First Aid for Sports Injuries
APP Alphabetical Index
HEAD AND NECK INJURIES
Seek professional help immediately. Avoid moving the person unnecessarily if complaining of any head or neck pain unless stabilized. Handle the injury very carefully to avoid causing permanent disability.
Immediate Attention
Any complaint of neck pain is reason to stop athletic activity.
1. Suspect a neck injury if there is pain or tenderness in the neck or weakness in the extremities and keep the head in a neutral position.
2. Do not move the injured person. He or she should not stand or sit.
3. If the injured person is not breathing, open the airway and give rescue breathing. Do not move the victim's head or neck while giving rescue breathing.
4. If the injured person must be turned over to administer rescue breathing, control the head and neck and move them simultaneously with the entire body.
5. If the injured person can be transported, move her or him with a backboard, being careful to move head and neck with the rest of the body.
6. Control bleeding from the scalp or face by direct pressure.
7. If possible, do not remove headgear. Use bolt cutters to remove a face guard or helmet if CPR is to be administered.
Consult a physician IF...
• there is severe facial or head bleeding.
• the person stops breathing.
• a severe head or neck injury us suspected even if there are no symptoms.
