First Aid Guide 09
Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries
Head & Spine
Head, neck, and spinal injuries can be difficult to recognize and may worsen with unnecessary movement. A Scout should treat a serious fall, dive, vehicle crash, high-speed collision, or significant blow to the head with caution, especially when symptoms suggest injury to the brain, neck, or spine.
Warning signs
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, unusual behavior, memory problems, or increasing drowsiness
- Severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, seizure, or unequal pupils
- Neck or back pain, tenderness, unusual posture, or inability to move normally
- Numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in an arm or leg
- Blood or clear fluid from the ears or nose after a significant head injury
- Difficulty walking, speaking, seeing, or maintaining balance
What to do
- Call 911 for significant symptoms, loss of consciousness, a dangerous mechanism of injury, or any concern for spinal injury.
- Tell the person not to move. Keep them in the position found unless the area is unsafe or movement is required for CPR or airway care.
- Support the head and neck in a comfortable neutral position with your hands or soft padding when this can be done without forcing movement.
- Monitor responsiveness and breathing. Be prepared to provide CPR and use an AED if needed.
- Do not remove a helmet unless it prevents airway care or CPR, the scene is unsafe, or you are specifically trained to remove it.
- Do not give food or drink to a person with a serious head injury while waiting for emergency evaluation.
Concussion
A concussion is a brain injury and can occur even without loss of consciousness. A Scout with a suspected concussion should stop the activity immediately and should not return to play or strenuous activity the same day. The Scout should be evaluated according to the organization's health and safety procedures and by a health care professional when indicated. Symptoms that worsen or any emergency warning sign require immediate medical care.
