How should you decide whether to move a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

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Multiple Choice

How should you decide whether to move a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine to avoid pushing the injury further and risking damage to the spinal cord. The best approach is to keep the person still and minimize movement, moving them only if absolutely necessary for safety (such as if they’re in immediate danger like a fire). If you must move them, do so very gently and only to protect them from harm, while keeping the head, neck, and spine in a straight line. Call EMS right away so trained responders can immobilize the spine and transport safely. If you can, stabilize the head and neck in the position found and avoid twisting or bending the spine; do not attempt to realign or straighten them. Moving the person to a more comfortable position could worsen the injury by changing the alignment of the spine. Moving immediately to assess injuries can cause further harm because it may involve twisting or bending the spine. Never calling EMS leaves the injured person without professional immobilization and timely transport, which is essential for spinal injuries.

When a spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine to avoid pushing the injury further and risking damage to the spinal cord. The best approach is to keep the person still and minimize movement, moving them only if absolutely necessary for safety (such as if they’re in immediate danger like a fire). If you must move them, do so very gently and only to protect them from harm, while keeping the head, neck, and spine in a straight line. Call EMS right away so trained responders can immobilize the spine and transport safely. If you can, stabilize the head and neck in the position found and avoid twisting or bending the spine; do not attempt to realign or straighten them.

Moving the person to a more comfortable position could worsen the injury by changing the alignment of the spine. Moving immediately to assess injuries can cause further harm because it may involve twisting or bending the spine. Never calling EMS leaves the injured person without professional immobilization and timely transport, which is essential for spinal injuries.

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