Emergency

Spinal Injury

If you suspect a neck or back injury, keep the person still, support their head, and call 999 — do not move them unless they are in danger.

When to call 999. Call 999 for any suspected spinal injury — for example after a fall from height, a road accident, diving into shallow water, or a heavy blow — especially with neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Tell the person to keep completely still and reassure them that help is coming.
  2. Call 999.
  3. Kneel behind or beside the head and steady it with both hands, keeping the head, neck and spine in a straight line — do not pull or twist.
  4. Keep supporting the head until the ambulance crew take over, even if the person seems fine.
  5. If they vomit or you must keep the airway open, use the "log-roll" technique with help to turn them as one unit, keeping the spine aligned.
  6. Keep them warm and monitor their breathing.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not move the person or let them get up, do not bend or twist the neck or back, and do not remove a motorcycle or sports helmet unless it is essential to open the airway and you know how. Only move them if there is immediate danger such as fire.

Afterwards and while you wait

Keep supporting the head and keep the person still and warm until paramedics arrive. If they become unresponsive, keeping the airway open takes priority — try to open it with a jaw thrust or careful head tilt while keeping the neck as still as possible, and be ready to start CPR.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Spinal Injury: frequently asked questions

When should I suspect a spinal injury?

Suspect it after significant trauma — falls from height, road accidents, diving accidents or heavy blows — particularly with neck or back pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Should I move someone with a suspected spinal injury?

No, unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them still, support the head to keep the spine aligned, and wait for paramedics, as unnecessary movement can cause lasting harm.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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