Head, Neck & Spine Injuries: First Aid for Trauma - What to Do And Not to Do

By Dr. Ankur Verma in Emergency & Trauma

Mar 07 , 2022 | 1 min read

Medical emergencies come anytime, anywhere. The time between emergency situations & arrival of medical help is critical. The key begins with staying calm & giving first-aid before help arrives. There are some must-know Do’s and Don’ts in the common emergencies.

Head, Neck & Spine Injuries: What is Trauma?

Suspect a head, neck, or spine injury if there is a fall from height, injury a strong blow to the head or diving, or a road accident especially without a helmet.

How to Recognize Head, Neck & Spine Injuries?

Suspect head injury if is unresponsive, sleepy or confused, vomits, has a seizure or has trouble seeing, walking, or moving any body part. Suspect spine injury if it has tingling or weakness in the limbs, or pain in the neck or back.

What to Do If Trauma - Head, Neck & Spine Injuries Occurs?

Ensure scene safety
Be cautious in moving the injured when suspecting a spine injury
Call an ambulance
Have the injured lie still till help arrives

What Not to Do If Trauma - Head, Neck & Spine Injuries Occurs

Do not turn the head /neck unless required to give CPR or move the person out of danger
Do not place a pillow under the injured neck

Alarming Facts For Trauma - Head, Neck & Spine Injuries:

There is one death every 4 minutes in India due to road accidents
A person suffers a brain stroke, every 4 minutes
A person dies every 33 seconds due to heart attack in India

Over 70,000 lives can be potentially saved if bystanders come forward to help.

Lend A Helping Hand With The Law By Your Side

As per the Good Samaritan Law –

You will not be liable for any civil or criminal action for any injury or death of the victim
If you inform the police or emergency service regarding an injured person you cannot be compelled to reveal your personal details
There is a provision of disciplinary action against public officials who coerce Good Samaritan to reveal personal details

To get the fastest response for any medical emergency Call 011-40554055

24x7 Central Emergency Response Centre.
Fully-equipped Max Bike Responder for immediate medical attention.
An advanced life support ambulance follows.
Multidisciplinary team for heart attack, brain stroke, trauma, and other medical emergencies.

Delhi NCR’s largest & fastest Emergency Response Team