# 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:
* State the components of the nervous system.
* List the functions of the central nervous system.
* Define the structure of the skeletal system as it relates to the nervous system.
* Relate mechanism of injury to potential injuries of the head and spine.
* Describe the implications of not properly caring for potential spine injuries.
* State the signs and symptoms of potential spine injury.
* Describe the method of determining if a responsive patient may have a spine injury.
* Relate the techniques airway management to suspected spinal injuries.
* Describe how to stabilize the cervical spine.
* Discuss indications for sizing and using a cervical spine immobilization device.
* Establish the relationship between airway management and the patient with head and spine injuries.
* Describe a method for sizing a cervical spine immobilization device.
* Describe how to log roll a patient with a suspected spine injury.
* Describe how to secure a patient to a long spine board.
* List instances when a short spine board should be used.
* Describe how to immobilize a patient using a short spine board.
* Describe the indications for use of rapid extrication.
* List the steps in performing rapid extrication.
* State the circumstances when a helmet should be left on the patient.
* Discuss the circumstances when a helmet should be removed.
* Identify different types of helmets.
* Describe the unique characteristics of sports helmets.
* Explain the preferred methods to remove a helmet.
* Discuss alternative methods for removal of a helmet.
* Describe how the patient's head is stabilized to remove the helmet.
* Differentiate how the head is stabilized with a helmet compared to without a helmet.
* Explain the rationale for immobilization of the entire spine when a cervical spine injury is suspected.
* Explain the rationale for utilizing immobilization methods apart from the straps on the cots.
* Explain the rationale for utilizing a short spine immobilization device when moving a patient from the sitting to the supine position.
* Explain the rationale for utilizing the rapid extrication approaches only when they will make the difference between life and death.
* Defend the reasons for leaving a helmet in place for transport of a patient.
* Defend the reasons for removal of a helmet prior to transport of a patient.
* Demonstrate opening the airway of a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.
* Demonstrate evaluating a responsive patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.
* Demonstrate stabilization of the cervical spine.
* Demonstrate the four person log roll for a patient with a suspected spinal injury.
* Demonstrate how to log roll a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury using two people.
* Demonstrate securing a patient to a long spine board.
* Demonstrate using the short board immobilization technique.
* Demonstrate the procedure for rapid extrication.
* Demonstrate preferred methods for stabilization of a helmet.
* Demonstrate helmet removal techniques.
* Demonstrate alternative methods for stabilization of a helmet.
* Demonstrate completing a prehospital care report for patients with head and spinal injuries.