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Spinal injury: First aid
By Mayo Clinic staffMayo Clinic Health Manager
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If you suspect a back or neck (spinal) injury, do not move the affected person. Permanent paralysis and other serious complications can result. Assume a person has a spinal injury if:
- There's evidence of a head injury with an ongoing change in the person's level of consciousness.
- The person complains of severe pain in his or her neck or back.
- The person won't move his or her neck.
- An injury has exerted substantial force on the back or head.
- The person complains of weakness, numbness or paralysis or lacks control of his or her limbs, bladder or bowel.
- The neck or back is twisted or positioned oddly.
If you suspect someone has a spinal injury:
- Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.
- Keep the person still. Place heavy towels on both sides of the neck or hold the head and neck to prevent movement. The goal of first aid for a spinal injury is to keep the person in much the same position as he or she was found.
- Provide as much first aid as possible without moving the person's head or neck. If the person shows no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR, but do not tilt the head back to open the airway. Use your fingers to gently grasp the jaw and lift it forward.
- If you absolutely must roll the person because he or she is vomiting, choking on blood or in danger of further injury, use at least two people. Work together to keep the person's head, neck and back aligned while rolling the person onto one side.
