Condition |
Symptoms |
Treatment priorities ( aerial |
|
|
casualty ) |
Spinal injury
Airway Obstruction
Consider mechanism of injury – fall from height , impact from object .
Pain in neck or back .
Partial or complete loss of movement in any body part .
Altered or loss of sensation – numbness , pins and needles .
Difficulty breathing .
May be caused by : direct impact to throat , choking , allergic reaction , infection .
Airway visibly obstructed with foreign matter or vomit .
Noisy breathing , snoring , or unable to breath , attempting to breath , or unconscious .
Assess DRSABC . Call Ambulance Service .
Reassure casualty and encourage them to keep still .
Minimise any movement of the head / neck / spine .
If immediate rescue is required , attempt to minimise movement and provide head support . Select evacuation routes that will minimise casualty impacts or dynamic movement .
If no other injuries or hazards exist , consider keeping aerial casualty immobile in tree and seeking specialist advice or assistance ( e . g . spine board , brace etc as directed by paramedics ).
Assess DRSABC .
Remove airway obstructions if possible using finger sweep technique or turning patient on their side .
Call Ambulance Service .
Rescue to ground as quickly as possible .
Place in recovery position if breathing resumes .
Commence CPR if not breathing .
Breathing Distress May be caused by injuries to chest , neck or face , choking , anaphylaxis , allergic reactions , asthma , infection , heart disorders , poisons , envenomation , high spinal injury .
Laboured breathing or shortness of breath .
Abnormal chest movement . Inability to speak full sentences . Unconscious .
Assess DRSABC .
Check for airway obstructions and remove .
Call Ambulance Service .
Rescue to ground as soon as possible .
Consider asthma – follow their asthma management plan if known .
Consider anaphylaxis – follow anaphylaxis management plan if known .
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