After Serious Injury: Call 911, Don't Move Victem
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the article entitled "Stewart '96 in intensive care" in the April 18 issue of The Dartmouth, concerning the injury that Jonathon Stewart received last weekend after his apparent fall from the second floor of his fraternity. I am concerned about the way in which the situation was handled.
According to the article, after Stewart was found on the ground, some of his "brothers" brought him into the house at approximately 3 a.m., and "then debated whether or not Stewart needed immediate medical attention."
In the future, anyone sustaining a serious injury should not be moved since movement could lead to worsening of the injury, especially in individuals with neck and spinal cord damage. Instead "911" should be called immediately for ambulance help. In this type of accident, there should be no "debate" as to whether or not to call for medical help.
JOHN TURCO, M.D.
Director, College Health Service
