What are the steps to take for a suspected head or neck injury on the pool deck?

What are the steps to take for a suspected head or neck injury on the pool deck?

• A. Move the victim to a chair for easier evaluation.
• B. Remove the victim from water as quickly as possible without concern for head/neck.
• C. Safely support the head and neck, minimize movement, call EMS, and immobilize with a backboard if spinal injury is suspected.
• D. Allow them to move and attempt self-evacuation.

Answer: (C)

When a head or neck injury is suspected on the pool deck, the priority is to prevent any further damage to the spine by keeping the head, neck, and spine in a neutral, aligned position and minimizing movement. Start by manually stabilizing the head and neck—use both hands to keep the head from tilting or twisting, maintaining alignment with the spine. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary to remove them from the water or to reach a safer location. Call EMS immediately so trained personnel can evaluate and treat potential spinal injury. If a spinal injury is suspected, immobilize the person with a backboard and secure them to prevent any movement of the spine during transport. While you wait for help, monitor for responsiveness and breathing, and be prepared to provide any needed information to EMS. Moving the victim to a chair, removing them from the water without stabilizing the head and neck, or allowing them to move themselves all risk worsening a spinal injury, which is why these approaches are avoided.

When a head or neck injury is suspected on the pool deck, the priority is to prevent any further damage to the spine by keeping the head, neck, and spine in a neutral, aligned position and minimizing movement. Start by manually stabilizing the head and neck—use both hands to keep the head from tilting or twisting, maintaining alignment with the spine. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary to remove them from the water or to reach a safer location.

Call EMS immediately so trained personnel can evaluate and treat potential spinal injury. If a spinal injury is suspected, immobilize the person with a backboard and secure them to prevent any movement of the spine during transport. While you wait for help, monitor for responsiveness and breathing, and be prepared to provide any needed information to EMS.

Moving the victim to a chair, removing them from the water without stabilizing the head and neck, or allowing them to move themselves all risk worsening a spinal injury, which is why these approaches are avoided.