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Ajman University of Science and Technology
College of pharmacy and Health Sciences

First Aid (117130)
CHAPTER 9: HEAD AND SPINE INJURIES

By:
Prof.Dr. Zakia Metwally, M.D
Dr. Nihal Abdullah, M.D
Course Instructors:
Dr. Nihal Abdullah
Dr. Yaseen Khalid
Key Terms
concussion A temporary impairment of brain function, usually caused by a
blow to the head.
in-line stabilization A way to position and support the head and neck if the casualty
must be moved.
spinal column The column of vertebrae from the skull to the tailbone.
spinal cord The bundle of nerves from the brain to the lower back, protected
inside the spinal column.
vertebrae The 33 bones of the spinal column.
Head and Spine Injuries

First aid correctly given can prevent some head and spine injuries from leading to death
or disability. Head injuries may include concussion and injuries to the scalp, eye, or ear.
Anatomy and Physiology of Head and Spine Injuries

Injuries to the head or spine can damage bones such as the skull or vertebrae and
tissues such as the brain and the spinal cord.
Determining how much damage has taken place in head and spine injuries is not easy.
Usually the only way to learn is by an x-ray examination. Because you cannot know for
sure, always give care as if the injury were serious.
The Brain
Injuries to the head can affect the brain. Bleeding from a ruptured vessel in the brain
can build up pressure within the skull and damage brain tissue. This bleeding will result
in changes in consciousness. An altered level of consciousness is often the first and
most important sign of a serious head injury.
The Spine
The spine is a strong, flexible column that supports the head and the trunk. It contains
and protects the spinal cord, the bundle of nerves from the brain to the lower back. The
spine consists of small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are separated from each
other by pads of cartilage called discs. Together the vertebrae and discs are called the
spinal column. Injuries to the spinal column include fractures and dislocations of the
vertebrae, sprained ligaments, and compression or movement of the discs between the
vertebrae. With severe injuries the vertebrae may move and squeeze or cut the spinal
cord, which runs through them. This situation may cause temporary or permanent
paralysis, even death.
Causes of Head and Spine Injuries

Strong forces (as in a car crash) are likely to cause serious injury. Injuries should be
suspected with the following situations:
• A fall from a height
• Any diving injury
• Any injury with a strong blow to the head or trunk
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Spine Injuries
•Changes in level of consciousness

•Severe pain or pressure in the head, neck, or back
• Tingling or loss of feeling in the fingers and toes
• Loss of movement of any body part
• Unusual lumps on the head or spine
• Blood in the ears or nose
• Heavy bleeding of the head, neck, or back
• Convulsions
• impaired breathing or vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Persistent headache
First Aid For Head and Spine Injuries

Follow the emergency action principles whenever you suspect a head or spine injury:
Head and spine injuries can become life- threatening. Give the following specific first aid
while waiting for EMS help to arrive:
1. Keep the head and spine as still as possible (try to fix the head, neck and spine as
much as possible to avoid any movements).
2. Maintain an open airway.
3. Monitor consciousness and breathing.
4. Control external bleeding.
5. Maintain normal body temperature.
FIRST AID For Specific Head Injuries

In addition to the six emergency action principles, give first aid for the following specific
head injuries.
Concussion
A concussion is usually a temporary injury. In most cases the casualty loses
consciousness for only a few minutes and may say that he or she “blacked out” or “saw
stars.” Unconsciousness sometimes lasts longer, or the casualty may be confused or
have memory loss. Anyone suspected of having a concussion should be seen by a
physician.
Scalp Injury
Scalp bleeding is usually controlled with direct pressure. Apply dressings and hold them
in place with your hand. Be gentle, because the skull may be fractured. If you feel a
depression, a soft area, or pieces of bone, does not put direct pressure on the wound
unless bleeding is severe. Call EMS immediately.
Figure9-1.Dressing is applied to
the scalp injury
Eye Injury
Injuries to the eyeball are very serious and require special care. Never put direct
pressure on the eyeball. Follow these guidelines for first aid:
1. Place the casualty on his or her back.
2. Do not attempt to remove any object impaled in the eye.
3. Place a sterile dressing around the object.
4. Stabilize any impaled object in place as best you can.
5- Put a sterile bandage to cover both eyes.
Give the following first aid for a small (tiny) foreign object or chemical in the eye:
1. Try to remove the foreign body by having the person blink several times. The
eye will produce tears that may wash out the object.
2. Gently flush the eye with water.
For a chemical in the eye, flush continuously until EMS arrives or the pain has stopped.
Figure 9-2
Figure 9-2. Flush the eye continuously

if chemical in the eye
Ear Injury
If you are sure the bleeding is just from the soft tissues of the ear, apply direct pressure
to the affected area.
However, if the casualty has a serious head or spine injury and blood or other fluid is in
the ear canal or draining from the ear, follow these guidelines:
1. Do not attempt to stop this drainage with direct pressure.
2. Cover the ear lightly with a sterile dressing.
3. Call EMS immediately.
Internal injury may be caused by a direct blow to the head or sudden pressure changes
such as those occurring with an explosion or a deep-water dive. The casualty may lose
hearing or balance or feel inner ear pain. Call EMS for such injuries.
Summary
• As with any injury, follow the six emergency action principles.
• Control bleeding as necessary, usually with direct pressure on the wound, but be
careful not to apply pressure to a possible skull fracture.
• If you suspect a fracture of the skull or spine, minimize movement of the injured area
by immobilizing the head and neck in the position found. Maintain an open airway.
• First aid for an eye injury includes stabilization and bandaging of an impaled object
and flushing out any foreign object or chemical.
• First aid for an ear injury includes stopping soft tissue bleeding
attempting to remove a foreign object, and calling EMS for internal ear injuries.

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Ajman University of Science and Technology

College of pharmacy and Health Sciences

CHAPTER 9: HEAD AND SPINE INJURIES

Head and Spine Injuries

Anatomy and Physiology of Head and Spine Injuries

Causes of Head and Spine Injuries

Signs and Symptoms of Head and Spine Injuries

•Changes in level of consciousness

First Aid For Head and Spine Injuries

FIRST AID For Specific Head Injuries

5- Put a sterile bandage to cover both eyes.

Figure 9-2. Flush the eye continuously

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