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First Aid for Spinal Injuries

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The actions of those who first lend aid to a person who may have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) are crucial.

• Call 911.
• Never move anyone you think may have an SCI unless it is absolutely necessary, such as removing them from a burning car.
• Keep the person still and safe until help arrives.
• Hold the person’s head and neck in the position in which you found them. Don’t try to straighten the neck, and don’t allow it to bend or twist.
• Do not remove a helmet.
• Don’t let the person get up and walk.

If the person is not alert or responding to you:

• Check the person’s breathing. Begin CPR if needed, but do not bend the head back. Instead, place you fingers on the left and right jaw, and lift the jaw forward.
• Don’t roll the person over unless he or she is vomiting or choking on blood.

If you need to roll the person over:

• Make sure you have two people do it—one at the person’s head, the other at the person’s side.
• Keep the head, neck and back in line with each other while you turn the person to the side.

Learn about Spinal Cord Injury Prevention.