Head, Neck, and Spine

Suspect the person has a head, neck, or spine injury if:

There is evidence of a head injury with a change in the person's consciousness, alertness, or confusion
The person complains of severe pain in their neck or back
An injury has exerted substantial force on the back or head
The person fell from a height
The person was involved in a motored vehicle or bicycle crash
The person complains of weakness, numbness, or paralysis or lacks control of their limbs, bladder, or bowels,
The neck or body is twisted or positioned oddly

Common Causes of Fainting

More Serious Causes of Fainting

Call 911
Keep the person still.
Place rolled up blankets, sheets, coats, or other bulky soft material on both sides of the head.
Secure roll in place with something heavy next to the roll
If the person shows no signs of breathing, perform chest compression only CPR
If the person is wearing a helmet, keep it on

If you must move the person because they are vomiting or choking on blood:

Ask a bystander to help. You will need at least two people to help.
One person holds the persons head and keeps it in the same position relative to the body as the second person, or persons, slowly rolls the person to their side.

Perform log roll only if the person is vomiting or choking on blood. Keep head aligned with spine at all times.

If you must move the person because of a physical hazard, such as a fire, try to move in the axis of the spine while supporting their head and neck.