---

The Spinal Column consists of a series of interconnected bones, called "vertebrae", which enclose the spinal cord. Spinal cord damage may cause quadriplegia, paraplegia, or chronic painful conditions.

The spine is divided into:

• The cervical spine (neck), 7 vertebrae.
• The thoracic spine (chest), 1+1 vertebrae.
• The lumbar spine (back), 5 vertebrae.
• Fused vertebrae of the sacrum.
• Small vertebra called the coccygeal.

• Falling from a height, i.e. Fall from a horse, ladder, tree, roof or down stairs.
• Road traffic accidents. (Bikes, Motorbikes, Autos, Pedestrian etc.)
• Diving into shallow water, i.e. Casualties head hitting the bottom of the pool.
• Sudden forward and backward motion, i.e. Whiplash.
• Sports, i.e. Rugby, Skiing, Gymnastics etc.

• The causality may complain of feeling pain in the their neck or back.
• They may lose feeling in their limbs.
• They may get a burning or tingling sensations in their limbs.
• Their arms and legs may feel heavy and stiff.
• Some casualties might tell you, "I feel I've been cut in half".
• Male erection. (call paraprism).

• Call for an ambulance, dial 999 or 112 or your local emergency number.
• Leave the injured person in the position you found them, even if they look uncomfortable.
• Support their head without moving them by firmly placing your hands over their ears.
• Tell them not to move.
• Tell the casualty not to nod their head when responding to questions.
• Reassure the casualty and tell them help is on the way.
• Don't let go of their head until help arrives.
• Treat for shock.

• If they're unconscious.
• If they're not breathing.
• If they're in danger of further injury.

The unconscious casualty:

If the casualty is unconscious but breathing, put them in the recovery position.
Your priority here is their airway. If they have no airway, they can't breath.
Even if you are on your own, put an unconscious person in the recovery position.

Not Breathing:

If the person stops breathing, you will need to begin resuscitation.
You will need to turn the patient onto their back to start resuscitation. Get some people to help you (four). You'll need to 'log roll' them over, continually supporting their entire body. Make sure their head, trunk and toes are aligned at all times. To open the airway, tilt their head back a little, and lift their chin, gently. If they are still not breathing start the ABC of resuscitation until help arrives.
Once again, if you're on your own, you'll need to turn the casualty onto their back and start resuscitation.

Immediate Danger:

If the casualty is in immediate danger of further serious injury, you must carry them carefully to place of safety. Again you'll need help. The person supporting the head, leads. While the others support the neck, trunk and legs. Remember, move the casualty as a total unit. As soon as you reach safety, put the person down in the same position you initially found them in.