What is the best practice for managing a patient with a suspected spinal injury?

The best practice for managing a patient with a suspected spinal injury is to stabilize the head and neck in the position found. This approach is critical because moving a patient who may have a spinal injury can lead to further damage to the spinal cord or vertebrae, potentially resulting in paralysis or other serious complications.

When a spinal injury is suspected, immediate movement is not advisable unless there is a life-threatening situation, such as an unsafe environment. By maintaining the head and neck in the position they are found, the responder minimizes the risk of exacerbating any potential injury. This stabilization can be achieved with manual support until emergency medical services (EMS) arrives to implement further interventions such as spinal immobilization.

Maintaining the patient's spinal alignment helps protect the integrity of the vertebral column and surrounding tissues, allowing for continued assessment and management without causing harm. It is essential for EMRs to follow protocols for suspected spinal injuries to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient until they can receive specialized care.