Which action is not appropriate when dealing with a potential spinal injury after a fall?

Which action is not appropriate when dealing with a potential spinal injury after a fall?

• A. Moving the victim by rolling them to assess injuries
• B. Stabilizing the head and neck and calling for help
• C. Keeping the body in a natural alignment
• D. Checking for responsiveness

Answer: (A)

When someone might have a spinal injury after a fall, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine. Rolling the victim to assess injuries would involve twisting or bending the neck and spine, which can worsen damage to the spinal cord. That’s why moving them in this way is not appropriate. The best approach is to stabilize the head and neck, keep the body as still as possible in alignment, and call for emergency help. While you wait, check for responsiveness and monitor breathing without moving the person. This careful immobilization protects the spine until professionals can take over.

When someone might have a spinal injury after a fall, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine. Rolling the victim to assess injuries would involve twisting or bending the neck and spine, which can worsen damage to the spinal cord. That’s why moving them in this way is not appropriate. The best approach is to stabilize the head and neck, keep the body as still as possible in alignment, and call for emergency help. While you wait, check for responsiveness and monitor breathing without moving the person. This careful immobilization protects the spine until professionals can take over.