MCQ – 82798

In cervical spine injury, first to be done:

A.	Turn head
B.	Maintain airway
C.	Immobilization of spine
D.	None

Show Answer

Correct Answer » C Explanation

“Initial care at the accident scene may be critical to survival. The first steps are to establish an airway, maintain oxygenation and immobilize the cervical spine”.

First aid for spinal injury

Warning

• Take extreme care at all times to maintain alignment of the head, neck and spine.
• If the patient is unconscious as a result of a head injury, always suspect a spinal injury.

Signs and symptoms

A spinal injury should be suspected if the patient has:

• pain at or below site of injury
• loss of sensation, or abnormal sensation such as tingling in hands or feet
• loss of movement or impaired movement below site of injury.

Managing a spinal injury

Unconscious patient/s

1. Follow DRSABCD action plan. 
2. Place the unconscious patient in recovery position supporting neck and spine in a neutral position at all times to prevent twisting or bending movements.
3. Maintain a clear and open airway.
4. If the ambulance is delayed, apply a cervical collar, if trained to do so, to minimise neck movement.
5. Calm the patient and loosen tight clothing.
6. Do not move the patient unless in danger.
7. Support head, neck and spine in a neutral position at all times to prevent twisting or bending movements.
8. If the ambulance is delayed, apply a cervical collar, if trained to do so, to minimise neck movement.

Conscious patient

1. Calm the patient and loosen tight clothing.
2. Do not move the patient unless in danger.
3. Support head, neck and spine in a neutral position at all times to prevent twisting or bending movements.
4. If the ambulance is delayed, apply a cervical collar, if trained to do so, to minimise neck movement.