Purpose of Module:
The purpose of this module is to review injuries involving the head and Spinal Cord the signs and symptoms and management.

Time to complete Head and Spinal Cord Injuries: 1 hour

Directions for using the Soft Tissue Injuries Module:

* You must spend at least 1/2 hour doing hands-on training.
1. Read the training Objectives
2. Read Brady Emergency Care Eight Edition pp. 595-629.
3. Watch the videotape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 5-4 Head and Spinal Cord Injuries".
4. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 14, Section 6.
5. Take the posttest.
6. Give module back to instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives:

1. Review components of the nervous system.
2. Review function of the central nervous system.
3. Review mechanism of injury to potential spine injury.
4. Review signs and symptoms of a potential spine injury.
5. Review the method of determining if a responsive patient may have a spine injury.
6. Review the emergency medical care of the airway in a patient with a suspected spine injury.
7. Review how to stabilize the cervical spine.
8. Review indications for sizing and using a cervical spine immobilization device.
9. Review how to log roll a patient with a suspected spine injury onto a long spine board.
10. Review how to secure a patient to a long spine board.
11. Review indications for a short spine board and when it should be used.
12. Review indications for rapid extrication
13. Review the indications for leaving a helmet on and indications for helmet removal.
14. Review the different types of sports helmets, their unique characteristics and the preferred methods to remove them.

Activities to Perform:

1. Watch the videotape "Mosby’s EMT-BASIC VIDEO SERIES, Lesson 5-4 Head and Spinal Cord Injuries".
2. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 14, Section 6.
3. Use the Spinal Immobilization Supine Patient and the Spinal Immobilization Seated Checklist and practice those skills on an adult mannequin. A long spine board and other materiel are provided for your use.
4. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

Posttest:

1. The sign an EMT-B would most expect to find with a scalp injury is:
A. discoloration around the eyes.
B. bleeding from the ears.
C. cerebrospinal fluid from the nose.
D . profuse bleeding from the head.

2. After taking BSI precautions, the first care step in treating skull fractures and brain injuries is to:
A. apply a rigid collar.
B. control bleeding.
C. provide manual stabilization of the head.
D. transport the patient immediately.

3. A collection of blood within the skull or brain tissue is called a(n):
A. hematoma. C. concussion.
B. contusion. D. laceration.

4. The spinal regions most susceptible to injury are the:
A. cervical and lumbar. C. cervical and sacral.
B. thoracic and sacral. D. thoracic and lumbar.

5. Which of the following is not an indication for removing a helmet in a case of suspected head or spine injury?
A. The helmet interferes with assessment of the ABCs.
B. The helmet fits snugly.
C. The patient goes into cardiac arrest.
D. The helmet fits loosely.
ANSWERS: (1) D (2) C (3) A (4) A (5) B