chapter 13. Neck injuries
I Robertson and AR Poynton
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| Fig. 13.1. |
| The neck. |
Red Zone
• Fracture
• Dislocation
• Disc disruption
Amber Zone
• Muscle contusion/strain
• Stinger
Green zone
• Minor blow to the neck
• Mild neck strain
What should I check for?
Remember SPORTS and do not move the player immediately.
Speak to the player
• ‘Can you hear me?’ If the player is unconscious (Red Zone Injury), see the ABC chapter (p. 21)
• ‘Where is the pain?’
• ‘How sore is it?’
• ‘Can you move all four limbs?’
• ‘Can you feel all four limbs?’
Problem identification
Identify the extent of the injury by obtaining answers to the questions asked in the previous section. For example, the player may be complaining of neck pain and tingling or loss of sensation.
Observe
• Keep the player lying on the ground with their neck straight
• Make sure the player is breathing and observe for leg movement
• Look for any major abnormalities
Rule out serious injury
• Is the player unconscious or confused?
• Have they a weakness on one side of the body?
• Have they a severe headache?
If yes to any of these – serious head injury (Red Zone Injury).
• Can they move all four limbs?
• Have they full sensation?
If no to either of these – serious spinal injury (Red Zone Injury).
Touch for tenderness
• Ask the player to move all four limbs
• Touch the affected area lightly – Can they feel you touching them? Is the area very sore to touch?
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