Moderate

A patient has a suspected spinal injury after a road traffic collision but is breathing normally. What should the first aider do while waiting for emergency transport?

Correct answer: B. Keep the head and neck still and avoid unnecessary movement

  • A. Ask the patient to stand so the spine can be checked
  • B. Keep the head and neck still and avoid unnecessary movement
  • C. Twist the neck gently to test the patient’s range of motion
  • D. Place a pillow under the neck and turn the patient onto the side

Explanation

Possible spinal injury requires manual stabilisation of the head and neck and avoidance of unnecessary movement. Testing movement or repositioning the patient can worsen spinal cord damage unless movement is needed to protect the airway.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About First Aid and Basic Life Support

First aid covers scene safety, primary survey, bleeding control, shock, burns, fractures, choking, poisoning and emergency transport. Basic life support includes recognition of cardiac arrest, activation of emergency help, chest compressions, rescue breaths, automated external defibrillator use and the difference between adult, child and infant procedures.

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