Question

If a person has a spinal injury in the water, what is the exact physical technique used to keep their neck and back from moving while you swim them to safety?

Accepted Answer

To save someone with a spinal injury in the water, you must use a technique called the vice grip. This keeps their head, neck, and back in a straight, steady line so the injury does not get worse. First, reach into the water and place your hands on both sides of the person’s head, right over their ears. Squeeze your hands together firmly against their head. This locks their head between your arms. Now, use your forearms to support their shoulders and upper back. Think of it like holding a heavy tray that must stay perfectly level to keep the contents from spilling. Keep your own arms straight and close to your body for strength. As you swim, use a slow breaststroke or flutter kick. Keep the person floating on their back with their face out of the water. Move very slowly to prevent any rocking or bobbing. Your goal is to move them to safety as if they were a fragile glass statue that you cannot let wobble or twist.

If a person has a spinal injury in the water, what is the exact physical technique used to keep their neck and back from moving while you swim them to safety?

To save someone with a spinal injury in the water, you must use a technique called the vice grip. This keeps their head, neck, and back in a straight, steady line so the injury does not get worse. First, reach into the water and place your hands on both sides of the person’s he....

Community Answers

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If a person has a spinal injury in the water, what is the exact physical technique used to keep their neck and back from moving while you swim them to safety?

To save someone with a spinal injury in the water, you must use a technique called the vice grip. This keeps their head, neck, and back in a straight, steady line so the injury does not get worse. First, reach into the water and place your hands on both sides of the person’s he....

Community Answers