What is the priority for a patient with suspected spinal injury during rescue?

• A. Immobilize the spine only; transport as soon as possible.
• B. Immobilize the spine, maintain airway, breathing, circulation, and prepare for transport.
• C. Proceed with rapid movement to move patient to vehicle.
• D. Mobilize the patient without immobilization and reassess later.

Answer: (B)

Protecting the spine while ensuring life-sustaining functions is the priority when a spinal injury is suspected. Any movement of the spine can worsen injury or damage the spinal cord, so immobilization is started immediately and kept throughout transport. At the same time, the team must assess and support airway, breathing, and circulation to prevent hypoxia, shock, or other emergencies, and organize rapid transport to a facility capable of definitive spinal care. Immobilization is typically done with a cervical collar and a rigid spine board or other devices, while manual stabilization is maintained until full immobilization is secured. After ensuring the airway and breathing are adequate and circulation is stable, you prepare for transfer with continuous spinal precautions and monitoring.

The other options fall short because they either neglect the need to protect airway, breathing, and circulation alongside immobilization, or advocate moving without immobilization, which risks causing further spinal injury and delays proper care.