Levels of public awareness regarding cervical spine injury and the suitable first aid response among adults in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the level of public awareness regarding cervical spine injuries among adult residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2020. It involved structured questionnaires, collecting information on participant socio-demographic characteristics, first responder training status, and the awareness of cervical spine trauma and suitable first aid response. Results: A total of 4914 respondents (age, 31.6 ± 11.8 years) completed the survey. Most participants (75.2%) reported road traffic accidents as a risk factor for cervical spine injury. Moreover, 79.4% of the participants reported that cervical spine injury may be accompanied by damage to the spinal cord. Motor and sensory disability, and trouble breathing were recognized as complications associated with cervical spine injuries by 52.1%, 39%, and 28.8% of the participants, respectively. Fewer than one in 3 participants was aware of cervical spine trauma or the suitable first aid response. Conclusion: Public awareness regarding cervical spine trauma is poor among the KSA residents, although most study participants were aware trauma victims should be immobilized at the site of the accident until the arrival of an emergency response team.