If the patient is unconscious as a result of a head injury,
always suspect a spinal injury
.
When should you suspect a head neck or back injury?
Pain from a head, neck, or back injury lasts longer than 1 week or goes away and returns. Signs of infection (e.g., redness, fever, pus, drainage, etc.) occur at the site of the wound. A whiplash injury is suspected.
Can a head injury indicate a possible spinal injury?
A person who has
sustained a head injury may have also injured their spine
. In elderly people, the force required to cause neck injuries is much less than in younger people. It can even occur from a standing height fall in the elderly.
When should you call EMS 911 for a head neck or spinal injury?
Call EMS/911 if
Needed
If the person is unconscious and/or not breathing
, alert EMS/911 immediately.
When presented with a casualty that you suspect has a spinal injury what should be your first course of action?
If you suspect someone has a spinal injury:
Call 911 or emergency medical help
. 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. Avoid moving the head or neck.
In what circumstances should you always 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.
What are the steps for checking for a spinal injury?
- pain in the neck or back at the site of injury.
- irregular shape or twist in the normal curve of the spine.
- tenderness and/or bruising in the skin over the spine.
- movement of limbs may be weak or absent.
- loss of sensation, or abnormal sensations, e.g. burning or tingling.
- loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
What are 5 signs and symptoms of head neck or back trauma?
- General Stiffness. Stiffness is a symptom of many neck injuries. …
- Decreased Range of Motion. Neck injuries can also result in less range of motion – which is often related to general stiffness symptoms above. …
- Headaches and Dizziness. …
- Sprains and Strains. …
- Tingling and Numbness.
How do you tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?
The lower back and neck are the most flexible parts of your spine, and they’re also where most herniated discs occur. While pain in your mid-back may be related to a disc, it’s more likely caused by
muscle strain
or other issues. Your symptoms feel worse when you bend or straighten up from a bent position.
Can you break your back and not know it?
Spinal fractures don’t always involve pain, so even after a traumatic event such as a car accident,
you may not know that you have a
fracture. That’s why it’s important to have a thorough examination by a doctor after a traumatic event. However, a spinal fracture may cause sudden, severe pain around the area of injury.
How can I tell if a head injury is mild or severe?
- Mild head injury: Raised, swollen area from a bump or a bruise. Small, superficial (shallow) cut in the scalp. …
- Moderate to severe head injury (requires immediate medical attention)–symptoms may include any of the above plus: Loss of consciousness.
What is the primary concern with a scalp injury?
Bleeding Inside the Head
is the Main Worry
Internal bleeding may be more difficult to appreciate. Bleeding inside the head is the main worry after a head injury. Bleeding or swelling inside the head usually takes place during the first 24-48 hours after an injury and can cause life-threatening pressure on the brain.
What is the most important indicator of a possible spinal injury?
Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident may include:
Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck
, head or back. Weakness, incoordination or paralysis in any part of your body. Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation in your hands, fingers, feet or toes.
What is the best thing you can do for a bone muscle or joint injury?
Over-the-counter pain remedies like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
can help reduce the pain that follows a broken bone or dislocated joint. Ice packs applied to the site of a dislocation can reduce swelling and ease discomfort. For serious injuries, your doctor may suggest a prescription pain reliever.
Should you remove the helmet from a head injury victim?
The key advice is
only remove the helmet if absolutely essential in order to maintain the person’s airway
. If the casualty is conscious, then you can help them to undo the neck strap if that makes it easier for them to breathe.
What are 3 questions you should be prepared to answer when calling 911?
- Person’s problem or the type of incident (“Tell me exactly what happened?”).
- Approximate age.
- Is he or she conscious?
- Is he or she breathing?
- EXACTLY what the dispatcher asks you to do. Emergency service professionals are.
