Lesson 52: Head, Neck & Back Injuries

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📘 Lesson Summary

Head, neck and back injuries can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Damage to the brain or spinal cord can have long-term effects, so it is important to recognise the signs early and manage the casualty carefully.

In this lesson, you will learn how to manage minor head injuries, as well as recognise and treat more serious conditions such as concussion, compression, skull fractures and spinal injuries.

Minor Head Injuries

Minor head injuries are common and are usually not serious. However, it is important to monitor the casualty carefully in case symptoms worsen.

🩺 Treatment (Minor Head Injury)

  • Sit the casualty down and assess the injury
  • Calm and reassure them
  • Apply a cold compress for up to 20 minutes
    • Do not apply ice directly to the skin
  • The casualty may rest or sleep if they are tired
    • You should be able to wake them easily

⚠️ When to Seek Medical Advice (Call 111)

  • Mild headache
  • Nausea
  • Mild dizziness
  • Mild blurred vision

🚨 When to Seek Emergency Help

Call 999/112 or go to A&E if:

  • Symptoms worsen
  • New symptoms develop
  • Repeated vomiting occurs
  • The casualty becomes difficult to wake
  • There is any loss of consciousness

Concussion

A concussion is a shaking of the brain caused by a bang or bump to the head.

Most casualties will make a full recovery if there are no complications and correct treatment is given.

⚠️ Recognition

  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
  • Mild headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Tiredness

🩺 Treatment (Concussion)

  • Keep the casualty still and supervised
  • Apply a cold compress to the injury for up to 20 minutes
  • Monitor airway, breathing and response level
  • Do not allow them to be alone
  • Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen
  • Call 999/112 if they deteriorate
  • If unconscious, place in the recovery position if needed
  • Do not allow return to sport or activity

Compression

Compression is caused by increased pressure on the brain due to swelling or bleeding. This is a serious condition and requires urgent medical attention.

⚠️ Recognition

  • Deterioration after a head injury
  • Decreasing level of consciousness
  • Severe or worsening headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unequal pupil size
  • Slow or noisy breathing
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding

🩺 Treatment (Compression)

  • Call 999/112 immediately
  • Keep the casualty still
  • Maintain airway and breathing
  • Monitor closely until help arrives

Skull Fracture

A skull fracture is a break in the skull, often caused by a fall or impact.

⚠️ Recognition

  • Deformed or soft area of the skull
  • Bruising, swelling or bleeding to the head
  • Clear fluid or blood from ears or nose
  • Bruising around the eyes or behind the ears
  • Reduced level of response or unconsciousness

🩺 Treatment (Skull Fracture)

  • Call 999/112 immediately
  • Treat any bleeding with gentle pressure around the wound
  • Support the head and neck
  • Keep the casualty still
  • Monitor airway and breathing

🚫 Do NOT:

  • Plug or attempt to stop fluid from the ears

Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can be extremely serious. If you are unsure, always treat the casualty as if they have a spinal injury.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • Falls from height
  • Road traffic collisions
  • Sporting injuries
  • Direct impact to head, neck or back

⚠️ Recognition

  • Pain in neck or back
  • Abnormal position of head or body
  • Loss of movement or sensation in limbs
  • Reduced mobility
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

🩺 Treatment (Spinal Injury)

If Conscious:

  • Reassure the casualty
  • Ask them to keep their head still
  • Call 999/112
  • Keep them warm and still

If Unconscious:

  • Check airway and breathing
  • Open airway if needed
  • If not breathing → start CPR
  • Keep head, neck and body aligned

⚠️ Important

  • Continuously monitor breathing
  • Only move the casualty if in danger
  • If airway is blocked by fluid, roll into recovery position while keeping alignment

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Head injuries can become serious quickly
  • Always monitor for deterioration
  • Suspected spinal injuries must be kept still
  • Call emergency services for serious symptoms
  • Never move the casualty unnecessarily