BASIC TRAINING COURSE . |
THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE
TOPIC OVERVIEW .
The greatest risk of someone who has a spinal injury is that their spinal cord will be either temporarily or permanently damaged. If this happens, they may lose sensation or power below the injured area.
Possible causes of a spinal injury:
Possible causes of a spinal injury:
- Falling from a height, for example, from a ladder.
- Falling awkwardly, for example, while doing gymnastics.
- Diving into a shallow pool and hitting the bottom.
- Falling from a motorbike or horse.
- A collapsed rugby scrum.
- Sudden deceleration in a vehicle.
- A heavy object falling across their back.
- An injury to the head or face.
OBJECTIVES .
In this video we show what to look for if someone has a spinal cord injury, what causes a spinal cord injury and what to do to help.
REQUIRED MATERIALS .
Students require a file and/or folder, pen and paper and this will form the basis of the student's "Best Book".
CONTENT (LESSON BODY) .
ASSESSMENT .
All NPF officers should learn, practice and understand the content of this video.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
The assessment, which will be undertaken, is both a written and practical test with a final exam.
SUMMARY & TAKEAWAY .
It is important to look for:
Steady and support their head, so that their head, neck, and spine are in a straight line to try and prevent further damage. To do this, kneel or lie behind their head, resting your elbows on the ground or on your knees to keep your arms steady. Hold each side of their head, spreading your fingers so that you do not cover their ears as they need to be able to hear you. Support their head in this neutral position.
If there is someone who can help you, ask them to put rolled-up blankets, towels, or clothes on either side of the head while you keep the casualty’s head in the neutral position. Continue to support their head until emergency help arrives and can take over, no matter how long it takes for them to come.
Keep monitoring their breathing and level of response while waiting for help to arrive.
- Pain in the neck or back at the site of injury
- Irregular shape or twist in the normal curve of the spine
- Tenderness and/or bruising in the skin over the spine
- movement of limbs may be weak or absent
- Loss of sensation, or abnormal sensations, e.g. burning or tingling
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Breathing difficulties.
Steady and support their head, so that their head, neck, and spine are in a straight line to try and prevent further damage. To do this, kneel or lie behind their head, resting your elbows on the ground or on your knees to keep your arms steady. Hold each side of their head, spreading your fingers so that you do not cover their ears as they need to be able to hear you. Support their head in this neutral position.
If there is someone who can help you, ask them to put rolled-up blankets, towels, or clothes on either side of the head while you keep the casualty’s head in the neutral position. Continue to support their head until emergency help arrives and can take over, no matter how long it takes for them to come.
Keep monitoring their breathing and level of response while waiting for help to arrive.
LOOK FORWARD TO .
How to treat a head injury.