This video starts off just like any other bike crash video with a rider attempting to do a jump and then crashing into a tree. It was posted with the title “That’s why you should always wear a helmet..” but shortly after seeing the guy on the bike crash, it becomes quite clear that the video should be called “what not to do after someone crashes”.
In the video, his friend rushes to him and drags his limp body away from the tree and then proceeds to take off his helmet and neck brace, which if he had a spinal injury could have caused much more damage the way they did it.
Below the video, we’ve listed some basic steps taken from wikihow.com on how you should treat an injury like this. Remember reading about something online is no substitute for doing a first aid course but at least it might give you the bit of knowledge which might save someones life or prevent much more serious injury.
Below are some steps taken from wikihow.com on what you should do if you find yourself in a similar situation.
How to Treat a Spinal Injury Victim
One Methods:If the victim must be moved
Spinal injuries can lead to permanent disability and paralysis. Knowing how to properly treat someone who has had a spinal injury can lower the risks of damaging the spinal cord. Spinal cord injuries can cause long-term, irreversible damage and death.
Steps
-
1Know when a person is at risk of a spinal cord injury. Below are are some signs of spinal cord injury. If you are treating someone with these symptoms, follow the steps below.[1]
- Victim reports severe pain in neck or back.
- Victim cannot or will not move neck.
- Victim has fallen on, or has suffered trauma to the back, neck or head.
- Head trauma with ongoing effects on consciousness.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Paralysis, weakness, or numbness of limbs.
- Neck or back is at an unnatural angle.
-
2Call for emergency services. Medical professionals will be better able to assess and manage potential spinal injuries, and will have backboards and special equipment for moving people with these injuries. -
3 -
4Stabilize the victim to prevent any movement of the head, neck, or body. You want to keep the victim totally still until professional help arrives if possible. -
5Do first aid without moving the victim’s head or neck. If the person is not breathing or showing signs of circulation, begin CPR but do not lift the chin to open an airway. Instead, you should gently pull the jaw forward.[1]. -
6Wait for help to arrive. Stay with the victim until help can arrive.
If the victim must be moved
You best choice is to avoid moving the person if at all possible. However, if you must move the victim to avoid further injury, follow these steps.[2]
-
1Pull them by their clothing. Grab a shirt collar and use your forearms to support their head while pulling the body in a straight line. This is a preferred method as the victim’s head is braced while moving. -
2Pull the victim with their feet or shoulders. Use both feet, both shoulders, or both arms pulled over the shoulders. -
3Keep the neck and torso of the body as straight as possible, and pull the victim in a straight line. Do not pull the body sideways! -
4Use at least two people if you must roll a victim over. If you must roll a spinal injury victim over to prevent choking on blood or vomit or other harm, use two people. Roll the victim over in such a way that the neck, back, and torso move as one unit. Do not allow the body to twist. [1]
Know a Better Way? Let’s Email!
Tips
- If the victim is conscious, try to keep them calm. Explain what you are doing for them and ask that they remain still.
- When calling for medical aid, tell the operator (USA) that you are dealing with a victim of a spinal injury. They will be able to give you further guidance in assisting the victim.
Warnings
- If a victim is unconscious or has a head injury, automatically assume they have a spinal injury.
- Any movement of a victim with a spinal injury may result in paralysis or death.
- Damage to the spinal cord is permanent.
- DO not try to move the victim unless he is in immediate danger!
