Summer is on the horizon, and that means we’ll soon be entering what’s known as severe spinal trauma season. Car accidents happen at all times of year, but the summer weather means people will be traveling at higher rates of speed, and when you couple it with other outdoor activities like swimming, boating or cycling, it should come as no surprise that a catastrophic injury can occur when you least expect it.
We hope you’ll never need to provide aid to someone who may have suffered a severe spinal injury, but if the moment ever comes, we want you to be prepared. Below, we take a look at some of the ways to care for someone with a suspected spinal injury until professional medical assistance arrives.
Caring For A Suspected Spinal Injury
Here’s what you should do in the event that someone suffers a suspected spinal injury.
- Call 911 – Unless the person is in absolute and immediate danger from their surroundings, like from other vehicles or drowning, your one of your first moves needs to be to call 911 and get an ambulance dispatched to your location as quickly as possible.
- Safety – As we alluded to above, your first move should be to call 911 unless the person is in immediate danger from their surroundings. Try to ensure the safety of the individual and anyone nearby if there is an imminent threat, but again, do so safely. Don’t run down the middle of the road trying to stop traffic, because other motorists may not see you until it’s too late. Work to safely secure the scene, and with that in mind…
- Don’t Move The Injured Party – Moving someone with a spinal cord injury could cause irreversible damage. Some movement may be necessary if they are trapped in a dangerous situation or in water, but for something like a fall injury with no nearby threats to their safety, do not move the individual until professionals arrive on scene and can do so safely. If movement is absolutely necessary, work with another party to better help roll or shift weight gradually and evenly.
- Keep Safety Gear On – If the person is wearing a helmet, leave it on. Again, let a professional manipulate the head and neck area and remove the helmet if they believe they can do so safely. Cyclists and football players should not have their helmets removed if a head or neck injury is suspected.
- Check For Breathing – If the person is conscious, check to see if they are breathing. If they are not breathing, begin performing CPR until help arrives.
- Keep The Person Calm And Still – If the individual is conscious, keep them calm by talking to them and by telling them that help is on the way. They may want to try to get up and move, but remind them to stay still until they can be cleared by a medical professional. Remind them that movement can make spinal cord injuries much worse, and that a professional can help them move if they end up getting clearance.
We hope you’ll never need the above tips, but if you do, these tips can help you prevent even more damage to the spine, which can prove life-changing after a severe injury. For more information or for help with your spinal issue, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office today.
