Section 2 - Element 2

Question 1

How could someone sustain a spinal injury in a swimming pool?

Answer 1

From a severe force or blow to their spine, examples:

• diving and hitting the pool bottom, side of pool or swimmer
• collision with other swimmers (e.g. acrobatics)
• equipment - diving boards, flume, inflatable.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of a spinal injury? (4)

Answer 2

• Lack of movement/power in one or more limbs.
• Disorientation or bewilderment
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs
• Pain in the neck or back.

Question 3

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

Answer 3

• Casualty floating face down in the water, unable to turn over (not necessarily unconscious)
• Bruising or swelling at the impact area of head, neck or spine
• Deformity or irregularity of the spine
• Loss of muscle control
• Unconsciousness

Question 4

When dealing with a suspected spinal injury why should you stabilise the head and neck first?

Answer 4

Because the higher the spinal injury the more of the body can potentially be paralysed, Stabilising the head in neutral position reduces the likelihood of more damage being done to the spine while taking care of the casualty.

Question 5

How should a casualty be removed from the pool with a suspected spinal injury?

Answer 5

Make sure the casualty is kept in a horizontal position and all movement is minimised and carried out with great care. Horizontal lifting technique is recommended + use of a rescue board or PXB.

Question 6

What are the incident management priorities with a casualty with a suspected spinal injury?

Answer 6

1) Save life (casualtys airway takes priority over injury) 2) Stabilise the casualtys head, neck and upper spine, 3) maintain their horizontal position.

Question 7

Where are your arms and hands when performing a vice grip trawl?

Answer 7

One forearm is along the line of the casualty`s breastbone, supporting the face (head) and the other is place in the same position along the spine (fingers on the back of the head to stabilise it securely).

Question 8

how would you perform a head splint turn?

Answer 8

1) Approach the casualty from the side. 2) gently grasp the casualty`s arms (midway between elbows and shoulders) 3) gently move their arms to a position next to the ears. 4) Carefully squeeze their arms against their head to splint the head between the arms and prevent any movement. 5) position your thumbs on the back of the head. 6) Gently roll the casualty towards you (nearest arm goes down, furthest - up).