Which action is appropriate when you suspect a spinal injury?

• A. Move the patient to a place to assess airway
• B. Keep the head and neck still and immobilize as needed
• C. Allow the patient to move the neck to relieve pain
• D. Remove helmet immediately

Answer: (B)

When spinal injury is suspected, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine. Keeping the head and neck still and immobilizing them as needed minimizes the risk of worsening a spinal cord injury from even small motions. This is why immediate in-line stabilization is used: manually stabilize the head in a neutral position and apply devices like a cervical collar and backboard to maintain alignment until further assessment or transport. If airway management is required, use techniques that preserve spinal alignment, such as a jaw-thrust rather than a head-tilt, and only move the patient as a whole if absolutely necessary for airway or CPR. Do not move the neck to relieve pain, and do not remove a helmet unless there is a clear, urgent airway issue or other lifesaving reason, because removing it can cause dangerous spine movement.