2.2 - Rescue of a Casualty with a Suspected Spinal Injury

Question 1

How many vertebrae make up the spine?

Answer 1

33

Question 2

What are positioned between the vertebrae of the spine?

Answer 2

Discs of cartilage

Question 3

What are the purpose of the cartilage discs of the spine? (3 functions)

Answer 3

1. Allow for movement
2. Prevent friction
3. Act as shock absorbents

Question 4

What is the generic rule for determining the severity of a spinal injury and its effect on the body?

Answer 4

The higher the spinal injury, the more muscles become paralysed.

Question 5

What poolside activities are likely to result in a spinal injury? (3 activities)

Answer 5

1. Diving and hitting the bottom or sides of the pool or another swimmer
2. Collision with another swimmer
3. Equipment - diving boards, flumes and inflatables.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of a suspected spinal injury? (3 symptoms)

Answer 6

1. Disorientation or bewilderment
2. Numbness or tingling of the limbs
3. Pain in the neck or back

Question 7

What are the signs of a suspected spinal injury? (5 signs)

Answer 7

1. Floating face down in the water, unable to turn over (not necessarily unconscious)
2. Bruising or swelling around the area of impact
3. Deformity or irregularity of the spine
4. Loss of movement or muscle control
5. Unconsciousness

Question 8

What are the 3 principles of spinal cord casualty management?

Answer 8

1. Stabilising the head, neck and upper spine
2. Maintaining a horizontal position
3. Saving life

Question 9

What is in-line stabilisation?

Answer 9

Stabilising the head, neck and upper spine in a line to maintain a neutral position.

Question 10

In spinal cord injury management, what takes priority: the casualty’s airway or the casualty’s injury?

Answer 10

The casualty’s airway

Question 11

What are the 2 techniques for rescuing a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?

Answer 11

1. Vice grip

2. Head splint

Question 12

What is unusual to find with a suspected spinal injury, and why is this?

Answer 12

The casualty is floating face up. This is because the body’s natural centre of gravity normally turns the casualty into a face down position.

Question 13

How many lifeguards are required to secure a casualty from a head splint, and what does each lifeguard do?

Answer 13

1 - Apply the head splint then support the upper part of the back.
2 - Support head (thumbs above ears)
3 - Support the lower back and upper things (palms down)
4 - Move the arms down to the side when 2 and 3 are in position, then support the lower legs (palms down)

Question 14

Why is it important to remove the casualty from the water as soon as possible?

Answer 14

To prevent hypothermia and commence CPR if required.