Neck and Spinal Trauma

Trauma involving the neck and spine may occur following blunt and penetrating mechanisms. The neck and cervical spine are assessed during the primary survey to identify any life-threatening injury, identify patients in whom airway control is required and provide spinal precautions when indicated. Specific examination features include the use of the TWELVE-C assessment and consideration of investigations to delineate the injury- including plain Xray, CT scans, Ultrasound or MRI, as well as nasal fiberoptic examinations.

Training resource kits

Each kit is a collection of tools and resources to guide the effective delivery of a trauma education event. The kits are designed for use in any Queensland Health facility and can be modified by the facilitator to the needs of the learner, as well as the environment in which the education is being delivered.

Immersive scenario

Cervical spine trauma

This resource kit provides the learner with the skills and knowledge to manage a patient with a suspected spinal cord injury.

Duration: 45 minutes, including debrief

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians

Procedural skill

Neck assessment

This skills session is to assess participants in assessment for neck injury following trauma utilising structured clinical format.

Duration: 15 minutes

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians

Case discussion

Cervical spine trauma

This resource kit provides the learner with knowledge and skills in the clinical assessment of a patient with a possible cervical spine injury following trauma.

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Target Audience: Emergency department medical and nursing clinicians

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Other resources

Other resources and tools on the topic of neck and spinal trauma.

Clinical assessment tools

Clinical resources

Flowcharts

Patient information guides

Videos

Last updated: November 21, 2024