Learn How To Help Someone With A Spinal Injury

Spinal injuries affect two structures in the back which are responsible for supporting movement, transferring brain signals and cord protection. The spine is a complex dynamic organ that cannot afford to be damaged. Many injuries afflicted on the area can be life threatening and even lead to paralysis. It is therefore essential to spot the signs / symptoms of a spinal injury. Failure to do so can lead to far more serious injuries. The spinal cord is the strong, bony structure in the back that is responsible for protecting the signal cord and supporting movement. It is made up of 24 individual bones which are connected together through a series of strong ligaments. Spinal column damage is not easy to recognise as a first aider, but there are a few basic giveaways. As a first aider you should automatically presume that the spinal column is damaged in any of the following accidents: • Road traffic incidents • Falls from height • Scrum collapses • Dives into shallow water • Impact accidents The trick if you are first on the scene is to keep the casualty completely still until the emergency services arrive. Any further movement could cause the bones to severe the delicate cord, which often results in paralysis. If still unsure on the nature of the injury it is possible to do a physical examination of the casualty. The neck and spine should be felt in order to get a pain response. If they are unconscious it is also possible to look for a twist in the normal curve of the spine. Always act on the side of caution, and if uncertain contact the emergency services and keep them still. It is also possible to directly damage the spinal cord during a serious accident. The difference is this case is that if the cord is compromised brain signals can be disrupted, and possibly lost forever. The signs to look out for when talking to a casualty are loss of control of the limbs, strange tingling sensations, incontinence, anxiety and confusion. In both situations it is absolutely essential to keep the casualty still. Sometimes instinct takes over and spinal casualties are moved unnecessarily to safety. In a case of a road accident it is more important to stop the traffic than move a casualty who may have life threatening injuries. If this means that a few people get to work a bit later then so be it. Surprisingly many people are still uneducated on the effects of spinal injuries and unable to recognise the vital signs. The best trick a first aider can use comes from within, and can't necessarily be taught. On the scene of any accident it is crucial to spend time assessing the situation. These vitals seconds where a situation is played over in your mind could prove the difference. Without rushing or wasting time it is possible to work out if the accident is likely to involve spinal injuries. If the answer is yes we know to keep the casualty still, call 911 and await professional help.