Surf/diving injury

●Urgent

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

Treat all dive and big-wave head impacts as spinal injury until proven otherwise.

Support head and neck. Call 112. CPR if not breathing. Do not move spine.

Step 1: Get person out of water supporting head and neck if dive injury suspected
Step 2: Call 112 for head/neck injury or unconsciousness
Step 3: Check breathing — CPR if needed on stable surface
Step 4: Stop spinal movement — keep head aligned with body
Step 5: Apply pressure to bleeding wounds

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT sit the person up or bend neck to check breathing.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT dive into shallow water — "feet first, first time" in unknown depth.

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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume pain will pass — spinal injury symptoms can worsen with movement.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112. Say: "Water sports injury — possible spinal injury. Person at [beach/location]. Conscious [yes/no]."

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All significant head and neck impacts in water need emergency spinal evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Delayed paralysis can occur if spine is moved after injury.

Know your limits: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stabilize spine during removal from water. Do not remove wetsuit unless needed for CPR.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.

When you are safe, you can read more about this emergency.

This content is in Draft and has not been professionally reviewed. Use alongside calling emergency services.

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