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Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries

If someone has sustained a head, neck or spinal injury, be extremely careful when moving them, and only do so if necessary.

A person is likely to have a head, neck or spinal injury if they:

• ● Have fallen from a height
• ● Took a strong blow to the head
• ● Were involved in a car crash
• ● Were in a bicycle/motorcycle crash, especially if they weren’t wearing a helmet

Signs and Symptoms of a Head Injury

• ● Not respond to you, or only moan instead of forming coherent words
• ● Act confused or sleepy
• ● Vomit
• ● Demonstrate trouble seeing, walking, or moving any part of the body
• ● Have a seizure

If someone has a head injury that causes them to lose consciousness, their symptoms get worse, or they show other causes for concern, they should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. You should call 9-1-1 immediately if they become unresponsive. These people should not operate heavy machinery, play sports, drive a car or perform any real physical activity until their doctor tells them it’s okay.

Spinal injury The most common causes of spinal injuries include falls, bicycle or motor vehicle accidents, sporting accidents, and acts of violence. You should suspect that a person has a spinal injury if they: ● Feel tingling or are weak in the extremities ● Appear intoxicated ● Are not fully alert ● Have suffered other painful injuries, especially to the head or neck ● Have pain or tenderness in the neck or back CAUTION: If you suspect a person has suffered a spinal injury, do not twist or turn their head or neck. The only exceptions are if you need to: ● Move them out of danger ● Turn them to give CPR ● Reposition them because they are vomiting, have fluids in the mouth, or are having trouble breathing Helping Someone with a Possible Head, Neck or Spinal Injury ● Call 9-1-1 and get the first aid kit and AED or send someone else ● Make sure that the person remains as still as possible ● Do not twist or turn their head or neck unless is necessary