Neck injury during school gymnastics - What should I do?

My child is 9 years old and Monday of this week did a somersault in gym class during their "gymnastics" deal. They heard a "pop" or "snap" and she went completely out. Passed out cold. AFter a bit, her eyes starting fluttering wildly. Then she sat up. (She later said that at this point, she thought she had fallen asleep in gym and was in trouble). Then she remembered the immense pain and what happened. The PE teachers let her stand up and had another student WALK her to the nurse. Her Blood Pressure was 150/104 (HIGH!). I took her to the ER and they were livid that she wasn't stablilized and brought in an EMS. The ER/hospital wanted to call superintendent and everyone else - I told them I would handle it because they were "friends". I can't imagine letting a child with a neck injury and who passed out walk to the nurse with a buddy. Does anyone have anything to offer on this? I'm trying to educate them that they SHOULD NOT HAVE MOVED HER or allowed her to sit up.

She is in a neck immobilizer and has an appointment with a pedi neurosurgeon soon. There is some laxitivity but nothing life threatening. She is ok. She's upset because the brace is very uncomfy but she is getting LOADS of help from her teachers/fellow students. They are falling over themselves trying to help her (it's kind of cute). I have a meeting with the principal Monday. She was NOT happy and she was not happy on how it was handled later (hint: I'm the PTA President. During a Board Meeting Tuesday night, I asked her for a meeting regarding my child's accident. She replied "What are you talking about?" You could tell she did NOT like being out of the loop. I'm not a litigious person and I'm not out to make a quick dollar. I just want the next child to be dealt with correctly so perhaps a death or horrible life-altering event can be prevented.

I would have been angry too. To allow a child (or anyone) with a neck injury to get up and walk around was risking her life and mobility. She should have been immediately put into c-spine immobilization. The loss of consciousness and altered mental status that your daughter experienced are signs of a head and neck injury.

You are within your rights to contact a lawyer. I certainly would. I would talk to a lawyer before contacting the school board. Make sure you have all documentation from the ER. The teachers put your daughter's life in danger. They acted very irresponsibly.

With any type of neck injury, the person should have their neck stabilized by someone (using their hands to keep the person's head and neck straight). The person should not be allowed to move AT ALL, let alone sit up, stand or walk. 911 should be called immediately. A cervical collar and long spine board would be used to protect the neck and spine.

It sounds like some people need a refresher in first aid. How could they be so stupid??

How is your daughter? What did the doctors in the ER say?

If that was my child, I would raise so much hell in the media,and anyone that would listen to what had happened ,some asses would be kicked and fired ,and "policies" would be changed and implemented to protect these kids from these idiots out there who think everything will be OK,as long as they don't make it a big deal and cause disruption and bad press for the local school etc.That school nurse and Phys Ed coach needs to be reported to the State.Don't back down,this is sooooo wrong ! Good luck. SW FNP

You should let her sit up or lie down with an ice pack on the place that it hurts then smack her but with a cinder block!!