Table of Contents
- 1 What are the signs that a person may have damaged their spine following a fall?
- 2 When can a spinal injury occur in water?
- 3 What is the first step when treating an unconscious drowning person after they have been removed from the water?
- 4 What are the key principles to consider when managing a suspected aquatic spinal injury?
What are the signs that a person may have damaged their spine following a fall?
Emergency signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury after an accident 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.
How do you check for a spine injury in an unresponsive victim?
Look for:
- 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.
Which of the following can be a sign of a head neck or spinal injury Red Cross?
1. Symptoms may include hot or red skin, seizures, coma, severe headache, altered behaviour and rapid and shallow breathing. Call EMS/911 if person is experiencing these symptoms.
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).
What would you do if an unconscious casualty has a suspected spinal injury?
If you suspect someone has a spinal injury:
- Get help. 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.
- Keep helmet on.
- Don’t roll alone.
What is Brown Séquard syndrome?
Definition. Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) is a rare neurological condition characterized by a lesion in the spinal cord which results in weakness or paralysis (hemiparaplegia) on one side of the body and a loss of sensation (hemianesthesia) on the opposite side.
What is the first step when treating an unconscious drowning person after they have been removed from the water?
Provide 30 compressions 1/3 of the depth of the casualties chest. Tilt head back, lift chin, open mouth and pinch the soft part of the nose. Provide 2 breaths – watch and listen for the chest to rise and fall. Repeat sequence until medical assistance arrives or the casualty becomes conscious.
Which of the following would be the first and most important sign of a serious head injury?
The presence or absence of blood isn’t a reliable indicator of the seriousness of the head injury. Symptoms of serious head injury can include clear fluid leaking from the nose or ears, altered consciousness or a period of unconsciousness, skull deformities, vision changes, bruised eyes and ears, nausea and vomiting.
What to do if someone hits their head and is unconscious?
If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. If the person’s breathing and heart rate are normal, but the person is unconscious, treat as if there is a spinal injury. Stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the person’s head. Keep the head in line with the spine and prevent movement.
What are the key principles to consider when managing a suspected aquatic spinal injury?
The principles of Airway, Breathing and Circulation always take precedence over any suspected injury. their rescue.
What happens when you dive in shallow water?
Diving into water that is too shallow can result in a catastrophic spinal cord injury that can leave the victim with devastating injuries that will have an impact on the rest of their lives. Diving is the fourth leading cause of spinal cord injury for men and fifth leading cause among women.
What is the most important priority in treating an unconscious casualty with suspected spinal injury?
Airway management takes precedence over any suspected spinal injury. It is acceptable to gently move the head into a neutral position to obtain a clear airway. If the victim is breathing but remains unconscious, it is preferable that they be placed in the recovery position.