Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: roxanne on 11/07/2004 17:43:36

Title: spinal injury
Post by: roxanne on 11/07/2004 17:43:36

I am in a remote area.  My partner has suffered 5 ruptured discs L1 and down.  There was a pocket of spinal fluid under the skin in an oval with some parts being gel like.  This morning, 5 days later, he has suffered spinal compression, probable fracture.  I am not a doctor and I have no equipment.  In order to transport him on rough terrain what can I use to maintain the integrity of his spinal column?

Title: Re: spinal injury
Post by: tweener on 11/07/2004 18:00:57

I'm no expert, but I would suggest calling a rescue team and NOT trying to do this yourself.  He needs to have expert care and be airlifted to a good hospital.  They CAN reach remote areas.

----
John - The Eternal Pessimist.

Title: Re: spinal injury
Post by: bezoar on 11/07/2004 19:01:57

Even if you maintain the alignment of the spine, the bumpy trip on the rough terrain would be excruciating for him.  You could try to splint him with some firm supports and bind him to them, but he won't get any pain relief from this. You basically want to prevent the affected area from bending, twisting, lateral movement -- in essence, all movement until he can get help.  I'm with John.  Call for a rescue team.

Title: Re: spinal injury
Post by: neilep on 11/07/2004 20:51:20

Roxanne.....I'm also NOT a doctor but quite agree with John and Nancy....but why did you not get help 5 days ago when the injury happenned ?.....still...I wish your partner better.......airlifting sounds like a must.

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !' (https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.world-of-smilies.de%2Fhtml%2Fimages%2Fsmilies%2FSchilder2%2Finsanes.gif&hash=4f18432872d0188852a6f4a3170ec758)