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The spine houses the irreplaceable spinal cord responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the body. Any damage to the spinal cord is irreversible and can lead to varying degrees of paralysis, depending on the injury's location:
When dealing with a person potentially having a spinal injury, remember: DO NOT MOVE THEM.
When faced with a patient suspected of a spinal injury, as a first-aider, follow these crucial steps:
There are a few scenarios where you might need to move the patient:
Recall these steps using the "SPINAL" mnemonic:
Always remember, as a first-aider, refrain from moving someone suspected of a spinal injury unless it's an absolute necessity. Maintain their position, provide head and neck support, ensure emergency services are on the way, offer reassurance, and keep the patient calm.