to move. Do not move the casualty from the position in which they were found, unless they are unconcious or in danger where they are. Your aim is to prevent further damage to the spine or the spinal cord.
– Steady the casualty’s head by placing your hands gently over their ears and keeping them there. If possible, get a bystander to pad the casualty’s head and shoulfer to protect them.
– Send for an ambulance.
– If the casualty becomes unconcious, put in the recovery position. If at all possible, do this with the help of at least 1 person. It is essential to keep the casualty’s head and torso aligned at all times. One person should control the position of the head and neck while the others move the lower parts of the body, acting together. Once they are in recovery position, ensure that the casualty is supported there until help arrives. Check their breathing and pulse be ready to start artificial ventilation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary.
IMPORTANT
– If you are alone, remember that the first priority is to keep the casualty’s airway open.
– If you have no choice but to move the casualty, get as much help as you can – preferably 4 other people. One person should keep the casualty’s head and neck in the line with the rest of their torso, while the others roll the body on to a stretcher.
NEVER
– Move a casualty, if at all possible, or pull on their neck.
