How to Immobilize a Teammate With a Severe Back Injury

If a teammate is hurt while playing sports, your quick action may be necessary to avoid a severe or life-threatening back injury. Immobilize your teammate if a severe back injury is suspected using these tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Backboard or long flat wooden board
• Tape or tie
• Sandbags, pillows or bulky clothing

1. Prevent the injured teammate from moving. Moving a teammate with a severe back injury can lead to paralysis or even death.
2. If the teammate is not already lying on his back, carefully turn him or her on his back while holding his head, neck and spine in alignment. This is easier to do with 3 or 4 people--one holding the head in alignment with the neck and back, and the rest carefully rolling the body.
3. If available, roll the teammate onto a backboard or long wooden board (like a door or piece of thick plywood). This will make it easier to keep his or her back straight and immobilized.
4. Put sandbags, rolled up pillows or other soft, bulky objects on either side of the teammate's head. Secure these objects to the board with tape or other tie-down device. This will help immobilize his or her head and prevent further injury.
5. If you need to move the teammate while he or she is on the board, secure the rest of his or her body on the board first with tape or by tying it down.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not move a teammate with a severe back injury unless you absolutely have to for safety reasons.
• Jerking or moving an injured teammate's head, neck or back when you suspect a severe back injury can cause paralysis or even death.