When you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, what should you avoid doing?

When you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, what should you avoid doing?

• A. Do not move the head or neck
• B. Move the person to a comfortable position
• C. Check for bleeding
• D. Wipe away sweat

Answer: (A)

When you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine. Even a small shift can worsen damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or other serious outcomes. The best action is to keep the person still, gently stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position along the spine, and call for emergency medical help. If danger requires moving the person, do so only with spinal precautions and keep the spine aligned. The other actions don’t address the main risk. Repositioning someone to be more comfortable can twist or bend the neck or back and worsen injury. Checking for bleeding is important, but you should do it without moving the head or neck. Wiping away sweat isn’t relevant to protecting the spine or ensuring safety.

When you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, the priority is to prevent any movement of the spine. Even a small shift can worsen damage to the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or other serious outcomes. The best action is to keep the person still, gently stabilize the head and neck in a neutral position along the spine, and call for emergency medical help. If danger requires moving the person, do so only with spinal precautions and keep the spine aligned.

The other actions don’t address the main risk. Repositioning someone to be more comfortable can twist or bend the neck or back and worsen injury. Checking for bleeding is important, but you should do it without moving the head or neck. Wiping away sweat isn’t relevant to protecting the spine or ensuring safety.