NPLQ Spinal Cord Injury Management 2

Question 1

What mechanism of injury most commonly causes cervical spinal injury in an aquatic setting?

Accepted Answer

Diving into shallow water — hyperflexion or axial loading of the cervical spine

Answer

Slipping on a wet poolside surface

Answer

Cramp causing a fall while swimming

Answer

Wave machine turbulence

Question 2

What is the RLSS recommended method for managing a face-up casualty in the water with suspected spinal injury?

Accepted Answer

Maintain in-water spinal stabilisation using head hold and gentle horizontal support until a spine board is brought to the casualty

Answer

Remove them from the water immediately using the fastest available method

Answer

Turn them face down and support their back

Answer

Leave them floating freely to avoid disturbing the spine

Question 3

Which signs and symptoms may indicate a cervical spinal injury in a retrieved pool casualty?

Accepted Answer

Neck pain, reduced or absent limb sensation/movement, numbness, tingling, or priapism (in males)

Answer

Tachycardia and hypertension only

Answer

Abdominal pain and nausea only

Answer

Chest pain and shortness of breath only

Question 4

Why should spinal injury be suspected in any near-drowning casualty, even without a witnessed diving incident?

Accepted Answer

Because the mechanism may not be known, and cervical injury can occur from wave/flume forces or unwitnessed falls into the water

Answer

It should not — spinal injury requires a clear diving mechanism

Answer

Because CPR causes spinal injury

Answer

Because all drowning casualties are assumed to have fallen from a height

Question 5

What does 'neutral alignment' mean when managing a suspected spinal injury casualty?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining the head, neck, and spine in a straight line, as if the person were standing naturally

Answer

Placing the head in the flexed (chin-to-chest) position

Answer

Tilting the head fully back as in CPR airway opening

Answer

Rotating the head to one side to check breathing

Question 6

At what point in the spine board extraction process should head blocks and straps be applied?

Accepted Answer

After the casualty has been positioned on the board in the water, before the board is lifted clear of the water

Answer

Before the spine board enters the water

Answer

After the board is out of the water and on the pool deck

Answer

Head blocks are not used — manual head hold is maintained until hospital