A fractured neck is extremely dangerous. Bone fragments may bruise
or cut the spinal cord just as they might in a fractured back.
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a. If the Casualty Is Not to Be Transported
(081-831-1000) Until Medical Personnel Arrive--
- Caution him not to move. Moving may cause death.
- Leave the casualty in the position in which he is
found. If his neck/head is in an abnormal position,
immediately immobilize the neck/head. Use the
procedure stated below .
o Keep the casualty's head still, if he is lying face
up, raise his shoulders slightly, and slip a roll of
cloth that has the bulk of a bath towel under his neck
(Figure 4-28). The roll should
be thick enough to arch his neck only slightly, leaving
the back of his head on the ground. DO NOT bend his neck
or head forward. DO NOT raise or twist his head .
Immobilize the casualty's head
(Figure 4-29). Do this by
padding heavy objects such as rocks or his boots and
placing them on each side of his head. If it is necessary
to use boots, first fill them with stones, gravel sand,
or dirt and tie them tightly at the top. If necessary,
stuff pieces of material in the top of the boots to
secure the contents.
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o DO NOT move the casualty if he is lying face down. Immobilize
the head/neck by padding heavy objects and placing them on each
side of his head. DO NOT put a roll of cloth under the neck. DO
NOT bend the neck or head, nor roll the casualty onto his back.
b. If the Casualty Must be Prepared for Transportation Before
Medical Personnel Arrive--
- And he has a fractured neck, at least two persons are needed
because the casualty's head and trunk must be moved in unison. The
two persons must work in close coordination
(Figure 4-30) to avoid bending the
neck.
- Place a wide board lengthwise beside the casualty. It should
extend at least 4 inches beyond the casualty's head and feet
(Figure 4-30 A).
- If the casualty is lying face up, the number
one man steadies the casualty's head and neck between his
hands. At the same time the number two man positions one
foot and one knee against the board to prevent it from slipping,
grasps the casualty underneath his shoulder and hip, and gently
slides him onto the board (Figure 4-30
B).
- If the casualty is lying face down, the number
one man steadies the casualty's head and neck between his
hands, while the number two man gently rolls the casualty
over onto the board (Figure 4-30 C).
- The number one man continues to steady the casualty's
head and neck. The number two man simultaneously raises
the casualty's shoulders slightly, places padding under his neck,
and immobilizes the casualty's head
(Figures 4-30 D and E). The head may be
immobilized with the casualty's boots, with stones rolled in
pieces of blanket, or with other material.
- Secure any improvised supports in position with a cravat or
strip of cloth extended across the casualty's forehead and under
the board (Figure 4-30 D).
- Lift the board onto a litter or blanket in order to transport
the casualty (Figure 4-30 E).
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