Head and Spinal Injuries
What are the warning signs?
A head injury signs and symptoms may include; a period of unresponsiveness, a serious headache, nausea and vomiting, vision problems, a numbness or tingling in some parts of the body, paralysis, convulsions, blood or other fluids discharged from the ears, nose, or mouth, bruising around they eyes, and or bleeding into the whites of the eyes. If a person has a suspected spinal injury in the water than they may be floating upside down in the water, or if they are on land they will probably be lying in a unnatural position. They may also have pain in their neck or back region, lack of movement or strength in their limbs, irregular bumps on their neck or back, and a slow pulse. How to help the victim? Head and spinal injuries can occur from a number of reasons, they may have been in a car accident, they may have dived into shallow or unclear water, or they may have slipped or fallen. It is very important to move the person as little as possible to avoid damaging their spine further. If there is a head injury, it is important to cover and put pressure on any bleeding and to try and keep the victim conscious, still and keep reassuring them. It is important to keep monitoring the victim and then call 000 to seek emergency help. If the person is unconscious then the assistant should proceed with the DRSABCD method. Spinal injuries always have to be played safe. If the person is responsive then it is safe to call the ambulance straight away and await emergency help, keeping the victim still and constantly reassuring them. It is also important to regulate their body temperature as this may drop depending on the seriousness of the injury. If they are unresponsive that first call 000 then conduct the DRSABCD survey, while trying to avoid any head or neck forward or twisting movement. |