In late 2014, The NSW Motor Accidents Authority updated their third edition of the “Guidelines for the Management of Acute Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) for Health Professionals 2014”. Although the guidelines are targeted towards Health Professionals, it is also a useful tool for other people (such as employers) whom have to manage the rehabilitation of people whom have suffered a WAD.

People suffering from WAD are often classified under the Quebec Task Force Classification of Grades of WAD. People with a WAD Grade 0 have no complaint about the neck and no physical signs. Whereas, people classified with WAD Grade 5 have a neck complaint and fracture or dislocation. The guidelines focus on WAD grades I, II, & III and help guide treatment moreso in the first 12 weeks post accident.

The benefit of reviewing these guidelines for non-health professionals would include understanding the recommended treatment regime for such injured people as well as aiding in discussions with GPs and treating health professionals, especially when discussing active treatment plans and prognosis for return to pre-accident function. Not only does the guidelines provide information on how to treat WAD in the first 12 months post injury but it also outlines treatments that are either not recommended, not routinely recommended or treatments with no evidence for or against their use. A full copy of the guidelines can be found on the NSW Motor Accidents Authority website.