EMT-Basic/Trauma/Spinal

Lesson 5.4: Injuries to the Head and Spine

Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the EMT-Basic should be able to:
 * 1) State the components of the nervous system.
 * 2) List the functions of the central nervous system.
 * 3) Define the structure of the skeletal system as it relates to the nervous system.
 * 4) Relate mechanism of injury to potential injuries of the head and spine.
 * 5) Describe the implications of not properly caring for potential spine injuries.
 * 6) State the signs and symptoms of potential spine injury.
 * 7) Describe the method of determining if a responsive patient may have a spine injury.
 * 8) Relate the techniques airway management to suspected spinal injuries.
 * 9) Describe how to stabilize the cervical spine.
 * 10) Discuss indications for sizing and using a cervical spine immobilization device.
 * 11) Establish the relationship between airway management and the patient with head and spine injuries.
 * 12) Describe a method for sizing a cervical spine immobilization device.
 * 13) Describe how to log roll a patient with a suspected spine injury.
 * 14) Describe how to secure a patient to a long spine board.
 * 15) List instances when a short spine board should be used.
 * 16) Describe how to immobilize a patient using a short spine board.
 * 17) Describe the indications for use of rapid extrication.
 * 18) List the steps in performing rapid extrication.
 * 19) State the circumstances when a helmet should be left on the patient.
 * 20) Discuss the circumstances when a helmet should be removed.
 * 21) Identify different types of helmets.
 * 22) Describe the unique characteristics of sports helmets.
 * 23) Explain the preferred methods to remove a helmet.
 * 24) Discuss alternative methods for removal of a helmet.
 * 25) Describe how the patient's head is stabilized to remove the helmet.
 * 26) Differentiate how the head is stabilized with a helmet compared to without a helmet.
 * 27) Explain the rationale for immobilization of the entire spine when a cervical spine injury is suspected.
 * 28) Explain the rationale for utilizing immobilization methods apart from the straps on the cots.
 * 29) Explain the rationale for utilizing a short spine immobilization device when moving a patient from the sitting to the supine position.
 * 30) Explain the rationale for utilizing the rapid extrication approaches only when they will make the difference between life and death.
 * 31) Defend the reasons for leaving a helmet in place for transport of a patient.
 * 32) Defend the reasons for removal of a helmet prior to transport of a patient.
 * 33) Demonstrate opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.
 * 34) Demonstrate evaluating a responsive patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.
 * 35) Demonstrate stabilization of the cervical spine.
 * 36) Demonstrate the four person log roll for a patient with a suspected spinal injury.
 * 37) Demonstrate how to log roll a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury using two people.
 * 38) Demonstrate securing a patient to a long spine board.
 * 39) Demonstrate using the short board immobilization technique.
 * 40) Demonstrate the procedure for rapid extrication.
 * 41) Demonstrate preferred methods for stabilization of a helmet.
 * 42) Demonstrate helmet removal techniques.
 * 43) Demonstrate alternative methods for stabilization of a helmet.
 * 44) Demonstrate completing a prehospital care report for patients with head and spinal injuries.