What is the first action you should take for a person with suspected head, neck, or spinal injury?

• A. Have someone call EMS & get AED
• B. Restrict Movement of Head, Neck, and Spine
• C. Check Breathing and Pulse
• D. Move the Person to a More Comfortable Position

Answer: (B)

The first action is to prevent any movement of the head, neck, and spine. Why this matters: injuries to the head, neck, or spine can be worsened by even minor movement, and shifting the spine can cause spinal cord damage that leads to paralysis or other serious consequences. By keeping the person as still as possible and maintaining a straight alignment of the head, neck, and spine, you minimize the risk of secondary injury while you arrange for help and assess other needs.

In practice, you’d avoid twisting, bending, or lifting the person. If you must give care (for example, to check for breathing or to open the airway) or move them for safety, do so only with immobilization in mind—stabilize the head and neck in line with the spine and use proper techniques or backboard immobilization when available. Call emergency services promptly, and monitor breathing while maintaining spinal alignment.