Spine injury

1. Spine Injury

2. Spine Injury
This might occur following:
• A fall from height.
• A dive into shallow water.
• An accident involving speed (e.g. a motor accident).
• A blow to the head, neck or back.
• Multiple injuries.
• A “cae-in” accident (e.g. crowd crushing or a collapsed ruby scum).

3. Spine Injury
If the patient is conscious:
• Give them reassurance.
• Tell them not to move.
• Do not move the casualty unless they are in severe danger.
• Hold their head still with your hands.
• Keep the head and neck in line with the upper body.
• Call 999 for an ambulance.
• Keep the casualty warm.

4. Spine Injury
If the patient is unconscious:
• If they are breathing normally, the airway is clear. Do not move the head.
• If they are not breathing, you may need to lift the chin gently to minimise head tilt.
• Call 99 for an ambulance.
• Hold their head still with your hands. Keep the head and neck in line with the upper body.
• If the casualty begins to vomit or you are concerned about their airway, or if you have to
leave them, out them into the recovery position.
• DO not move the casualty unless they are in severe danger.
• Keep the casualty warm.
• Monitor their breathing until help arrives.