3 Ways to Stabilize Someone With a Neck Injury

1. Hold That Head

Neck injuries are one of the most serious of all trauma incidents. One unique issue with this type of trauma is that the victim may not realize that she has even injured the neck. She can then further complicate things by attempting to get up, move or look around. This can really cause further damage. Neck injuries often time manifest themselves in localized pain in other areas because of the nerves and the spine. So, a person may think that their neck is fine because they have no pain there, but their foot is numb and hurts. For these reasons, it is absolutely imperative that upon arriving on scene, someone grabs what is called "C-Spine" by placing their palms on either side of the victim's head and wrapping their fingers around the chin and neck of the victim. If conscious, the victim must be told to not attempt to move, especially their head. The person holding C-spine is now fully committed to holding this position until told to let go by a professional EMS personnel.

2. Brace That Neck

The next step is to place a cervical collar on the victim. This must be done by a qualified professional who has been trained in how to install this piece of equipment. This is a pliable collar that holds the neck in place so that the cervical spine is in a straight line with the rest of the spinal column. Though the person on C-spine needs to move their hands while the collar is installed, this does not alleviate the responsibility of holding c-spine.

3. Strap Them Down

This last step is the most risky in terms of helping or causing more injury. The victim must be placed onto a backboard in such a way that the spine does not move out of line in the least bit. The most efficient way is to log roll the victim on a cadenced count onto the backboard. Two sturdy foam blocks will be placed against the side of the victim's head and they will be securely strapped down onto the board and mashed up against the victim's head. One or two straps will cross over the forehead and one over the chin. The person holding c-spine is now relieved of his duty. More straps will be placed across the victim's chest, abdomen and legs. The injured person will not be able to move an inch, and oftentimes, this is the scariest part for them, so talking them through each step of the process is very important. Your patient is now completely stabilized, immobilized and ready for transport.