| The best time to call
your doctor is immediately after the injury. If you cannot
determine whether an emergency department visit is needed
for your symptoms, then contact your doctor and ask for
advice. If your doctor is unavailable at the time of your
injury, then you should call 911 for transport to the emergency
department. The risks associated with a possible neck injury
are far too great to attempt to diagnose and treat yourself.
You should see a doctor and have your neck braced to keep
your head from moving during transport.
Depending on the severity of your car accident, emergency
medical personnel may take you to an emergency department
immediately. In this case, a cervical collar will be placed
around your neck, and your body will be strapped to a
long, firm board to prevent any movements until a doctor
sees you.
With less severe car accidents, sports injuries, or other
accidental injuries, emergency medical services may or
may not be involved in your prehospital care. You should
call 911 emergency medical services if you develop any
of the following symptoms shortly after your injury:
| • |
Neck pain |
| • |
Pain in either or both arms
|
| • |
Shoulder pain |
| • |
Headache |
| • |
Dizziness |
| • |
Weakness or loss of function
|
|
