Wandering athletes with neck pain or pins and needles in the arms

It is occasionally possible for a player to sustain a serious neck injury during a match and then get up and walk around. They may be able to approach the touchline or present afterwards to complain of neck pain or electric shocks in the arms or legs.

It is impossible to tell major or minor injuries apart in this setting. Treat the casualty as if they have a serious injury with spinal cord compression. Move them very cautiously and as little as possible. Carefully sit them down and support their head and neck through MILS. Perform a ABCDE assessment and ensure more experienced medical assistance is called.