Any athlete suspected of having a spinal injury should not be
moved and should be managed as though a spinal injury exists.
The athlete’s airway, breathing and circulation,
neurological status and level of consciousness should be assessed.
The athlete should not be moved unless absolutely essential
to maintain airway, breathing and circulation.
If the athlete must be moved to maintain airway, breathing
and circulation, the athlete should be placed in a supine position while
maintaining cervical immobilization.
When moving a suspected spine injured athlete, the head and
trunk should be moved as a unit. One accepted technique is to manually splint
the head to the trunk.
Continue to Equipment guidelines
General Guidelines
