Unit 6: Extrication

Injuries Primary Injury: an injury which occurs as a direct result of the stress imposed on the body during a particular sport or activity. Secondary Injury: An injury that was caused by improper care of the initial injury. Can be to another body part.

Mechanics Gait: Manner of walking. The action of the lower extremity during a complete stride in walking and running can be divided into two phases. Stance Phase: heel contact, midstance, heel off Swing Phase: toe off Proper Body Mechanics: special ways of standing and moving to make best use of strength and to avoid fatigue or injury.

Gait Phases

Proper Mechanics

Correct Lifting Techniques Squat down close to the object/person Maintain the natural curves in your back Grip the object firmly Hold the object close to your body Keep your arms fixed and close to your sides Lifting by pushing up and through with your legs Do not use your back, rely on your legs.

Proper Lifting Techniques

Check-Call-Care Check to make sure scene is safe Check victim Life-threatening conditions (primary survey) Call 911, if necessary Care for victim Extrication Secondary survey

Ambulation Extrication: Removing an injured athlete from the playing field or court. Ambulatory Athlete: Athlete can be moved without further injury. Ambulate: to walk or move about.

Crutch Fitting Crutches should be 2in up from the top of the toe of the shoe and 4-6in out from the foot. 2-3 fingers worth of space between axilla (armpit) and crutch top The hand grips should be positioned so there is 30-degree angle in the elbow.

Crutches Three Point Gait: Walking with crutches and one weight bearing leg. Four Point Gait: Walking with crutches and both legs weight bearing.

Ambulating with Crutches The crutches move with the injured side as you are walking. No pressure should be placed on the armpits The method is the same whether it’s the three point gait or the four point gait

One-Man Assist Athlete places arm around shoulders of assistant Assistant stands on the injured side Assistant can support athlete by placing arm around waist Two-Man Assist: Two assistants stand on each side of athlete. Athlete’s arms around assistants’ shoulders. Assistants support athlete around waist.

One Man Assist

Two Man Assist

Two-Man Carry Two assistants face each other and lock their arms together (grasp forearms). Athlete sits on one set of arms. Other set of arms provides backrest. Athlete places arms around assistants’ shoulders.

Two Man Carry

Assistance Off the Field Stretchers: Used to move individuals that do not have possible spinal or back injuries. Scoop Stretchers: Stretchers that the metal can be separated into halves. Not used on individuals with spine or back injuries. Spine boards: Flat rigid board used to transport any suspected spinal or back injury.

Why to spine board someone? Any suspected spinal or back injury When you are not sure of victims status When there is not enough time to splint obvious serious fractures

Non-spinal Injuries Log roll athlete onto stretcher Secure athlete as needed At least 4 people needed to carry stretcher; one on each side, one on either end Move athlete feet-first or head-first

Stretcher/Cart

Spine Board One person is in-charge (head-man) Need at least 4 helpers Control/stabilize head Call 911 Apply neck stabilization Prepare backboard Undo straps Match straps Remove head bloc

Log Rolling

Spine Board Roll athlete 90 degrees and position board by sliding it behind victim Roll athlete onto board Carefully lower board

Good Spine Board

Bad Spine Board