Spinal injury

Alternative Names

Neck injury

First Aid

The main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medical help arrives.

1. You or someone else should call 911.
2. Hold the person's head and neck in the position in which they were found. DO NOT attempt to reposition the neck. Do not allow the neck to bend or twist.

1. Check the person's breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
2. DO NOT tilt the head back when attempting to open the airway. Instead, place your fingers on the jaw on each side of the head. Lift the jaw forward.

IF YOU NEED TO ROLL THE PERSON

Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing.

1. Two people are needed.
2. One person should be stationed at the head, the other at the person's side.
3. Keep the person's head, neck, and back in line with each other while you roll him or her onto one side.

DO NOT

• DO NOT bend, twist, or lift the person's head or body.
• DO NOT attempt to move the person before medical help arrives unless it is absolutely necessary.
• DO NOT remove a helmet if a spinal injury is suspected.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call you local emergency number (such as 911) if there has been any injury that affects the neck or spinal cord. Keep the person absolutely immobile. Unless there is urgent danger, keep the person in the position where he or she was found.

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Townsend, Jr., CM, ed. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2004:498-502,1952.

DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:798,837.