Spinal Cord Injuries

Winter snow and ice increase the risk of spinal cord injuries. The most common causes of spinal cord injuries are motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Auto and motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for more than 40 percent of new spinal cord injuries each year. Other causes of spinal cord injuries are acts of violence, falls and sport or recreational trauma.  According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, as many as 15 percent of spinal cord injuries result from violent encounters, often involving gunshot and knife wounds.  In the elderly population, spinal cord injury is most often caused by a fall. Overall, falls cause about one-quarter of spinal cord injuries. Athletic activities, such as impact sports and diving water, cause about 8 percent of spinal cord injuries.

The Indianapolis /Marion County EMS protocols for treating spinal cord trauma include spinal immobilization of the neck and back. The Indianapolis Fire Department uses both long boards and short boards along with cervical collars. The use of the KED is recommended when extrication from an automobile is needed.

Anytime a spinal injury is suspected you should contact your local EMS or Fire Department. Never let the victim move and always try to keep the neck and spine in a straight line with gentle immobilization.

Tom Hastings of The Hastings Law Firm in Indianapolis has successfully tried many spinal cord injury cases for clients and is considered very knowledgeable in the field.