If you are trained to stabilize a head and neck in a suspected spinal injury, what should you do?

• A. Move the head and neck to check alignment
• B. Stabilize the head and neck and keep the person still
• C. Allow the person to stand up and walk
• D. Remove helmet if present

Answer: (B)

Stabilizing the head and neck to minimize movement is essential when a spinal injury is suspected. Any movement of the head, neck, or body can shift the spine and worsen injury to the spinal cord or nerves. The best course is to keep the person still and maintain inline stabilization until proper immobilization devices are applied or EMS arrives. If you’re trained, place your hands on the sides of the head to hold it steady, keep the head in line with the spine, and prevent rotation or bending.

As you respond, you can assess breathing and airway without moving the person. Movement to check alignment, letting the person stand, or removing any helmet can increase risk by allowing more movement or destabilizing the spine, so those steps are not appropriate in this situation.