Page 18 - Heartsafe | Better. Hands Down.

HeartSafe-0000-FirstAidManual-Sept2016-R2.qxp_Layout 1 2016-09-28 2:04 PM Page 15

Head and Spinal Injuries

Treatment

1) Look at the mechanism of injury. Try to find out exactly what happened.

2) Ensure the patient does not move.

3) Assess for problems with A-B-C and treat accordingly using the jaw thrust to
open the airway.

If the patient is found face down, check for breathing. If CPR is required the pa-
tient will need to be rolled over onto their back very carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How serious can a spinal injury be?

The spine houses a network of nerves, known as the spinal cord, which branch out
and transmit impulses between the brain and all parts of the body. If the spinal cord
is damaged, there may be a loss of function below the point of injury. If the nerves
that control breathing and heartbeat are affected, these functions may become
compromised or cease.

2) What is more important, opening the airway or not moving the neck?

Although they are both extremely important, your number one priority is always
Airway. The preferred method of opening the airway of a patient who may have a
neck injury is the jaw thrust, which can simply and effectively open the airway
without moving the neck (see page 67, fig.2-10).

3) Would I place an unconscious patient who is breathing, and has a pulse in the
recovery position even if they might have a neck or back injury?

The patient should be kept in the position found and the airway maintained using
the jaw thrust. If the patient vomits, carefully roll them onto their side while
supporting their head and allow the vomit to drain.

15