Spinal injury : First aid - Conditions-Prevention

What is  Spinal injury: First aid ?

A spinal injury occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. It can happen due to various causes such as trauma from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. When a person sustains a spinal injury, it is important to provide immediate first aid to prevent further damage and promote a better chance of recovery. First aid for spinal injury involves stabilizing the injured person, maintaining their airway, and immobilizing the spine to prevent any movement that could worsen the injury.

• Spinal injury: First aid is a critical aspect of emergency medical care. It involves the immediate assistance provided to individuals who have sustained an injury to the spine. These injuries can occur as a result of trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, and can have severe implications for a person's mobility and overall health. The first aid measures taken in response to a spinal injury are crucial in minimizing further damage and ensuring the well-being of the affected individual.

causes of a spinal injury

• falling from a height, for example, from a ladder

• falling awkwardly, for instance, even as doing gymnastics

• diving into a shallow pool and hitting the bottom

• falling from a bike or horse

• a collapsed rugby scrum

• sudden deceleration in a automobile

• a heavy item falling throughout their lower back

• and damage to the head or face.

If you think someone may have a back or neck injury, do not move them until you know for sure. This can cause permanent paralysis or other serious complications. If you think someone may have a spinal injury, assume this is the case if they:

• There is evidence that shows there was a head injury, and the person's level of consciousness is changing.

• The person is having a lot of pain in their neck or back.

• If you get injured, it hurts a lot.

• The person is having problems with weakness, numbness, or paralysis; they may also have trouble controlling their bladder and bowels.

• The neck or body is not in the correct position.

Signs and signs and symptoms

Look for:

• ache in the neck or again at the site of harm

• irregular shape or twist in the ordinary curve of the spine

• tenderness and/or bruising within the pores and skin over the spine

• movement of limbs can be susceptible or absent

• loss of sensation, or extraordinary sensations, e.G. Burning or tingling

• loss of bladder and/or bowel manage

• respiratory problems.

If you think someone may have a spinal injury, do not move them until you have contacted a doctor.

• Get help. Call 911 or emergency medical help.

• Keep the person still.Make sure the head and neck are immobilized by using heavy towels or rolled sheets.

• Avoid moving the head or neck. If the person does not show any signs of circulation (breathing, coughing, or movement), begin CPR. If the person's head or neck is still movable, tilt it forward to open the airway. Use your fingers to gently grasp the jaw and lift it forward. Do not begin chest compressions if the victim has no pulse.

• Keep helmet on.If you are wearing a football helmet, do not remove it. The facemask should be removed if you need to breathe properly.

• Don't roll alone. If you have to roll someone who is vomiting or choking, you need at least one other person to help. One of you should be at the head and the other along the side of the injured person. You need to work together to keep the person's head and neck safe. Make sure the person is lying on their left side with their head and shoulders in line with their left arm and leg. Then roll them onto their right side.