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A New Way of Rolling Someone into the Recovery Position - Spinal Injury

18/9/2019

5 Comments

 
When is the recovery position advised?
The recovery position is essential when a casualty is unconscious and breathing normally. It is a sensible way of positioning someone to allow the tongue to flop forward and any fluids to drain out, ensuring they do not enter the airway. If the casualty stops breathing normally at any time, or demonstrates agonal breathing, you should start CPR.
Professor Keith Porter (Professor of Clinical Traumatology) has developed a further option that makes it easier for one person to roll someone into the recovery position with minimal movement of their spine.

The recovery postion with a spinal injury
NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence) estimate that approximately 700 people sustain a new spinal cord injury each year in the UK.  In the UK there are currently 40,000 people living with long term disabilities as a result of such injuries.

Helping the casualty to maintain a clear airway is critical and takes priority over any suspected spinal injury, as if their airway is blocked they are unable to breathe. Therefore, to maintain an open airway, anyone who is unconscious and breathing, should be rolled onto their side into the recovery position. Spinal injuries can be unstable and it is vital that in moving the casualty, you don’t cause further damage to the spinal cord.  If there are multiple people able to assist, then supporting the head and neck, and log rolling the casualty may be a better approach to minimise movement to their spine. However, if you are on your own, Professor Porter’s alternative approach is simple and effective. 

It is incredibly important to keep the spine in line and avoid them twisting. It is vital to keep checking the casualty is breathing.

Benefits of the new recovery position for suspected spinal injuries:
  1. Reduces risk of movement to spine and inducing paralysis
  2. Easier for a solo first aider to perform

How to do it:
Check out this film from First Aid For Life:
​youtu.be/-fbLFE4X3gE
5 Comments
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28/2/2020 11:14:58

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Katherine Ellwood
29/2/2020 14:46:53

Hi, thank you for your comment. I don't seem to be bothered by spam at all.....just lucky I guess.

Kind regards

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Ways to improve work performance link
18/1/2021 13:40:32

This is an explosive idea; this is most probably the best and most successful thing about a new way of rolling someone into the recovery position spinal injury. I love this blog and really happy to come across this exceptionally well written content. Thanks for sharing!!

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Victoria Addington link
12/10/2022 13:54:11

It captured me the most when you mentioned that CPR must be done if the patient demonstrates agonal breathing. My friend wants to be able to save lives with level 3 first aid. He is even planning to take training to gain skills for it.

Reply
Carpet Repair Oklahoma link
24/10/2022 07:54:40

Great blog I enjoyed readding

Reply



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    Kate Ellwood: there are some simple first aid skills everyone should know!  I am committed to sharing those skills with people so they can save a life...........  

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