Spinal Injuries

Falls from heights such as boat cranes, vehicle collisions, motorcycles and contact sports are all situations where we may expect a person to suffer a spinal injury. As we age, our bones become more susceptible to injury, spinal injuries, while not common, can present in older people even with a fall from standing. In any instance where you may suspect a spinal injury, medical assistance should be called as soon as possible.

Signs and symptoms of spinal injury:

The casualty may:
Pain at or below the site of the injury
• Tenderness over the site of the injury
• Absent, altered sensation below the site of injury, such as tingling in hands or feet
• Loss of movement or impaired movement below the site of the injury.

WHAT TO DO:

UNCONSCIOUS BREATHING PATIENT
1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
3. Place the patient in the recovery position. Carefully support their head and neck and avoid twisting or bending during movement.
4. Ensure the patient’s airway is clear and open.
5. Hold the head and neck steady to prevent twisting or bending of the spine.

CONSCIOUS PATIENT
1. Follow DRSABCD.
2. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.
3. Keep the patient in the position you found them in. Only move if in danger.
4. Reassure the patient. Ask them not to move.
5. Loosen any tight clothing.
6. Hold the head and neck steady to prevent twisting or bending of the spine.

The goal is to keep the patient as still, and as comfortable as possible until medical care arrives. If you suspect a spinal injury, be sure to advise the hospital when you call for an ambulance.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit:

http://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/guides-spinal-and-neck-injury

Our next skill drill will be 23 July, in the shed on Grassy Road, 18:00 to 19:30, we start a little earlier in winter and always have a hot pot of soup at hand. If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au