Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
When faced with a potential spinal injury, your immediate actions can make a significant difference in the victim’s outcome.
You’ll need to act swiftly and decisively, but with great care. The three best practices for immediate spinal injury care involve immobilisation, assessment, and prevention of further harm.
These steps may seem straightforward, but executing them correctly under pressure requires knowledge and preparation.
As you consider the gravity of such situations, you might wonder: are you truly ready to handle a spinal injury emergency?
The answer could mean the difference between life and death, or between recovery and permanent disability.
Key Takeaways
• Immediately immobilise the victim to prevent further spinal damage, instructing them to remain still.
• Assess breathing and circulation, checking for chest movement and carotid pulse.
• Maintain spinal alignment by manually stabilising the head and neck until professional help arrives.
• Avoid repositioning the victim unless in immediate danger; use log roll technique if movement is necessary.
• Prevent hypothermia by covering the victim without lifting their head, maintaining position until medical assistance is available.
Immobilise the Victim
The first essential step in spinal injury care is to immobilise the victim immediately after the incident occurs. You must prevent any movement of the spine to avoid further damage. Proper spinal stabilisation techniques are vital in this phase.
Start by instructing the victim not to move. If they’re conscious, explain the importance of staying still. Next, assess the scene for safety before approaching.
Once it’s safe, kneel beside the victim and place your hands on either side of their head. Gently hold their head and neck in the position you found them, maintaining alignment with their spine.
If you’ve had emergency response training, you may use a cervical collar to support the neck. However, don’t attempt this without proper training, as incorrect application can cause harm.
For full-body immobilisation, a backboard might be necessary, but this should only be done by trained professionals.
Assess Breathing and Circulation
After immobilising the victim, quickly assess their breathing and circulation to ensure essential functions are intact.
Begin your breathing assessment by observing the chest for rise and fall. If you can’t see movement, place your ear near the victim’s mouth to listen and feel for breath. Check for at least 10 seconds. If breathing is absent or irregular, be prepared to start rescue breaths.
Next, perform a circulation evaluation. Check the victim’s pulse at the carotid artery in the neck. Place two fingers gently on the side of the neck, beneath the jawline. Count the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by four to get beats per minute. A normal adult pulse ranges from 60-100 beats per minute. If there’s no pulse, be ready to start chest compressions.
Look for signs of poor circulation, such as pale, cool, or clammy skin. Check capillary refill by pressing on a fingernail until it turns white, then release. The colour should return within two seconds. If circulation is compromised, elevate the legs slightly, if possible, without moving the spine.
Prevent Further Injury
With breathing and circulation assessed, your next priority is preventing additional harm to the spinal injury victim.
Implement spinal precautions immediately to safeguard against further damage. Instruct the injured person not to move and reassure them that help is on the way. If they’re conscious, ask them to remain still and avoid any head or neck movement.
As you continue your injury assessment, don’t attempt to reposition the victim unless they’re in immediate danger. If movement is absolutely necessary, use the log roll technique, keeping the spine, neck, and head aligned. Enlist help from bystanders if available. Support the head and neck manually to maintain neutral alignment throughout any necessary movement.
Remove any objects that might cause additional injury, such as debris or loose clothing around the neck. If the victim is wearing a helmet, don’t remove it unless it’s interfering with breathing.
In cold environments, prevent hypothermia by covering the victim with blankets or coats, but avoid lifting their head to place anything underneath. Your goal is to maintain the victim’s position and prevent any unnecessary movement until professional medical help arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Spinal Injury?
You’ll face challenges in neurological recovery and quality of life. Paralysis, chronic pain, and loss of bodily functions are common long-term effects you might experience.
Are There Symptoms That Indicate a Severe Spinal Injury?
You should watch for key injury indicators during symptom assessment. Severe pain, numbness, paralysis, loss of bowel/bladder control, and difficulty breathing are critical signs. Don’t ignore these symptoms; they may indicate a serious spinal injury.
What Rehabilitation Options Are Available for Spinal Injury Patients?
Physical therapy is essential, helping you regain strength and mobility. You’ll also use adaptive equipment to enhance independence. Occupational therapy and counselling may be part of your extensive recovery plan.
