Question

You are caring for a 10-year-old child who was an unrestrained passenger in a vehicle that was struck from the rear. The child complains of neck pain. Which of the following should be done first?

Answer 1

When a child complains of neck pain after a car accident, the first response is to immobilize the neck to prevent further injury and call emergency services. Movement should be minimized to avoid the risk of serious complications like paralysis. Stabilizing the neck and providing non-intrusive first aid are the immediate priorities.

Step-by-step explanation:

Initial Care for a Child with Neck Pain After an Accident

In the scenario where a child complains of neck pain after being an unrestrained passenger in a rear-impacted vehicle, the first step in providing care is to ensure that the child's neck is immobilized. This is crucial because the anterior longitudinal ligament in the neck could have been stretched or torn during the impact, leading to a type of injury known as whiplash. Whiplash injuries can be severe and result in long-term complications.

According to emergency protocols, the following actions should be taken:

1. Do not move the injured person to prevent the risk of permanent paralysis or other serious complications.
2. Call 911 or the local emergency medical assistance number immediately.
3. Keep the person very still; stabilize the head and neck using heavy towels or your hands to prevent any movement.
4. Provide basic first aid if necessary, such as stopping any bleeding, without moving the head or neck.

In incidents like these, where different outcomes are possible, ensuring that the child receives medical attention without delay is of the utmost importance. Always remember, when it comes to the spine, it's better to be overly cautious as spinal injuries can be life-altering, as was sadly the case with Christopher Reeve who suffered from paralysis due to a spinal injury.