Head,
Neck and Back Injuries
Important!
 | Call 911 or your emergency number.
| If you suspect the victim has suffered a head injury and
he is bleeding from his ear, eye or nose, give first aid
as described here and then give first aid for ear
emergencies, eye
emergencies or nose emergencies.
| If you can, find out how the victim was injured. A head,
neck or back injury is particularly likely if the victim
was in an accident involving sudden acceleration or
deceleration (as in car accidents) or from jumping or
diving, or if there are gunshot wounds to the head or
chest. Multiple wounds and unconsciousness after physical
trauma are other possible indicators. |
| |
Head Injury
Symptoms
| Head wound
| Bruise or lump on scalp
| Bleeding from ear, nose or mouth that is not due to
injury to those areas
| Fluid draining from ear or nose
| Black eyes
| Bruise behind ear
| Headache, nausea or vomiting
| Altered mental state
| Vision changes
| Slurred speech
| Irregular pulse
| Unconsciousness |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Neck or Back
Injury Symptoms
| Pain in back or neck
| Tingling sensation in arms or legs
| Loss of movement in arms or legs
| Loss of bladder or bowel control
| Odd position of head, neck or back
| Unconsciousness |
| | | | |
Caution
Do not move the injured person unless it is absolutely
necessary.
First Aid
- Keep the victim calm and completely still.
- Check the victim's ABCs. If
the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or
heartbeat, begin CPR.
CAUTION: When opening the victim's airway, just lift the
chin. If you need to place the victim on his back, support
his head, neck and back together and carefully roll him
onto his back. Make sure you keep the head, neck and back
aligned as you roll him. It is best to have at least one
other person help you do this.
- Treat obvious injuries.
- Make the victim comfortable. Keep the victim warm
with a blanket or coat until medical help arrives.
CAUTION: Do not put a pillow under the head, as this might
cause the airway to become blocked. Do not give him
anything to eat or drink.
- Keep the airway open. If the victim begins to
choke or vomit or becomes unconscious, support his head,
neck and back together and carefully roll him onto his
side. It is best to have someone else help you do this.
CAUTION: Make sure that the victim's head and neck move
with his body.
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