First Aid For
A Back Injury

First aid for a back injury needs to be approached very carefully. Back or spinal injuries can lead to permanent paralysis or serious complications if not handled properly. Follow these guidelines.

This page is available as a PDF download.

You will need Adobe Reader to view this file. You can get it free here.

Signs of a Back Injury

• If there is a head injury with a continuing decline in the person's level of consciousness.
• The patient complains of severe neck and back pain.
• The patient complains of numbness, weakness or paralysis.
• The patient lacks control of their bladder, bowels or cannot control their limbs.
• The patient cannot move their neck.
• The neck or back is misshapen or deformed.

First Aid For A Back Injury

• Call 911 immediately or your local emergency services.
• DO NOT move the patient. If at all possible leave the patient in the same position you found them.
• Place rolled towels around the head and neck to prevent movement.
• Keep the person still.
• Attend to any other immediate injuries they might have.
• If the patient is not breathing begin CPR. DO NOT tilt the head back during CPR. Instead using your fingers grasp the jaw and lift it forward.
• If the patient begins vomiting or is in other danger and you have to roll them onto their side use two people. Have one person hold the head still and the other to keep the back and spine aligned.

If you absolutely have to move the patient. Remember, only move the person to preserve life. Here is how you do it.

• Use two people.
• Place a sturdy board next to the patient. The board should extend to the buttocks, it is best if it extends to the feet. It is best if the board is at least shoulder width.
• Kneel on the other side of the patient and gently roll them toward you. Take care to keep the head, neck and back in alignment. The second person should support the head.
• Slide the board under the patient and gently lower them down onto the board.
• If the patient is vomiting keep them on their side and continue to support their head.
• Immobilize the patient by tying them to the board. Use ties, strips of cloth, belts, rope or shirts.
• Tie them around the ankles, thighs, chest and forehead.
• It should be tight enough that the patient is immobilized but not tight enough to hinder or stop circulation or affect breathing.
• Use blankets, towels or sweaters to tuck around the patient.
• They are now safe to transport.