Would you know what to do if you were the first to come along a car accident? What if you are out in the backyard and someone falls down the stairs? Do you knowhow to save their life?
If you witness someone falling and hitting their head, you need to act fast. You can really save them a lot of pain and further damage by doing a few things before the paramedics arrive.
First, block their head. A neck fracture is more serious than a concussion, which can lead to a loss of breathing and eventually a loss of a heart beat. By blocking the head, you are ensuring that they do not move their spinal column.
If someone falls and does not get up, put your hands on their head and hold it to the ground. Tell them not move their head and only answer your questions verbally. People tend to nod for yes and no, which will move their spine. Try not to panic the person, reassure them that this is all for precaution.
Ask them if they have any pain in their neck or back. Ask them if they feel any numbness or tingling into their arms or legs. Ask them to gently move their fingers then toes. And ask them if they can squeeze your hand. If they answer yes to any questions, and/or cannot move their fingers and toes, you need to keep blocking their head while someone else calls 911 – telling the dispatch that you suspect a spinal injury. You can slowly get to the top of their head, get on your knees and hold their head near (but not covering) their ears.
If the person is cold, ask someone to put a blanket over them, if your outside in the sun, someone could stand over them with an umbrella.
Keep talking to them, reassuring them, and keep them calm. By doing this you may prevent further damage, and save their life!
jenkmark 