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Spinal and Neck Injury
If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency please contact Triple Zero (000) immediately
Introduction
Spinal and neck injuries are serious events that can affect the body’s central support system. They often result from falls, impacts, or accidents and carry the risk of long-term consequences if not managed carefully. Because the spine protects critical nerve pathways, injuries in this area are treated with great caution. Awareness of the potential severity of spinal and neck injuries underlines the need for careful handling and appropriate response.
Signs and Symptoms
Severe pain in neck or back
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs
Loss of movement or sensation
Difficulty breathing or loss of bladder/bowel control
What you should do?
Follow DRSABCD
Call 000 immediately
Keep casualty still, reassure and support head/neck in position found
Do not move casualty unless in immediate danger
If in water, support head and keep airway clear until help arrives
Monitor airway and breathing closely
These fact sheets are provided by Royal Life Saving to support public, workplace, school, and community education. They must be used in their full and current format and are not permitted for commercial purposes unless written approval is obtained. The information is not a substitute for accredited First Aid training, and users are encouraged to complete recognised courses and refresh their skills regularly. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, Royal Life Saving does not accept responsibility for how the material is applied, and users should always check they are referring to the latest version. Use of this content does not imply endorsement or partnership, and Royal Life Saving may request that use of its materials cease if considered inappropriate or unauthorised.
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