Question

What should you do if a person has a neck or back injury

Answer 1

* Back injury

- Take extreme care at all times to maintain alignment of the head , neck and spine.

Unconscious patients with back injury:

- place the unconscious patient in recovery position supporting neck amd spine in a neutral position at all time to prevent twisting or bending movement.

- maintain a clear and open airway.

- if ambulance is delayed apply cervical collar to prevent neck movement.

Conscious patient

- calm the patient and loosen the tight clothes.

- do not move the patient unless in danger.

- support head neck and spine to prevent twisting or bending movement.

- if ambulance is delayed apply cervical collar .

* Head injury

Conscious patient

- encourage the patinet to minimise head or neck movement .

- scalp injury can bleed profusely so control any significant blood loss from head wounds with direct pressure and dressings.

- when examining wound , avoid disturbing blood clots forming in the hair.

Unconscious patient

- Do not move the person unless in danger

- maintain , airway and breathing .

- if person airway breathing comes to problem than tilt the head back until normal breathing returns.

- if person does not breath or has no pulse CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation may require.