DEFINING SPINAL INJURY / USE OF THE AED

     

                                  A trauma scene

Three friends are out hiking on a nature trail.

Sad to say, one sustains a fall and subsequently 

injury to the spine. As they work to provide a 

safe place to rest and comfort their friend, they

are also trying to figure out, how to get him to

 the hospital.

 When someone is involved in a traumatic event,

 whether a car accident, burns, falls or impaled 

 objects, the level of care will depend on the severity                                           

 of the injuries. In  a rural area, air lifting may be

 necessary to transfer the patient to a higher level 

 of care.

                                                                                             

 The AED ( Automated External Defibrillator) 

A  cardiac arrest can occur in a number of places. It goes without saying,
preparation for such an event should not be confined to a hospital only.

The AED ( Automated External Defibrillator) has been developed to help
in this process. The layperson can be trained to use the AED in an emergency.

The AED has been designed with specific prompters, this is especially helpful
for the layperson.

What does SCI mean?

SCI means Spinal cord Injury. It is important

 or the nurse to document her findings, when 

an assessment is done. 

Problems that may result from SCI:
- injuries above C3 may affect breathing
Mechanical ventilation may be necessary
- C3 - C7 will involve some degree of 

weakness involving shoulders, arms, 

hands and fingers
- T 1-T12 injuries may paraplegia
- L1- L5 injuries may affect the thighs, 

knees, feet and toes