8 Head Neck And Spinal Injuries Flashcards
Suspect a head, neck or spinal injury in the following 5 situations.
A fall from a height greater than the person’s height.
A diving injury.
A person found unresponsive for unknown reasons.
A strong blow to the lower jaw, head or torso.
Struck by lightning or electrocuted.
What may also be present in a suspected head, neck or spinal injury?
Injury to the pelvis.
The main rule for a suspected pelvic injury is…
Do not put pressure on the pelvis. Treat as a head, neck or spinal injury.
What are the physical signs of head neck and spinal injuries
severe pain or pressure in the head neck or back. Usual bumps or depressions. Bruises especially around the eyes in between the ears. Seizures.
Impaired breathing or vision. Nausea or vomiting. Unequal pupil size. Partial or complete loss of movement of any body part. Loss or bladder or bowel control.
What are the mental signs of head neck and spinal injuries.
Changes in level of responsiveness awareness and behavior. Weakness tingling or loss of sensation. Dizziness or loss of balance.
Initial care for head neck and spine injuries
keep the person still move only if in danger or life-threatening
If the person is unable to support their own head do what?
Manually support it in the position found
If struggling to breathe do what?.
Stretch the neck gently by pulling the head away.
Ensure the neck is aligned with what?.
The body.
How do you remove a helmet?
Push sides away and possibly rotate over nose.
Have someone support jaw and back of head. Support head in position found.
Concussion is also known as:
Traumatic Brain Injury TBI
Mental signs of concussion are.
Drowsiness. Cloudy and/or foggy mindset. Same stand or days. Temporary memory loss. Slowed reaction times.
Physical signs of a concussion are.
Neck pain or headache. Loss of responsiveness. Dizziness or loss of balance. Changes to vision. Sleeping more or less. Nausea or vomiting. Sensitivity to light or noise. Seizure.
Emotional signs of a concussion.
Irritability. Heightened emotions. Personality changes.
Signs of a concussion in children and babies.
Changes in playing sleeping or eating habits. Excessive crying. Lack of interest in activities or toys.
Concussion signs requiring immediate medical attention.
Repeated or projectile vomiting. Loss of responsibilities for any direction. Lack of physical coordination. Confusion and disorientation or memory loss. Changes to normal speech. Seizures. Vision an ocular changes. Persistent dizziness or loss of balance. Weakness or tingling in her arms her legs. Severe or increasing headache.
2 main concussion care concepts:
Stop and monitor, wake every 2-3 hours.
If unresponsive seek immediate medical attention.
Moving a person with a head neck or spinal injury principles.
Improvised head and spine management options.
Tarp lift.
Move head neck or spine injury to the side if
ABCs are affected unable to assess ABC’s prevent hypothermia person is vomiting
Common ways to support the head:
Rolled towels, clothing, boots, sleeping pads, splints.
Before and after moving an SCI:
Check temperature and skin colour below injury.
Squeeze nails for colour return time.
Ask about sensation.
Ask to wiggle fingers and toes.
Describe the tarp lift:
Roll tarp to half width. Roll person on side, -lace rolled edge against the back. Roll them onto tarp. Improvise handle on tarp edges rolled. Lift as a unit keeping taut.
When in doubt about an SCI do what?
Treat as such
Spinal motion restriction steps (3).
High risk factor -yes
Safe to assess range of motion- yes
Able to actively rotate head,- no.
