1. Head, Neck and Back Injuries First Aid, Part Two We’re almost finished!

2. Signs and Symptoms of Head/Neck/Back Injuries  Severe pain in head/neck/back  Blood in the ears or nose  Tingling or loss of sensation in hands or feet  Loss of balance

3. Caring for Head/Neck/Back Injuries  1. Activate EAP  2. Assess victim’s condition  3. Safely enter water  4. Perform appropriate rescue  5. Move victim to shallow water  6. Check for consciousness/signs of life  7. Remove victim from water  8. Provide emergency care as needed

4. Head Splint  Face down in shallow water who is at or near the surface  Use the victims arms to stabilize head

5. Head and Chin Support  Victim is face up or face down in deeper water (more than 3 feet)  Use one hand to support chin  Use the other hand to support the base of the skull

6. Using a Backboard  Two lifeguards are needed for backboarding  Lifeguard one maintains in-line stabilization  Lifeguard two retrieves the backboard  Straps: Chest, hips, thighs

7. Head/Neck/Back Injuries  NEVER have the victim move their head if you suspect a head/neck/back injury  If they are on land, immobilize the head and call EMS right away

8. Miscellaneous First Aid  To stop bleeding: Apply direct pressure  Injured extremity: Leave it on the position you find it in  Allergic reaction: Monitor ABC’s and call EMS  Diabetic Emergency: Fruit juice  Internal bleeding: Rapid weak pulse, hard and swollen abdomen  Seizure in the water: Move to shallow water until seizure ends