❤️‍🩹First Aid Unit 9 – Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on recognizing and providing initial care for head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Covers the anatomy and physiology of the head, neck, and spine
• Discusses the different types of injuries that can occur in these areas
• Explains the signs and symptoms associated with head, neck, and spinal injuries
  • Includes both physical and neurological signs and symptoms
• Outlines the appropriate first aid steps for managing these injuries
  • Emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper alignment and immobilization
• Highlights the situations when it is necessary to call for professional medical help
• Provides tips for preventing head, neck, and spinal injuries in various settings

Key Terms to Know

• Concussion: a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head
• Contusion: a bruise on the brain caused by a direct impact to the head
• Fracture: a break in the continuity of a bone, can occur in the skull, vertebrae, or facial bones
• Spinal cord injury: damage to the spinal cord that can result in loss of sensation, movement, or function below the level of the injury
• Cervical spine: the upper portion of the spine, consisting of 7 vertebrae in the neck region
• Thoracic spine: the middle portion of the spine, consisting of 12 vertebrae in the chest region
• Lumbar spine: the lower portion of the spine, consisting of 5 vertebrae in the lower back region
• Paralysis: loss of muscle function and sensation due to damage to the nervous system, can be partial or complete

Types of Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries

• Concussions: mild traumatic brain injuries that can cause headaches, dizziness, and confusion
• Skull fractures: breaks in the bones of the skull, can be linear, depressed, or basilar
• Facial fractures: breaks in the bones of the face, including the nose, jaw, and eye sockets
• Neck sprains and strains: injuries to the soft tissues of the neck, such as ligaments and muscles
• Whiplash: a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head
• Cervical spine fractures: breaks in the vertebrae of the neck, can be stable or unstable
• Spinal cord injuries: damage to the spinal cord, can result in paralysis or loss of function
  • Classified as complete (total loss of sensation and movement) or incomplete (partial loss)

Causes and Risk Factors

• Falls: a common cause of head, neck, and spinal injuries, especially in older adults and children
• Motor vehicle accidents: can result in high-impact collisions that cause severe injuries
  • Proper use of seat belts and car seats can help reduce the risk of injury
• Sports-related injuries: contact sports (football, hockey) and high-impact activities (diving, gymnastics) pose a higher risk
• Violence: physical assaults and abuse can cause intentional head, neck, and spinal injuries
• Occupational hazards: certain jobs (construction, logging) involve a higher risk of falls or being struck by objects
• Age: young children and older adults are more susceptible to these types of injuries
• Pre-existing medical conditions: osteoporosis, arthritis, and previous injuries can increase the risk of future injuries

Signs and Symptoms

• Head injuries:
  • Headache, dizziness, and confusion
  • Loss of consciousness or memory
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unequal pupil size or unusual eye movements
  • Visible wounds, bruising, or swelling on the head
• Neck injuries:
  • Pain and tenderness in the neck
  • Limited range of motion or stiffness
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
• Spinal injuries:
  • Back pain or pressure
  • Loss of sensation or movement in the extremities
  • Difficulty breathing or loss of bowel/bladder control
  • Unusual positioning or twisting of the neck or back
  • Shock or loss of consciousness

First Aid Steps

• Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the injured person
• Call for professional medical help if the injury appears severe or life-threatening
• Maintain proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine
  • Support the head and neck with your hands to prevent movement
  • Avoid twisting or bending the person's neck or back
• If the person is wearing a helmet, do not remove it unless absolutely necessary
  • If removal is required, carefully remove it while maintaining alignment
• Keep the person still and encourage them to remain calm
• Monitor the person's breathing and consciousness
  • If the person is not breathing, perform CPR if trained to do so
• Cover any open wounds with sterile dressings to control bleeding
• Keep the person warm and comfortable until medical help arrives

When to Call for Help

• If the person loses consciousness or has a decreased level of consciousness
• If there are signs of a severe head injury (unequal pupils, seizures, repeated vomiting)
• If the person experiences numbness, tingling, or loss of movement in the extremities
• If there is visible deformity or severe pain in the neck or back
• If the person has difficulty breathing or loses control of bowel/bladder function
• If the injury resulted from a high-impact event (fall from height, motor vehicle accident)
• If you are unsure of the severity of the injury or how to properly provide care
  • It is always better to err on the side of caution and seek professional help

Prevention Tips

• Wear appropriate protective gear during sports and recreational activities
  • Helmets, neck guards, and padding can help reduce the risk of injury
• Use proper technique and form when engaging in physical activities
• Always wear a seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle
  • Ensure children are secured in age-appropriate car seats or booster seats
• Maintain a safe home environment
  • Remove tripping hazards, secure rugs, and install handrails on stairs
• Use caution when diving into water
  • Check the depth and ensure there are no hidden obstacles
• Avoid risky behaviors (diving head-first, tackling with the head) in sports
• Strengthen neck and back muscles through regular exercise and stretching
• Practice good posture to maintain proper alignment of the spine