How should you respond to a suspected spinal injury in the field?

How should you respond to a suspected spinal injury in the field?

• A. Minimize movement, keep the person still, and call EMS; stabilize the head and neck if trained
• B. Move the person to a comfortable position
• C. Apply gentle neck massage
• D. Let them walk it off

Answer: (A)

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine and get professional help as quickly as possible. Movement can cause the vertebrae to press on or damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or other serious outcomes. So, keep the person as still as possible and minimize handling. If you’re trained, stabilize the head and neck to keep the spine aligned. This means holding the head and neck in the position found, with the spine in a straight line, avoiding any twisting, bending, or tilting. If available, apply a cervical collar and use immobilization devices or a backboard to maintain that alignment during transport. Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and responsiveness. Always call EMS for rapid transport. Do not move the person to a more comfortable position, do not massage the neck, and do not let them try to walk it off. Only move someone with spinal precautions if they are in immediate danger and you must move them to safety or to provide essential care.

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine and get professional help as quickly as possible. Movement can cause the vertebrae to press on or damage the spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis or other serious outcomes. So, keep the person as still as possible and minimize handling.

If you’re trained, stabilize the head and neck to keep the spine aligned. This means holding the head and neck in the position found, with the spine in a straight line, avoiding any twisting, bending, or tilting. If available, apply a cervical collar and use immobilization devices or a backboard to maintain that alignment during transport. Stay with the person and continue to monitor their breathing and responsiveness.

Always call EMS for rapid transport. Do not move the person to a more comfortable position, do not massage the neck, and do not let them try to walk it off. Only move someone with spinal precautions if they are in immediate danger and you must move them to safety or to provide essential care.