How Do You Treat A Spinal Injury In The Water?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you suspect a spinal injury in deep water, you should first turn the victim from a prone to a

supine position

. Then float the victim to shallow water, where you can then immobilize him/her onto an appropriate SID.

How can you prevent and treat spinal injuries while swimming?

  1. Swim near a lifeguard.
  2. Check with lifeguards on current conditions before swimming.
  3. STOP, watch, and walk into the water.
  4. DON’T dive headfirst into any unknown water.
  5. DON’T dive toward the bottom into oncoming waves.
  6. DON’T stand with your back to the waves.

How do you do a deep water spine rescue?

If you suspect a spinal injury in deep water, you should first turn the victim from a prone to a supine position. Then float the victim to shallow water, where

you can then immobilize him/her onto an appropriate SID

.

What are the key principles to consider when managing a suspected aquatic spinal injury?

  • Rotate to Supine Position. …
  • Maintain Neck Alignment. …
  • Spinal Immobilization. …
  • Head and Neck Immobilization. …
  • Immobilization to the Spinal Immobilization Device (SID)

What is the correct order to manage a victim with a suspected 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.

What device can be used when rescuing someone who is drowning?


A ring buoy

is a buoyant ring with 40 to 50 feet of lightweight line attached to it. The ring is thrown by a rescuer to someone who needs help in the water. A reaching pole is a pole 10 to 15 feet long that is extended into the water to help someone in trouble.

When dealing with spinal injury in the water your first priority must be?

Spinal Injury Management in Deep Water. If you suspect a spinal injury in deep water, you should first turn the victim from

a prone to a supine position

. Then float the victim to shallow water, where you can then immobilize him/her onto an appropriate SID.

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.

Under which circumstances should you suspect a spine 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 can a spinal injury occur in water?

Spinal injuries can occur in the water, typically

when a person’s head has collided with a hard surface

(for example, diving into shallow water). Most aquatic spinal injuries occur in the area of the neck due to the bending of the neck on impact (flexion).

How do you transport a patient with a spinal injury?


Land (ambulance) and air (helicopter or fixed-wing plane)

are the primary modes available to transport the spinal injury patient. The goal is to expedite safe and effective transportation without an unfavorable impact on patient outcome.

What are the do’s and don’ts of responding to back injury?

Do not try to “play through the pain.” It is essential to let your body recover before resuming strenuous activity.

Do not sleep on your stomach

. This can worsen back pain. Do not perform heavy lifting or repetitive twisting of your back for up to six weeks.

Which is the first step you should take in caring for a person with burns?

  1. Cool down the burn. …
  2. Remove tight items, such as rings, from the burned area. …
  3. Avoid breaking blisters. …
  4. Apply a moisturizing lotion, such as one with aloe vera. …
  5. Loosely bandage the burn. …
  6. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if necessary.

What are the four types of a drowning person?

  • Distressed. Distressed is the one category of swimmer that isn’t in immediate danger, yet is very prone to turning into an active drowner. …
  • Active. The next level of drowning victim is an active drowner. …
  • Passive. …
  • Spinal.

What is the first thing you will do to rescue someone who is choking or drowning?


Take a normal breath

, cover the victim’s mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and then give 2 one-second breaths as you watch for the chest to rise. Give 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions. Continue this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency help arrives.

How do you save a drowning person in water?

  1. Get Help. Notify a lifeguard, if one is close. …
  2. Move the Person. Take the person out of the water.
  3. Check for Breathing. Place your ear next to the person’s mouth and nose. …
  4. If the Person is Not Breathing, Check Pulse. …
  5. If There is No Pulse, Start CPR. …
  6. Repeat if Person Is Still Not Breathing.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.