How to Manage Suspected Back Injuries

Breaking a bone can lead to serious consequences, especially if the injury involves the spine. Understanding how to respond to suspected back injuries could prevent severe and long-lasting damage.

**Recognizing a Back Injury**

Back injuries can occur from various accidents, such as falls from heights or mishaps during activities like trampoline use. Symptoms may include intense back pain or loss of sensation in the legs.

Immediate Actions

If someone experiences a fall resulting in back pain or other symptoms of a spinal injury, it is vital to keep them stationary. Instruct them clearly not to move to avoid aggravating the injury.

**Treating Suspected Spinal Injuries**

Handling a suspected spinal injury with utmost care is crucial for preventing further harm.

Maintaining Position

Encourage the injured person to remain in the position they are found without trying to adjust or move them. For example, if your friend falls and might have injured their back, advise them to stay still and confirm that help is on the way.

Securing Assistance

Immediately ask a bystander to call for an ambulance, stressing the potential for spinal injury. This ensures that emergency services are prepared for a spinal injury scenario upon arrival.

Communication and Calmness

While waiting for help, keep communicating with the injured person, helping them stay calm. Secure their head by instructing them to fix their gaze on a point and avoid any head movement.

**When Movement is Necessary**

In certain situations, you may need to adjust the person's position:

Using the Recovery Position

If the injured person is at risk of vomiting or becomes unconscious, and you must reposition them, gently move them into the recovery position. This position helps prevent choking and should be done with extreme caution to avoid causing additional damage.

Always remember, unnecessary movement can worsen a back injury. Every action should be deliberate and gentle to minimize risk to the spinal cord.