A spinal injury can damage the spinal cord and nerves, leading to paralysis or life-threatening complications. Because movement can worsen the injury, extreme caution is required. Treat every suspected spinal injury as serious until proven otherwise.
1. Recognize Possible Signs of Spinal Injury
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Severe pain in the neck, back, or head.
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Weakness, numbness, or paralysis in arms or legs.
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Loss of bladder or bowel control.
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Difficulty breathing.
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Unnatural head/neck position.
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Following a fall, sports collision, road traffic crash, or violent impact.
2. Call Emergency Services Immediately (911/999/112)
Spinal injuries need urgent hospital care.
3. Keep the Person Completely Still
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Do not move them unless there is an immediate danger (fire, collapse, etc.).
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Tell them not to move their head, neck, or back.
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Place your hands gently on both sides of their head to keep it aligned with the spine until professionals arrive.
4. If the Person Is Unconscious but Breathing
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Leave them in the position found, keeping the head and neck supported.
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If they are vomiting or at risk of choking, carefully log-roll the entire body with at least two helpers while keeping the spine in one straight line.
5. If the Person Is Not Breathing
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Call emergency services.
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Begin CPR if trained, but try to keep the head, neck, and spine as aligned as possible.
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If available, use an AED (defibrillator).
6. Control Bleeding Without Moving the Spine
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If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure around the wound (not directly on a protruding bone or suspected skull fracture).
7. Do Not:
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Do not twist, bend, or turn the person’s head or body.
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Do not remove helmets (unless it prevents proper breathing).
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Do not attempt to “straighten” the spine.
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Do not give food or drink.
8. Reassure and Monitor
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Stay calm and keep reassuring them.
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Monitor breathing, circulation, and consciousness until emergency help arrives.
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