What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A Spinal Cord Injury is always a medical emergency as it could lead to chronic painful conditions and permanent paralysis.Spinal cord injuries occur when a traumatic event (often a car, diving or sporting accident) results in damage to the spinal cord.
Some of the Signs and Symptoms may be:
- Patient is lying with their head, neck or back in an awkward position
- Severe pain in the head, neck or back
- Weakness
- Tingling or loss of sensation
- Inability to move arms or legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
How to Help
- CALL 111 immediately.
- Keep the patient absolutely immobile. DO NOT attempt to reposition the neck or allow the neck to bend or twist if you suspect a spinal injury.
- Unless there is imminent danger or they need CPR, keep the patient in the position where they were found.
- If the patient is unresponsive check DRABC
- Don’t remove helmets unless you need to perform CPR.
- Treat other life-threatening injuries while waiting for help to arrive.
- Keep the patient warm and continue to reassure them.
This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.