1. First Aid/CPR Chapter 13 Notes Injuries to the Head, Neck, and Back

2. Anatomy  Head Brain Skull Face (nose, ears, eyes, mouth)  Neck Throat (larynx and trachea) Upper spine and spinal cord  Back Spine aka spinal column or vertebral column  5 regions; cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, coccyx Spinal cord

4. Checking the Scene…assume head, neck or back injury if:  Car crash  Fall from a height greater than the victim  Diving  Victim; Complains of pain, tingling or has weakness in extremities Intoxicated Unconscious Over 65 years old Helmet is broken Struck by lightening  Any blunt force trauma

9. Signals  Change in level of consciousness  Pain, tingling, loss of sensation  Partial or complete loss of movement  Bumps or depressions of head  Loss of memory  Blood from orifices or external bleeding from head, neck, or back, or bruising around eyes and ears  Seizure  Impaired Breathing  Nausea or vomiting  Headache  Loss of balance

10. Manual Stabilization  Support head with both hands  Keep neck in line with body  Keep patient from moving  Do not attempt to align head if; Victim’s head is severely angled to one side Victim complains of pain, pressure, or muscle spasms You feel resistance when attempting to move the head

12. Check for Life Threatening Conditions  If victim is breathing, do not move them, support head and neck.  If victim is not breathing roll them onto their back protecting head and neck and keeping them in line.  If victim is vomiting put them in recovery position protecting head and neck and keeping them in line.

13. Care Continued  Monitor consciousness and breathing  Control external bleeding  Maintain normal body temperature

14. Specific Injuries  Concussion; temporary impairment of brain function, see a doctor.  Scalp injury; bleeding can be heavy due to where blood vessels are, press gently at first, if you feel skull depress do not apply direct pressure.  Cheek injury; apply gauze on inside and out of cheek, if an object is embedded remove it to control bleeding.

16.  Nose injury; pinch nose, have victim lean slightly forward, apply an ice pack.  Ear injury; treat bleeding, get to doctor if it is the inner ear.  Mouth, jaw, and neck; maintain an open airway, have victim sit up if not head, neck, or back injury, put a dislodged tooth in milk, control bleeding.

18. Eye Injury 1.Place victim on his or her back. 2.Do not remove an embedded object. 3.Place sterile dressing around object 4.Stabilize object with a paper cup. 5.Bandage loosely, no pressure to eye. 6.Seek immediate medical attention.

20. Lower Back Injury  Ligament pulls and muscles strains  Vertebrae displacement  Slipped disk  Call 911 if;  Signs; Shooting pain Pain in leg Pain or tightness across lower back Feeling like something snapped Inability to move with out pain  Call 911 if; Numbness or tingling Difficulty moving Loss of bladder control or bowel movements

21. Preventing Head, Neck or Back Injuries  Wear a seat belt  Wear helmets, eye wear, faceguards, and mouth guards  Obey recreational rules  Avoid alcohol and drugs  Inspect work and recreational equipment