Lesson 10 IMMOBILIZE A SUSPECTED SPINAL INJURY

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Combat Life Saver
Lesson 10IMMOBILIZE A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY
Compiled and edited by, 2LT John C. Miller, PA-C
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Lesson 10IMMOBILIZE A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY

• INTRODUCTION
• The spinal column of the neck and back surrounds
  and protects the nerves of the spinal cord. If
  the spinal cord is cut, the muscles and
  sensations controlled by the portion of the
  spinal cord below the cut will not function.
  Always check a casualty who may have fallen or
  been hit in the back for spinal injury. If the
  casualty has suffered a severe head injury,
  assume the casualty also has spinal damage.

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IMMOBILIZE A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY

• TASK
• Identify proper procedures for immobilizing a
  suspected spinal injury.
• CONDITION
• Given multiple-choice items pertaining to spinal
  injuries.
• STANDARD
• Score 70 or more points on the 100-point written
  examination

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IDENTIFY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AFRACTURED SPINE

• Pain or tenderness of the neck or back.
• Cut or bruise on the neck or back.
• Inability to move part of the body (paralysis),
  especially the legs.
• Lack of feeling in a body part.
• Touch the casualty's arms and legs and ask if he
  feels your hand.
• Loss of bladder and/or bowel control.
• Weak respiration.
• Head or back in an unusual position.

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MOVE A CASUALTY WITH A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY,
IF NECESSARY

• Do not move a casualty with a suspected spinal
  injury unless it is necessary to save his life,
  such as moving the casualty from a burning
  building or away from enemy fire or positioning a
  nonbreathing casualty to perform mouth-to-mouth
  resuscitation.
• Use a four-man arms carry to move the casualty to
  a place of safety.
• One soldier (usually the combat lifesaver) kneels
  at the casualty's head and places his hands on
  both sides of the casualty's head. This bearer
  keeps movement of the casualty's head and neck to
  a minimum when the casualty is moved.

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MOVE A CASUALTY WITH A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY,
IF NECESSARY

• The second soldier kneels at the casualty's chest
  and slips his arms under the casualty's shoulders
  and waist.
• The third soldier kneels next to the second
  soldier and slips his arms under the soldier's
  hips and thighs.
• The fourth soldier kneels next to the third
  soldier and slips his arms under the soldier's
  legs (or knees) and ankles.

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MOVE A CASUALTY WITH A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY,
IF NECESSARY

• On the command, "Lift," from the leader, all
  soldiers rise to their knees in unison, keeping
  the casualty's head and spine in straight
  alignment.
• If a spine board is available or one can be
  improvised from a door or board, the casualty
  should be lowered onto the spine board and
  secured to the spine board. The casualty should
  then be lifted and moved to a safe location.
• On the command, "Turn," from the leader, the
  soldiers gently turn the casualty toward their
  chests as the leader gently turns the casualty's
  head to maintain spinal alignment.

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MOVE A CASUALTY WITH A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY,
IF NECESSARY

• On the command, "Rise," from the leader, the
  soldiers stand in unison, maintaining alignment
  of the head and spine. The casualty is then
  carried out of danger.
• When a safe location is reached, the soldiers
  gently lower the casualty onto a flat surface by
  reversing the lifting procedures and fully
  immobilize the casualty as described in the
  following learning event.

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IMMOBILIZE THE CASUALTY'S SPINE

• Do not attempt to straighten the casualty's neck
  or back if it is in an abnormal position.
• Tell the casualty to keep still and avoid
  unnecessary movement.
• Send someone to get medical help.
• If the casualty is lying on his stomach, keep him
  from moving until medical help arrives.
• If the casualty is lying on his back, use padding
  to help immobilize his back, neck, and head as
  described below.

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IMMOBILIZE THE CASUALTY'S SPINE

• Roll or fold a blanket or similar padding to
  conform with the normal shape of the arch of the
  back. Carefully slide the padding under the arch
  of his back.
• Slide a roll of cloth under the casualty's neck
  to help support and immobilize his neck.
• Place padded rocks, small padded logs, or filled
  boots on each side of the casualty's head to keep
  it from moving. To use boots

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IMMOBILIZE THE CASUALTY'S SPINE

• Remove the casualty's boots. Do not remove the
  casualty's boots if in a chemical environment.
• Fill each boot almost to the top with sand or
  small rocks.
• Place material (strip of clothing, sock, etc.) on
  top of the sand or rocks to keep the sand or
  rocks from falling out.
• Tie the top of each boot to keep the material
  from coming out.
• Place the boots around the casualty's head so
  that the head will not turn.

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IMMOBILIZE A SUSPECTEDSPINAL INJURY

• CLOSING
• A casualty with a suspected neck or spinal
  fracture should be moved by medical personnel
  whenever possible. If you must move the casualty
  to save his life, keep the movement of his back
  and neck to a minimum. This lesson is tested on
  the written examination.

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Questions