Managing Suspected Spinal Injuries in Sports

Protocol for Care

When addressing a player with a suspected spinal injury who is conscious, it's crucial to follow proper protocol to ensure safety and minimize risk.

Step-by-Step Equipment Removal

1. Maintaining In-Line Stabilization: The first responder will stabilize the player's spine manually.

2. Removing Shoulder Pads:

• Ask another team member to release the central tether of the shoulder pads and spread them apart.
• Use quick-release mechanisms or a screwdriver to remove the face cage of the helmet.
• Unscrew and lift the face cage off the player's face.
• If shoulder pads are restrictive, remove side buckles.
• Undo the chin strap buckles.

Stabilizing the Neck and Head

3. Ensuring Proper Neck Alignment:

• Push shoulder pads down past the knees to clear the player's neck area.
• Slide hands down the sides of the neck to maintain neutral head alignment.
• Separate cheek sections of the helmet gradually to create space.

Log Rolling for Shoulder Pad Removal

4. Coordinated Log Roll:

• Three team members will assist in rolling the player to remove the shoulder pads.
• One member continues to stabilize the spine.
• Coordinate hand placements:
• Head-end: Hand over shoulder and against hip.
• Waist: Crossed arm, hand on hip and under knee.
• Feet-end: Hand over knee, controlling foot.
• On the count of ready, set, move, roll the player to release the shoulder pads.

5. Use of Spinal Board or Scoop Stretcher: If available, replace with appropriate equipment to safely move the player.

For detailed training on managing spinal injuries in sports, consult ProTrainings.

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