These cases increased rapidly during the summer: Warning: Do not perform "fishing jumps and high jumps" for show! There is a risk of life-threatening and permanent paralysis...
Unconscious "diving" into the sea, lake, or pool to cool off poses one of the greatest risks for spinal fractures, which can lead to paralysis. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ağırman also highlighted this danger, noting a significant increase in such cases during the summer months.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ağırman emphasized the serious risks of high-altitude dives, especially by young people, who often do so for show, saying, "When summer arrives, lakes, seas, and pools are popular places to cool off, but a moment of carelessness can completely change life. In environments where the ground or depth are unknown, diving headfirst can lead to spinal fractures, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis. It can even be life-threatening if the diaphragmatic nerve, which controls breathing, is also affected."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ağırman emphasized that the greatest danger of diving headfirst into unknown terrain is hitting your head on a hard surface, saying, "This can lead to cervical vertebrae fractures and spinal cord damage. Precautions are essential to prevent a preventable stroke . Those in large groups who emulate each other and jump from high places are at greater risk. A split-second decision could leave them in a wheelchair for the rest of their lives. Therefore, they should avoid jumping without knowing the terrain and depth."
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ağırman listed the steps to take in the event of a potential trauma: "If such a situation occurs, the priority is to safely remove the patient from the water and absolutely not move the neck area. If possible, the neck should be immobilized and emergency medical services should be sought. Unconscious interventions can further exacerbate the paralysis."
(İHA) This content was published by Sedef Karatay
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