| WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW |
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FOR INJURIES TO THE HEAD, NECK, AND BACK
Minimize movement of the player's head, neck, and back by putting your hands on both sides of the player's head. Maintaing an open airway using the jaw-thrust maneuver. If possible, have the player remain in the position that you found him or her until EMS personnel arrive and take over.
A football player who sustains a suspected spinal injury should have his helmet left on until both the helmet and shoulder pads can be carefully removed together in a hospital emergency room under controlled stabilized conditions by a professional medical staff. Removing an injured athlete's helmet and/or shoulder pads carries the inherent risk of further injury. The primary reason to remove an athlete's helmet and shoulder pads is if a medical authority believes that its removal will enhance the care of the athlete or if it interferes with the rescuers' ability to provide required CPR.
The most devastating injuries in all of sport are to the head, neck, or back. If the athlete is cared for in the proper manner, one may prevent further injury or death. It is critical that all individuals involved in sports be trained to know what to do should this type of injury occur.
The helmet and shoulder pads of an injured athlete should not be removed until a head, neck, or back injury has been completely ruled out by a medical authority, or if the equipment interferes with the rescuers' ability to provide required CPR. If a head, neck, or back injury is suspected, an athlete should be cared for with the equipment left in place.
If you suspect a player has a head, neck, or back injury, tell him not to nod or shake his head but to answer questions by saying yes or no. The goal is to minimize movement. Activate the Emergency Action Plan, and follow the emergency action steps, Check- Call-Care. Check the scene for safety and check the athlete. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number when needed. Care for the player until EMS personnel arrive.
| To care for injuries to the head, neck, and back: |
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Medical examinations and ambulance transport can take place with the helmet and shoulder pads left in place. Having the helmet on may be an advantage in immobilizing and transporting the injured athlete because it may keep the athlete in an appropriate anatomical position.
Coaches should be able to remove the facemask of an injured athlete quickly and easily. While performing this task, the head, neck, and back must be supported so that no movement of the neck will occur. The removal of the facemask can be accomplished using several different tools. A coach should check with the team physician, certified athletic trainer, or emergency medical technician for advice on the best tool to be used in removing the facemask. In most cases, removing the facemask will give a responder access to the face and mouth of the injured athlete if CPR or rescue breathing becomes necessary.
If removal of the helmet is necessary, loosen straps and pull directly backward. Obtain available assistance to minimize neck movement and to maintain the neck in a neutral position (level with the height of the shoulders). After the helmet is removed, keep the neck in the neutral position with manual support or by placing towels or clothing under the head. If the shoulder pads must be manipulated to provide chest compression do so carefully and with the least amount of movement. Maintain maximum neck control and move only as much as is required to provide effective chest compression.
MORE READING
Prehospital Care of the Spine-Injured Athlete by the Inter-Association Task Force for Appropriate Care of the Spine-Injured Athlete of the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
University of Pittsburgh Medical College Health System. Caring for the neck & spine. Retrieved from http://www.upmc.edu/SportsMedCenter/repair-treat-rehab-neck-spine.htm. Accessed June 11, 2002.
American National Red Cross and the United States Olympic Committee. (1997). Sport safety training handbook. San Bruno, CA: StayWell.
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The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.