Trauma
Suspected Spinal Injury
Suspect a spinal injury in any fall from height, road crash, diving incident, or unresponsive trauma patient. Do not move the person unless they are in danger; keep the head and neck steady and call 000.
Suspect a spinal injury in any fall from height, road crash, diving incident, or unresponsive trauma patient. Do not move the person unless they are in danger; keep the head and neck steady and call 000.
Suspect a spinal injury when
- A fall from height
- Diving or surfing accident
- Road traffic crash
- Crush or significant blunt trauma
- Any unconscious trauma patient
Signs (in a conscious patient)
- Pain in the neck or back
- Numbness, tingling or loss of sensation
- Inability to move arms or legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
What to do
- Call 000.
- Tell the person not to move and reassure them.
- Support the head with your hands either side, keeping the head in line with the body. Do not pull or twist.
- If they must be moved (e.g. danger, vomiting, or to do CPR), use a log-roll with multiple helpers, keeping the head, neck and back aligned.
- If unconscious but breathing, carefully place in a modified recovery position supporting the head and neck.
- If not breathing normally, airway always comes first — start CPR.
Questions & answers
When should I suspect a spinal injury?
Any fall from height, diving accident, road crash, significant blunt trauma, or any unconscious trauma patient.
What if they need to be moved or rolled?
Use a log-roll with multiple helpers, keeping the head, neck and back aligned. Only move them if there is immediate danger, they're vomiting, or to perform CPR.
Airway versus spine — which wins?
Airway always comes first. A blocked airway will kill faster than careful movement of the spine.
Related topics
Head Injury and Concussion
Always suspect a spinal injury with a head injury. Lay the person down, control bleeding without direct pressure on a depressed area, and call 000 for any loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion.
DRSABCD Action Plan
The DRSABCD action plan is the Australian Resuscitation Council's seven-step primary survey for any emergency: Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillation.
Recovery Position
The recovery position protects the airway of an unconscious person who is breathing normally by keeping them on their side so the tongue cannot block the throat and fluids can drain.
Electric Shock
Never touch the person until the power is off. Once safe, follow DRSABCD, call 000, treat burns and shock. Even a person who seems fine after electric shock should be assessed at hospital.
Eye Injuries
For something in the eye, wash out with clean water or saline. Never remove an embedded object — cover both eyes and call 000. Chemical splashes need 20 minutes of running water and an ambulance.
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