Elementary first aid, Spinal injuries

Transporting a casualty with a spinal injury can be dangerous as it can result in permanent paralysis and other serious complications. It is therefore crucial that you know which precautions you should take.

First Aid is defined as the emergency treatment given to the ill or injured before more experienced medical personnel arrive.

This course is intended to refresh and reinforce the knowledge gained during the mandatory class room course on Elementary First Aid. IMO considers and recommends this refresher training to be an integral part of on-board training requirement for seafarers.

Learning objectives:

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the spine
• Describe how to immobilize a casualty suffering from a spinal injury
• List the steps involved in a Log Roll and Blanket Lift
• Identify the necessary preparations on board for a medical evacuation