Section II. IMMOBILIZING A SUSPECTED SPINAL INJURY
2-5.
IMMOBILIZING A CASUALTY'S NECK WITH CASUALTY LYING DOWN
After making sure the casualty is breathing and all severe bleeding has been
controlled, immobilize the casualty's spine. If possible, take measures to immobilize the
casualty's neck before placing the casualty on a spine board. The following procedures
assume the casualty is lying on his back and you have at least one other person to
assist you. If you are the only medical person available, you should apply traction and
supervise the application of the cervical collar to the casualty's neck.
a. Apply Manual Traction. Immobilize the casualty's head and neck by
applying gentle manual traction.
(1)
Kneel behind the casualty's head, facing the casualty.
(2)
If needed, gently remove the casualty's helmet.
CAUTION:
Only remove a helmet if it is necessary to treat an airway problem or
interferes with proper spinal immobilization.
(3) Place your hands on the sides of the casualty's head with your palms
over the casualty's ears and your fingers supporting the casualty's mandible (jaw) as
shown in figure 2-4.
(4) Pull back slightly to apply gentle traction. Maintain the traction until the
casualty has been secured to the spine board.
Figure 2-4. Applying manual traction to a casualty's head (casualty on his back).
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