How should a patient with suspected spinal injury be transported to maintain spinal precautions?

• A. With flexion and rotation to ease movement.
• B. Rigid immobilization with a cervical collar and log-roll technique keeping alignment; avoid flexion or rotation.
• C. Without immobilization to improve airway access.
• D. Suspended in standing transport to minimize movement.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is to move the patient without allowing any movement of the spine, to protect the spinal cord from further injury during transport. This is done with rigid immobilization of the entire spine: a cervical collar to stabilize the neck, and a backboard or immobilization device to keep the head, neck, and torso in a straight, neutral alignment. A log-roll technique is used to shift the patient as a unit, preserving alignment and avoiding flexion, extension, or rotation of the spine. Any bending or twisting during transfer can worsen injury and neurological outcome, so movement must be minimized and controlled. If airway management is needed, it should be performed with ongoing immobilization and in-line stabilization to maintain spinal alignment. Transporting the patient in a standing or suspended position is unsafe because it allows significant motion of the spine and increases the risk of further injury.