Spinal Injury Management Flashcards

How many lifeguards are typically needed to safely remove a spinal injury victim from the water using a backboard?

Answer: At least 3

A minimum of 3 lifeguards is typically needed — one to stabilize the head, and two to manage the backboard and body — to safely perform an in-line stabilization extraction.

What is the purpose of strapping a victim to a backboard before removing them from the water?

Answer: To prevent the victim from shifting and worsening a spinal injury during extraction

Strapping ensures the victim's body remains rigidly immobilized to the board, preventing any lateral or rotational movement that could compress the spinal cord.

Where should a lifeguard place their hands during the head-splint technique?

Answer: Along both sides of the victim's head with forearms along the victim's arms

In the head-splint technique, the rescuer's hands grip the victim's arms while the forearms press against the sides of the head to create a splint.

When a victim with a suspected spinal injury needs rescue breaths, how should the airway be opened?

Answer: Jaw-thrust maneuver without tilting the head

The jaw-thrust maneuver opens the airway by moving the jaw forward without extending the neck, preserving spinal alignment in suspected spinal injury cases.

Which pool rule helps prevent spinal injuries from diving accidents?

Answer: No diving in water less than 9 feet deep

Prohibiting diving in water shallower than 9 feet (or marked areas) prevents the forceful head impact on the pool bottom that causes cervical spine fractures.

After successfully placing a spinal injury victim on a backboard, what is the next ALA-recommended action?

Answer: Secure the victim's head with a head immobilizer and call EMS

After securing the victim to the board, a head immobilizer locks the head in place and EMS must be activated to transport the victim to definitive medical care.