What is the correct approach to moving a person with a suspected spinal injury?

What is the correct approach to moving a person with a suspected spinal injury?

• A. Roll the person quickly by yourself while keeping the spine aligned.
• B. Using a skateboard-type carry.
• C. Carry the person by the arms without stabilizing.
• D. Coordinate with rescuers, roll the person as a unit while keeping the head and spine aligned, using one person at the head to stabilize.

Answer: (D)

When a spinal injury is suspected, movement should be minimized and the spine kept in a straight, neutral position throughout. The best approach is to work with rescuers, moving the person as one unit while maintaining alignment of the head, neck, and spine. A trained team member at the head stabilizes the head and neck to prevent any rotation or bending, then everyone rolls the person together in unison so the spine stays in a single straight line. If available, transfer onto a backboard or stretcher while continuing to support the head and neck and maintaining alignment, coordinating the motions with clear communication. This approach protects the spinal cord from further injury by avoiding twisting, bending, or separating the head from the torso. Moving quickly by yourself can lead to uncontrolled movement; carrying by the arms without stabilizing allows the spine to bend or twist; a skateboard-type carry generally does not provide proper immobilization or head stabilization, increasing risk of harm.

When a spinal injury is suspected, movement should be minimized and the spine kept in a straight, neutral position throughout. The best approach is to work with rescuers, moving the person as one unit while maintaining alignment of the head, neck, and spine. A trained team member at the head stabilizes the head and neck to prevent any rotation or bending, then everyone rolls the person together in unison so the spine stays in a single straight line. If available, transfer onto a backboard or stretcher while continuing to support the head and neck and maintaining alignment, coordinating the motions with clear communication.

This approach protects the spinal cord from further injury by avoiding twisting, bending, or separating the head from the torso. Moving quickly by yourself can lead to uncontrolled movement; carrying by the arms without stabilizing allows the spine to bend or twist; a skateboard-type carry generally does not provide proper immobilization or head stabilization, increasing risk of harm.