Spinal Injury First Aid: A Life-Saving Response

In road accidents, spinal injuries are common and can be life-threatening. In such scenarios, it is critical to respond swiftly and correctly at the accident site.

According to Dr. Maya Tandon, an anesthesiology specialist and former member of the Road Safety Council, understanding the condition and responsiveness of the injured person is key. She recommends using the AVPU System for initial assessment:

• A (Alert): Is the person conscious and aware?

• V (Voice): Do they respond to verbal cues?

• P (Pain): Do they react to pain?

• U (Unresponsive): Are they completely unresponsive?

How to Check Breathing in an Injured Person:

1. Place your palm 3–5 cm in front of the injured person's mouth and nose. Try to feel the breath coming out.

2. Avoid unnecessary movement of the neck, especially if spinal injury is suspected. If the person is not breathing, use the Chin Lift or Jaw Thrust technique to open the airway.

3. In unconscious victims, the airway may be blocked. Carefully clearing it and positioning the head correctly can help restore breathing.

4. If spinal injury is suspected, these techniques can help restore airflow without moving the neck or spine.

What Are the Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust Techniques?

• Chin Lift: Gently tilt the person’s chin upward with your fingers to open the airway.

• Jaw Thrust: If the chin lift doesn’t work, push the lower jaw forward using both hands without tilting the neck. This clears the airway by moving the tongue away from the throat.

Conclusion:

Knowing how to perform the Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust techniques can make a significant difference in emergencies. These simple, non-invasive first aid methods can maintain breathing and stabilize the condition until medical help arrives.