Spinal cord injury is a serious condition that should be suspected of violent accidents where throat and / or back is damaged
Typical symptoms of spinal cord injury are lack of movement of bones and possibly arms and impaired sensation
The injured person must be kept calm and it is important to avoid movements in the throat and back
Call medical emergency immediately
Background
Back injuries can be severe, especially if the spinal cord and nerve root are damaged
The nerve nuts contain nerve fibres to the muscles and feelings
A damaged spinal cord can lead to paralysis and numbness in the body below the injury site
Spinal cord injury should be suspected of all trauma to the back, eg falls from high altitude or violent traffic accidents
Wrong injuries can be aggravated by improper treatment
Take caution
If you suspect a back or neck injury, do not move on the injured person
Permanent paralysis and other serious complications may occur
A person should be treated as if there is a spinal cord injury if:
There is a major injury with changes in the level of consciousness suffered
The injured complained of severe pain in the neck or back
The damage has caused a significant force against the back or the head
The injured complained of weakness, numbness or paralysis
The injured person lacks control of the bladder and / or intestine
The neck or back is angry or in an unusual position
Typical symptoms and signs
Pain in the back
Exceptional pain or “electrical shock” in the limbs or body
Inability to feel and / or move arms and legs if the injury is in the neck
Inability to feel and / or move bones if the injury is in the chest and / or lumbar tissue
First aid if you suspect spinal cord injury
Call an ambulance
Keep the injured in peace
Ask the injured person not to move
Try to provide as much first aid as possible without moving the injured head or neck / back
First aid to unconscious person with suspected spinal cord injury
Check if the injured breathes and has a pulse
If necessary, ensure open airways. Place your hands on each side of the face so that your fingertips hold under the jaws. Lift gently the jaw forward with your fingers without bending your head backwards
Call 112 and call ambulance
If the injured person does not breathe, start resuscitation ( child / adult )
Record regular vital features such as the level of awareness, pulse and breathing until help arrives
